Bachelor of Arts in English Education, Grades 6-12
Department
Department of English
College
College of Education
Overview of the program
Awarded through the College of Education, the degree in English Education is carefully monitored by advisors in the Department of English to assure that English education students choose courses essential to prepare them to be knowledgeable and effective educators. For a primary teaching area in English, the Department requires 40 semester hours, including those courses listed in the 2005-2006 General Catalogue. English education majors may also opt for an Honors Diploma in English Education by fulfilling the requirements listed in the Honors sections of the appropriate catalogue.
In addition, education majors from other disciplines may choose English Education as their secondary teaching area; those who do so must complete 25 semester hours, including English 101 and 102.
Upon completion of the degree, students will be certified to
teach English/Language Arts in secondary schools (grades 6-12).
Strengths of the program
English education majors receive a balanced education in both English and education. They gain content area background in English, including survey courses in world, British, and American literature, as well as courses in grammar and linguistics. In addition, they receive training in the methodology of teaching through their education and educational psychology courses, and in three hands-on courses in the Department of English. Through these three courses, candidates fulfill at least 50 of their state-recommended 180 direct teaching hours and are well prepared for the Praxis exams in English Content Knowledge and Pedagogy.
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in teaching should:
- Learn to think and read critically
- Develop and practice organizational skills
- Develop classroom management skills
- Develop good communication, interpersonal, and decision making skills
- Gain experience through direct teaching opportunities
- Work well in collaborative situations
Careers in the program
- Teaching in secondary schools (grades 6-12)
- Tutoring in learning centers
- Working with at-risk students in a variety of situations
- Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) students
Starting Salaries after completing the program (estimates only)
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual earnings of secondary school teachers ranged from $39,810 to $44,340 in 2002; the lowest 10 percent earned $24,960 to $29,850; the top 10 percent earned $62,890 to $68,530. Variations in salary depend on location, highest degree earned, and public vs. private school employment.
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education
- Xi Ro Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society
- English Club, SLU campus organization
Related fields that might interest you
- University professor
- School administrator
Note: Both of these fields require a graduate degree in English or Administration/Curriculum and Instruction, respectively.
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for English education majors include:
- An interest in helping others
- Confidence in speaking before groups
- A concern for adolescents/young adults
- An ability to work well with others
- An aptitude for planning and organization
- Facility with the English language, including an enjoyment for reading and writing
- Patience and flexibility
Notable Alumni
Many of the teachers and school administrators in southeast Louisiana are graduates of Southeastern's degree program.
Contact Information
Department of English
College of Education
SLU 10861
Hammond, LA 70402
On Campus: D Vickers Hall, Room 222
Telephone:985-549-2100
Fax: 985-549-5021
E-mail:
cmitchell@selu.edu
Advisor: 985-549-5785
