Programs offering a masters degree in English education equip new and experienced teachers with the skills and subject-area expertise to improve student literacy through literature and writing. The majority of these programs are likely to focus on secondary education. However, middle grades language arts programs may also be offered by many schools. While many different types of programs may be available, these can generally be broken down into a few categories:
Which of the above types of programs you choose may impact the prerequisites of that program, as well as the content and approach.
For example, programs for experienced teachers may require proof of certification or licensure, professional references, or a minimum amount of experience leading a classroom, and may not spend a great deal of time on the basics.
Programs designed for new teachers preparing for licensure, meanwhile, are unlikely to have these prerequisites and are likely to spend more time on the fundamentals of teaching and learning, and may be aligned with the certification standards in that state.
In addition to the basics described above, different programs may be designed to meet unique classroom needs or instructional approaches, or to focus on unique aspects of teaching English. As such, you may be able to enroll in an English education masters program that aligns with the needs of your students or school community.
Your reasons for choosing to earn a masters in English Education may depend on your experience, the type of school you work in, the state you live and work in, and your individual classroom needs.
For example, some states or school districts may require teachers to pursue a masters degree after becoming certified and starting their careers, in order to maintain their certification.i Other states may use education and other credentials, along with years of service, as a factor in calculating salary increase, or for other advancement opportunities, such as leadership roles in your department or school.
Of course, not all teachers are motivated by money. After all, that’s probably not why you chose to become a teacher in the first place! Possibly one of the most influential reasons for earning a masters in teaching English—your students. Masters programs enable teachers like you to learn from the experience of teachers who have worked in classrooms like yours before you, develop new teaching strategies, and better prepare yourself to serve your students.
Whatever your motivations, make sure you take them into account when choosing your potential masters programs, in order to find options that align closely with what you’re looking for.
When choosing between English education masters programs, you may find yourself considering several degree types. While the programs offered at each school may vary, different degree types generally have unique advantages.
A few of the more common options include:
In addition to varying degree types, some programs may offer unique concentration areas or areas of focus within English Education, beyond simply English Secondary Education. These generally focus on the needs of certain types of students, or specific professional roles within a school or department. Some of these areas of focus may also be offered as unique degrees in themselves.
While they may not necessarily go by the names used to describe them here, here are of the options you may encounter:
Programs offering a Masters Degree in English Education may be offered either on campus or online. Each of these could accommodate your needs as both a student and a teacher in different ways.
The curriculum you need to complete to earn your masters in English education may vary, influenced by the type of program, the type of degree, your choice of school, concentration area, and other factors. However, here is an example of the type of course schedule you may expect.
Especially if you are seeking licensure, your program of choice may include other requirements, such as field experience and/or research. If you are seeking licensure and choose to enroll in a program in another state, make sure you review the requirements in your state to make sure they align with the one you ultimately choose.
The median salaries for teachers in 2017 were:
However, your potential salary as an English teacher could vary considerably. Factors potentially influencing this include but are not limited to:
For more information on how this works in your state, reach out to your selected masters program or to the school district in your area.
Search for programs offering a masters degree in English education right here! Review the sponsored listings below, or use the menu to select your preferred program format. Click on the name of any program you want to learn more about to read and request more information. Then start your application!
Sources: [i] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm
[ii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm
[iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm
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