English Language Arts Option for Teacher Certification
The English Language Arts Certification Option is for students who would like to major in English and gain Illinois state certification at the secondary level to teach English language arts. Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in all courses in the major and maintain a minimum cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75. Courses requiring a “C” or better are identified in the suggested plan by a “+.” For students also wanting to be eligible to teach middle school language arts, additional Middle Level Education courses are required.
Core Requirements
Please note that a GPA of 2.75, both cumulative and in the major, is required for departmental approval to student teach. Major GPA based on all English courses taken at EIU except English 0990, 0995, 1000, 1001G, 1002G, 1091G, 1092G, and General Education courses other than 3009G and 3099G. A grade of C or better is required in each course that applies to the major. For the education course work required for this option, see "Teacher Certification Programs."
This option requires that students follow and meet the requirements for Admission, Retention and Graduation from Teacher Certification programs as described in the “Teacher Certification Programs” section of this catalog and as explained at the University Admission to Teacher Education Meeting which all students must attend. Students must gain University Approval to Take Teacher Education Courses no later that the end of their first semester Junior year in order to use this suggested plan. Additional information on Admission, Retention and Graduation for Teacher Certification programs can be found on the College of Education & Professional Studies website at www.eiu.edu/ceps/teached.
All students must pass the Illinois Certification Test of Basic Skills for selection into teacher education and should complete this requirement no later than their sophomore year.
Students must receive a “C” or better in all professional education courses and maintain a minimum cumulative and major GPA of 2.75 in order to continue in the program. Courses requiring a “C” or better are identified in the suggested plan by a “+.”
English with Language Arts Certification Option*
Standard High School Certification with no minor required.
- Three courses from Groups 3 and 4 (at least one from each group). Credits: 9
- Two courses from Group 5. Credits: 6
- Two additional English courses chosen from Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6. Credits: 6
One multicultural American Literature course
or
or
Six Hours in Other Related Disciplines
chosen from the following courses:
6-8 hours of a single foreign language (Excluding courses taught in English and courses taken for Gen Ed credit)
OR
English Course Requirements
Group 1 - Required Courses
6 courses, 18 semester hours
or ENG 3901 or ENG 4901
or ENG 2901 or ENG 4901
or ENG 4390
or ENG 4300
or ENG 2901 or ENG 3901
Group 2 - Literary and Cultural Studies
1 course, 3 semester hours. One course chosen from
Group 3 - English Literature Before 1660
2 courses, 6 semester hours. Two courses chosen from
Group 4 - English Literature After 1660
2 courses, 6 semester hours. Two courses chosen from
Group 5 - American Literature
2 courses, 6 semester hours. Two courses chosen from
English Electives
Four additional courses in English, chosen from any of the above or Group 6. Gen Ed courses except for 3009G/3099G are excluded. Two courses in a single foreign language may be counted if numbered 2000 or above, not taught in English, and not offered for Gen Ed credit.
Group 6 - Special Areas, Topics, and Studies
Suggested Four and a Half-Year Plan of Study
Other plans are possible: the student should consult with his/her advisor to develop the study plan best suited to his/her needs and interests.
First Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 15
- General Education Humanities. Credits: 3
- General Education Constitution. Credits: 3
- General Education Science. Credits: 3
(See footnote +)
First Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 15
- General Education Mathematics. Credits: 3
- General Education Fine Arts. Credits: 3
- General Education Humanitites/Fine Arts. Credits: 3
- General Education Social Science. Credits: 3
(See footnote +)
Second Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 16
Selection to Teacher Education programs should occur following the freshman year but no later than the end of the sophomore year (for transfer students this should occur no later than the end of their first semester at EIU). Selection requires that students pass the Illinois Certification Test of Basic Skills.
- General Education Science (lab). Credits: 4
- General Education Social Science. Credits: 3
(See footnote +)
(See footnote +)
(See footnote +)
or
(See footnote +)
or
(See footnote +)
Second Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 13
- ENG Group 3 or 4 course. Credits: 3
(See footnote +)
(See footnotes +, R, A)
(See footnote +)
(See footnote +)
(See footnotes +, R, A)
Third Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 12-15
University Approval to Take Teacher Education Courses should occur at the end of the first semester junior year with Formal University Admission to Teacher Education occurring at the end of the junior year. See the Teacher Certification Program section of this catalog for more information.
- ENG Group 3, 4, or 5 Course. Credits: 3
(See footnote +) - ENG Group 3, 4, or 5 Course. Credits: 3
(See footnote +) - SPC/THA/JOU/MLE Elective. Credits: 3
(See footnote +) - SPC/THA/JOU/MLE Elective. Credits: 3
(See footnote +) - ENG Elective. Credits: 3
(See footnote +)
Third Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 12-15
- ENG Group 3, 4, or 5 Course. Credits: 3
(See footnote +) - ENG Elective. Credits: 3
(See footnotes +, A)
(See footnotes +, R)
(See footnote +)
or
(See footnotes +, A)
(See footnotes +, R)
(See footnotes +, R)
Fourth Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 12
Departmental Approval to Student Teach must be granted prior to Student Teaching. Students must also pass the Illinois Certification Subject Area test for their major prior to student teaching.
- ENG Group 3, 4, or 5 Course. Credits: 3
(See footnote +)
(See footnotes +, R)
(See footnote +)
or
(See footnote +)
or
(See footnotes +, A)
Fourth Year, Second Semester - Total Hours: 12
- ENG Elective. Credits: 3
(See footnote +) - EIU Senior Seminar. Credits: 3
(See footnote +)
or ENG 4950
(See footnote +)
(See footnote +)
or ENG 4300
Fifth Year, First Semester - Total Hours: 15
Footnotes
+ Requires a “C” or better
R Required for Regular Secondary Education Program
A Required for Integrated Secondary Education Program
Information sourced from the 2004-2005 EIU Undergraduate Catalog.