English Secondary Education (B.S.)
The B.S. in English with Certification is for those planning to teach middle - or highschool English (Grades 7-12). The program requires a separate admission process after beginning your degree, per the instructions below. Visit the main English Department page at Southern’s website for an overview of the degree in English Secondary Education. For a comparison of the English B.A. and B.S., see Planning your English Major.
Student Handbook
The primary guide for students pursuing the degree is the updated BS in English with Certification Student Handbook, which includes instructions on:
- Praxis I and II
- Field Work Experience
- Methods Courses
- Student Teaching and Portfolio
See the current student handbook here (revised Fall 2020):
Admissions to the Secondary English Education Program
For undergraduates in the Bachelor of Science (BS) in English with Certification (7-12)
Declaring Interest in the Program
Students interested in teaching middle and/or high school English should declare “English, BS. – (Pre-Education 7-12)” for their major, using the “Selection of Degree Program” form available online at the One Stop Academics site, under “Forms.” Please contact one of the English department faculty members specializing in English education to inquire about the program and to prepare for the admissions process (see contact information below).
Preparing to Apply to the Program
Most students apply to the program during their sophomore or junior year, once they have successfully passed EDU 200 Teachers, Schools, and Societies and either ENG 112 Writing Argumentsor or HON 150 Intro to Critical Inquiry. State certification regulations specify that students cannot take more than two professional education courses before they are accepted into a teacher education program.
Application Process
Application to the program occurs during both the fall and spring semesters. In the fall, applications are typically due in mid-October, and in the spring they are typically due in mid-March. The exact due date will be emailed to all English majors. We welcome interested students to meet with the coordinator of the program, Andrew Smyth in Engleman D 278, to inquire about the process and due dates.
Students must fill out the application at the College of Education website.
In addition to submitting the application materials, students will also interview briefly with members of the Secondary English Education Committee during the week following the due date for the application materials.
An interview will not be granted unless all application materials are complete. We expect students to come to the interview professionally dressed and prepared to speak about those experiences that have informed your desire to become an English teacher.
Required Admissions Materials and Criteria
- Official copies of transcripts from all institutions attended.
- The College of Education requires students to maintain a 2.7 QPR average, while the English Department requires a GPA average in all English classes of 3.0. Eligibility for acceptance into and continuing in the Secondary English Education Program depends upon these academic standards.
- Proof of taking the Praxis Core Academic Skills Test (which includes sections in reading, writing, and mathematics), the SAT, or the ACT. Often, Banner should list your tests and scores under “Test Scores.” This is acceptable proof.
- A writing sample of academic prose (4 to 6 pages) from an English course.
- An essay (2 pages maximum) in response to this prompt: "Explain why you want to become a teacher and discuss two to three qualities of a good teacher. Provide support for each of these qualities by explaining how they affect student learning."
All materials must be submitted by the application due date for the given semester. Please remember to sign up for an interview for the following week. Good luck with this important step toward your career in the classroom!
Further Information
If candidates have any questions, they should contact any of the following Secondary English Edcuation faculty members: Dr. Melissa Talhelm (talhelmm1@southernct.edu, Engleman D272), Dr. Meredith Sinclair (sinclairm4@southernct.edu, Engleman D259), or Dr. Andrew Smyth (smytha2@southernct.edu, D278).