This major blends knowledge of English studies and methods of teaching language arts, including courses on teaching multicultural literature, young adult literature, and writing. Instructional methods courses provide opportunities for our majors to work and learn in diverse, inclusive learning environments with teacher practitioners who mentor prospective teachers and model the creation of culturally responsive, engaging language arts classrooms that are student driven. Our majors practice enacting evidence-based instruction and implementing curriculum materials and methods developed and modeled by teachers in culturally diverse middle, junior, and high schools across the nation. English Language Arts Teaching majors design standards-based curriculum and instruction that engage diverse learners in applying English language arts content, concepts, and methods of inquiry. As required by the Professional Educator Standards Board ELA Endorsement Competencies, English Language Arts Teaching majors develop and practice strategies for teaching “a broad range of literary texts, including works representing and authored by a range of cultures and ethnicity globally and within the United States.” To prepare all learners to join the critical conversations of our society and global world, English Language Arts Teaching majors develop and practice strategies for teaching writing for different audiences and different purposes-informational, narrative, and persuasive.
Teaching Endorsement
This major partially satisfies the criteria for a teaching endorsement in English Language Arts, qualifying students to teach English, literature, and writing at the high school, middle, or junior high levels. Students who successfully complete the English Language Arts Teaching Major and Secondary Education Program (an alternative to the Professional Education Program) are eligible to apply for Washington State teacher certification. In addition to completing graduation requirements, teacher certification candidates must meet all Washington State teacher certification requirements. See an education advisor as soon as possible to develop a course of study.
Graduation Requirements
Plan GPA of 2.5. No grade lower than a C for all courses used to satisfy program requirements.
Program Requirements
- Majors are expected to complete ENG 302 and ENG 303 prior to enrolling in other upper-division major requirements.
- English 422, 430, 488 and 492 are required prior to student teaching.
- English 430, 488 and 492 must be taken concurrently.
- All other major requirements must be completed before enrollment in or taken concurrently with ENG 488.
Program Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- apply their knowledge of the relationship between English studies and educational principles and practices to design and implement culturally responsive and pedagogically sound instruction in language and literature,
- explain the central concepts, content, tools of inquiry, and structure of the English Language Arts discipline,
- create learning experiences that engage learners in applying ELA concepts, content, and tools of inquiry, and
- design learning experiences that engage learners in interpreting, analyzing, and synthesizing literary works in their cultural contexts.