Secondary English Education Certificate

The Secondary English Education Certificate is available for students interested in teaching English Language Arts in 7th-12th grade who are simultaneously pursuing a BA in English with the English Education specialization. Completion of the Secondary English Education Certificate along with a BA in English Studies with the English Education specialization prepares students to become certified middle and high school English Language Arts teachers in Pennsylvania. English Language Arts teachers in grades 7 to 12 teach subjects that require a broad foundation in literature, language, composition, and literacy. Courses in the foundations of education and pedagogy complement the subject matter studies, helping students develop and implement philosophies, strategies, and approaches that will reach learners with diverse strengths, needs, and backgrounds. Students create and teach lessons, design and implement assessments, and reflect on their teaching both in field experiences and their IUP classes. All of this work culminates in a yearlong teacher residency that includes full-time student teaching.

Admission to this program requires entering students to meet the guidelines for admission to the College of Education and Communications. Additionally, students must achieve a 3.0 GPA and meet all other Step 1 requirements in order to apply for Step 1 of the Teacher Education process, to student teach, and to be recommended for certification. For additional information on requirements leading to teacher certification, see “3 Step Process for Teacher Education” in the College of Education and Communications section of this catalog.