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Teaching of English Major

All educational practice implies a theoretical stance on the educator’s part. This stance in turn implies…an interpretation of [people] and the world.

Paolo Freire  |  Author of The Pedagogy of the Oppressed

‎The Teaching of English Major

A woman in a hijab is sitting cross legged with her laptop on her lap and backpack by her side.

The #1 reason people go to college:

To improve their employment and earning potential. We figure that’s why you’re here.

Did you know…

English education is among the most stable professions in terms of future growth. Illinois teachers have the 3rd-highest employment level in the nation, with Midwest educators among the highest-paid in the country.* Those looking to teach in Chicago Public Schools can expect a salary of over $110,000 by the 2027-2028 school year.

Language arts teachers transform lives.

They inspire the next generation with a love of reading. They teach students how language works and how to wield sharp communication skills. They provide new ways of seeing the world, from an array of perspectives. In short, they change the world.

Learn from nationally-recognized, award-winning faculty in Chicago’s premier English education program.

They are passionate about teaching and talented at teaching teachers. Learn why English matters— to yourself, to your students, and to the world. Be inspired; become an inspiration.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, 9/1/2020; Occupational Employment and Wages: Secondary School Teachers, 5/2019; topmastersineucation.com.

  • English Education at a Glance

    • 3 required English courses (ENGL 207, 208, and 209)
    • 3 English electives
    • 4 teaching of English courses, methods and practices (ENGL 480, 486, 487, & 488)
    • 1 student teaching semester, with weekly seminar (ENGL 498 & 499)

     

  • Additional Requirements for Teacher Licensure

    • ED 200: Education Policy Foundations
    • ED 210: Principles of Learning and Instruction Across the Lifespan
    • ED 425: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in the Urban Secondary Classroom
    • SPED 410: Exceptional Learners
    • Completion of Educator Preparation Program Milestones

     

A headshot of a young woman in the city. She has orange hair, and is smiling.

“As a Teaching of English major at UIC, I have grown in and out of the classroom. UIC has taught me the importance of providing equitable education to diverse learners, which I will translate into my instruction. Beyond the classroom, focusing on the discipline of English has strengthened my analytical skills, enabling me to engage with the ever-evolving world.”

– Andrea Luvianos, Class of 2026

Click here for a full list of degree requirements.

 

Becoming a Future English Teacher

The Teaching of English major consists of specializing in contemporary teaching and learning pedagogies.

Students should plan to study state-mandated curriculum that will lead towards a professional educator’s license in English for middle or secondary grades as well as UIC-specific education courses where they will learn methodologies of teaching reading and writing in a collaborative and experiential environment. These methods seminars are also open to graduate-level students to allow for a unique opportunity for critique and collaboration.

For current requirements, visit the Undergraduate Catalog or schedule to meet your advisor. Please note that the LAS English Advisor is a different point of contact from the Teaching of English advisor, Hideaki Noguchi. Please contact Hideaki Noguchi for advising concerns with the Teaching of English major.

Explore more course requirements