Secondary Education Certification: English (7-12)
Become an English Teacher
A strong grasp of the English language allows students to express themselves in writing, comprehend written material, and speak articulately and confidently—skills that are essential to academic success at school as well as personal growth throughout their lives.
If you’re passionate about instilling a love of language and learning in the next generation, then becoming an English teacher can be a rewarding career. To achieve this, you may pursue a major in English and complete a predetermined selection of Education courses that will prepare you for English teaching certification for grades 7-12. Students must also fulfill all testing and GPA requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Your major advisor and the Director of Education, who serves as a second advisor, will ensure that all required coursework is completed prior to student teaching.
Upon completion of the program, you’ll have in-depth knowledge of literature, reading, and writing, and the classroom-management expertise you’ll need to effectively teach—and inspire—your students.
Why Study English Education at Rosemont?
Our Education program has a 100% job placement rate: We give credit to our outstanding, committed faculty, who are all seasoned practitioners at local schools. They are genuinely invested in each student’s success, providing firsthand insight on how to not just land a job, but thrive as an educator at schools of all types. The Education department also offers networking opportunities, help with resume writing, and engagement in mock interviews with teachers and administrators who work at area schools.
Immerse yourself in the area’s vibrant literary culture: Our location in suburban Philadelphia is a fantastic resource for hands-on learning and professional development. With renowned museums and libraries, independent presses and publishing houses, and many magazines and newspapers, there are ample opportunities to explore the works of upcoming and legendary writers and discover where your own creativity can take you.
Thrive in a close-knit, supportive setting: Rosemont’s intentionally small class size allows our students to make deep connections to their peers and professors, helping you find your unique voice and expanding your worldview. Our intimate academic environment means that you’ll be an active participant in your learning: contributing to discussions, engaging with different viewpoints, and thinking critically about your own.
Degree Requirements for a BA in English + Secondary Certification in English
General Education Requirements (57-58 credits)
In addition to meeting the course requirements for the Biology major and education certification, all students must also fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. Student may apply 9 credits from their major toward these requirements.
Education Requirements (34.5 credits)
The following courses are required for certification at the Grade 7-12 span level in the Undergraduate College. The course requirements detailed below have been developed so that they meet the certification standards which the Pennsylvania Department of Education has promulgated. Students will be eligible for certification upon completion of this program and the fulfillment of the testing and GPA requirements stipulated by PDE.
| Development, Cognition, and Learning (6 credits) | Credits |
| EDU 0201: Observation and Analysis of Teaching and Learning in the Contemporary Classroom | 3 |
| PSY 0200: Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| Subject Matter Pedagogy Content (7.5 credits) | Credits |
| EDU 0200: Development of Education in the U.S. | 3 |
| EDU 0361: Methods Clinic: Secondary English | 3 |
| EDU 0427: Technology in the Curriculum | 1.5 |
| Assessment (6 credits) | Credits |
| EDU 0385: Educational Assessment and Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 0330: Adolescent Psychology OR PSY 0361: Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Family and Community Collaborative Partnerships (3 credits) | Credits |
| EDU 0230: The School, the Family and the Community | 3 |
| fProfessionalism (3 credits) | Credits |
| EDU 0350: Principles and Practices of Secondary Education | 3 |
| Additional Requirements (9 credits) | Credits |
| EDU 0280: Fundamentals of Special Education | 3 |
| EDU 0355: Principles and Practices of Working with English Language Learners | 3 |
| EDU 0380: Working with Disabled and Gifted Students in an Inclusion Program | 3 |
\Other Requirements
Students wishing to be certified in the Grades 7-12 span must also meet the requirements for formal entry into the Teacher Certification Program as detailed earlier in this section. Additionally, 12 credits (14 weeks) of student teaching are mandated.
English Requirements
| Required Courses (21 credits) | Credits |
| ENG 0204: Survey of British Literature Medieval to 1798 | 3 |
| ENG 0205: Survey of British Literature 1798 to 1920 | 3 |
| ENG 0222: Major American Writers to 1890 or ENG 0223: Major American Writers 1890-1940 | 3 |
| ENG 0302: Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENG 0370: Critical Approaches to Literature and Culture | 3 |
| ENG 0412: Seminar: Special Topics in Literature | 3 |
| ENG 0420: Internship or ENC-0305 Publication* | 3 |
English Elective Courses (18 credits)
At least two electives must be above the 200- level. With the advisor’s approval, students may also take a course in creative writing as an elective. In addition to these course requirements, Senior English majors must successfully complete the senior comprehensive requirements.
Required Supporting Courses (3 credits)
Students may choose to take WRT 0240 Business Writing OR a Communication writing course chosen with the student’s advisor OR a Writing-Intensive Communication course.
Recommended Supporting Courses
Students will meet with their advisors, spring semester of their junior year, to discuss complementary or supporting courses the student will need to take to support their senior comprehensive requirements.