EIU Department of English

English Language Arts Major with Teacher Licensure

EIU's English Language Arts teacher licensure program has consistently been recognized as among the best programs for preparing English Language Arts teachers, not just in the state of Illinois but nationally.  The National Council of Teachers of English lists EIU’s program as an “exemplar program for training Secondary English Teachers.”

The major consists of 55 credits, including two courses in writing, three courses in English Education, five courses in literature and cultural studies, and a senior-level capstone course, Integrating the Language Arts.  In addition, the major recommends the one-credit Career Development course, and students select two English electives.

Special Program Features 

• With three courses in methods of teaching plus an upper-division course in young adult literature, the major ensures that students are well-prepared not just with general teaching methods but with methods specific to the English Language Arts classroom.
  
  
• With two required courses in multicultural literature, a required course in digital writing, and options for incorporating film studies, pre-adolescent literature, and literary editing and publishing, the major allows students to prepare for the needs and interests of today’s secondary students.

Advising

• New to the major?  Use this form to schedule a meeting with the Director of English Education, Dr. Ames, to set up your ELA folder and review important policies and procedures.  Reviewing these helpful advising tips now (or throughout your studies) is also recommended.
• ELA Students with folders on file can schedule an appointment with Dr. Ames here.
• Our program provides mentoring and support for all students.  Key to this is receiving continual                                                                              feedback on your progres through the major.  All ELA candidates are required to have their                                                                                    English instructors submit disposition evaluation forms each semester by sharing this link.

Checklists 

2021-2022 Checklist

2020-2021 Checklist

2018-2019 Checklist

2016-2017 Checklist

2015-2016 Checklist

2015-2016 Catalog Entry

Potential Course Sequences

Potential ELA Course Sequences (2015-2016 catalog and later)

Potential ELA Course Sequences with Middle Level Enhancement (2015-2016 catalog and later)

Potential ELA Course Sequences with Departmental Honors (2015-2016 catalog and later)

Potential ELA Course Sequences with Study Abroad (2015-2016 catalog and later)

More Information on Student Teaching

English Language Arts Program Requirements for Student Teaching

Already Have An Undergraduate Degree?

Check out this information on our Traditional Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure Program & Accelerated MAT Program. Interested in earning a graduate degree or certificate while becoming a licensed ELA teacher?  You can work with the Director of English Education & the Graduate Studies Coordinator to customize a path that applies your graduate coursework to ELA requirements.  To discuss this possibility send your transcrips to Dr. Melissa Ames, mames@eiu.edu.