English Teacher Education, Bachelor of Arts

Why Study English?

Awareness and appreciation for cultural, sociopolitical, and individual identity are fostered through the study of English literature and rhetoric. Governors State’s Bachelor of Arts in English does not merely develop skills in written communication, organization, and analysis, but also leverages the study of literature to seek insight and understanding into the diversity of the human experience and to meet controversy and challenge in appropriate, practical, and intellectually satisfying ways.  

Student Involvement

GSU students interested in publishing can become a part of Reconstructed, the university’s entirely student-produced literary and visual arts journal. The journal is published annually and features creative writing and visual arts submitted by GSU students and alumni.

Reach your career goals.

With an English degree, you may seek employment in a wide variety of fields, including writing, editing, publishing, and public relations, to name a few.

If you wish to teach English at the secondary level, you may pursue the certificate in English education (24 credit hours) after completing your bachelor’s degree coursework. Many graduates also go on to pursue graduate study and teach at the college level. 

Concentration in English Teacher Education 

At Governors State University, the undergraduate major in English with a teacher education concentration prepares you to teach 21^st century literacy on the secondary level with the opportunity to obtain a middle grades endorsement. A strong academic background in English literature and composition, as well as the methods of teaching the English content will prepare you for a meaningful career shaping the lives of the next generation of learners.

Teacher education at GSU is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and approved by the Illinois State Board of Education. It has also been nationally recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English.

To be recommended for an Illinois State Board of Education teaching license, you must present evidence of having passed the Subject Matter Knowledge. You must complete a student teaching requirement in English and must meet other requirements for certification through approved programs in the Teacher Education and Certification section of the GSU catalog.