English Education

Philosophy and Goals

     The English and Language Arts Education Program is designed to prepare teachers as educational practitioners, leaders, and reformers who can address the complex challenges and opportunities of the 21st century. The philosophy guiding the English program is social justice oriented and grounded in the social, psychological, cultural, and linguistic theories of language and literacy growth in adolescence, as well as research findings in language and literacy teaching and learning. This philosophy informs teacher practice in literature, composition, and language.

     At the undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and master’s levels, our goals are to provide opportunities for prospective teachers to establish a solid content knowledge base, and to acquire the critical awareness, pedagogical practices, and professional dispositions necessary to become effective teachers and critically reflective practitioners.

Degrees and Certificate Programs

Undergraduate Major in English Education (BA)
This program is designed for current English majors at Queens College who are interested in becoming initially certified as secondary English teachers in New York State.
(Prerequisites and details)

Advanced Initial Certificate (Post-Baccalaureate) in English Education:
This certificate program is intended for graduates who have earned a BA degree from a certified college or university with a major or minor (min. 36 credits) in English or closely related area, who would like to become initially certified to teach secondary English.
(Prerquisites and details)

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in English Education
The MAT in English Education a combined initial and professional certification program that culminates in a master’s degree. It is designed for graduates who have earned a BA degree from a certified college or university with a major or minor (min. 36 credits) in English or closely related area.
(Prerequisites and details)

Master of Science in English Education (MSEd)
This graduate degree program is for English teachers who are already initially certified and wish to complete a master’s degree to qualify for full professional (formerly, permanent) certification.
(Prerequisites and details)

SEYS ENGLISH EDUCATION BROCHURE