English Teacher Education

English teachers work with students of various levels to teach them about literature, poetry, grammar and writing. This field isn't for everyone, so continue reading to learn what it entails to determine if it matches your career aspirations.

Inside English Teacher Education

English teachers instruct middle, secondary and postsecondary students. Participants in an English teacher education program typically study humanities, American and British literature, grammar, writing and public speaking. Some classes focus on specific writers, such as Shakespeare, while others focus on different literary periods, such as Romanticism or the Renaissance.

Education Information

Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs are available for aspiring English teachers, and concentrations may be in English or English education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), aspiring middle and high school English teachers must have a bachelor's degree in English or education and a teaching license (www.bls.gov). To teach at the postsecondary level full-time, a doctorate degree in English is usually required, but 2-year colleges may hire candidates with only a master's degree in English.
At the master's and doctoral degree levels of study, enrollees can narrow their interests by pursuing advanced studies in literature or creative writing. Aspiring middle school and high school teachers must complete a student-teaching experience, which involves working under the supervision of a licensed teacher for approximately a semester. If you hope to become a high school or middle school teacher and your English major doesn't include a teaching focus, you may need to complete a teaching certificate program. The following degree programs can act as a jumping off point for a career as an English teacher.

• Bachelor's in English
• English Composition Programs
• Children's Literature Programs
• English Literature Master's Program
• Top Teaching Schools

Distance Learning Options

Online degree programs in English education are hard to find, but the following pages include information about programs that can lead to a position as an English teacher. Additional requirements, such as a teaching certificate, may be required.

• Online Bachelor's in Literacy Teaching
• Online Master's in Literacy Teaching
• Online Master's in English Literature
• Online Master's in English Education
• Online Doctorate in Literature

Career Options

With a degree in English education, you can pursue the following career opportunities. Explore your options and their requirements by reviewing the following Study.com articles.

• High School English Teacher
• ESL Teacher
• High School English Literature Teacher
• Creative Writing Teacher
• English Literature Professor