English Teacher Requirements: Education and Job Training Requirements for Becoming an English Teacher
English Teachers focus on instructing students at the middle and high school level in the area of literature and language arts. English Teachers must complete a teacher-training program and obtain a state teaching license. Read on to find out more about the education and job training requirements for becoming an English Teacher.
English Teacher Education and Job Training Requirements
English Teacher Career Summary
English Teachers usually instruct students at the middle and high school level where students begin to explore individual subjects in greater depth. English Teachers prepare lesson plans, instruct and evaluate students in reading, writing, literature, speaking, visual literacy and listening skills. In addition to instruction, English Teachers keep attendance records, maintain classroom discipline, grade assignment and communicate with parents.
Education Required to Become an English Teacher
Students usually obtain a bachelor's degree to prepare for a career as an English Teacher. Some schools offer education degrees with a concentration in English or the language arts. Students might also complete an English degree after a teacher-training program. Most states require students to complete a program that has been accredited by an agency, such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, www.ncate.org, or the Teacher Education Accreditation Council, www.teac.org. Students take courses in curriculum development, educational psychology, student evaluation, teaching techniques, grammar, American literature, linguistics and composition.
Job Training and Certifications Required to Become an English Teacher
As a requirement for state licensing, English Teachers usually need to complete a student teaching or residency program during their training. Almost all states require some form of licensing, although requirements vary. In addition to the student teaching, states may require a bachelor's degree and passing a competency exam. Some states offer alternate licensing programs for individuals with degrees in other areas who wish to enter the teaching profession. Optional professional certification is offered by organizations, such as the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), www.nbpts.org. NBPTS offers two certificate options in the area of English language arts.
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Saint John's University
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