5 answers
Caitlin
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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What type of preparation would be good for a high school English teacher?
What type of classes would be useful to be prepared to teach?
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5 answers
Pamela Taylor
Retired teacher
37
Answers
Mansfield, Ohio
Updated
Pamela’s Answer
Classes would vary according to the field you would choose to teach but overall, the university you attend will align most of the for you. Go online and look up the classes needed for various certifications. You could also call a college and ask them to send you a copy of the coursework needed. As far as prior to college I would say to get a well-rounded education. Take a variety of classes that interest you. As a teacher you will have a wide range of students in your classroom that may want to know about many things. Read and explore the world. Be one that knows information well enough to explain it and not just know it. There is a difference. Public speaking may help you as well. Some entering education are not accustomed to talking in front of people. Hope this helps.
Lisa Albrecht
Professor Social Justice
22
Answers
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi, I taught HS English before I became a college professor. Read widely—- anything! Talk to An English teacher you like and ask questions.
Be prepared to read lots of student writing, and be prepared to ask students to write multiple drafts of papers (double space— easier on you eyes).
Love your students! Or else don’t go into teaching. I LOVED my students, even those who weren’t good students!
Observe English teachers you like.
Wear strong glasses!
Make sure you love working with young people!
Be prepared to read lots of student writing, and be prepared to ask students to write multiple drafts of papers (double space— easier on you eyes).
Love your students! Or else don’t go into teaching. I LOVED my students, even those who weren’t good students!
Lisa recommends the following next steps:
Melody Tharpe
Education - Teacher
169
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Melody’s Answer
Honestly Caitlin, the greatest ability or skill my favorite English teachers had was their true love of language and reading variety. In the school environment, we are battling the social media/visual influence. Students are rebelling against actual book reading. You would do well to keep up your own love around the area and explore opportunities on how to teach/introduce/explore engaging students in this area. You may follow the traditional licensure of teaching and getting special endorsements after that training to teach in HS. However, the teaching environment has shifted some given the teacher shortages around the US. I have seen teacher who obtain English/Literature degrees, not traditional teaching degrees. With these degrees, they can get special licenses to teach this subject in HS. Why I put this out as an option is you my love just the English/Literature study and not all the "how to teach" courses of getting a traditional teaching license. This works for higher grade teaching such a Middle School and higher.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6333
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Caitlin,
Blueprint for Becoming a High School English Teacher
Embarking on a journey to become a high school English teacher requires careful consideration of various educational facets, including academic credentials, hands-on experience, and personal growth. Here's a detailed roadmap to help you navigate the necessary preparations.
1. Academic Credentials
Bachelor’s Degree in English or Education:
The first stepping stone towards becoming a high school English teacher is acquiring a bachelor's degree. A degree in English enriches your understanding of literature, writing, and language arts. Alternatively, an education degree with an English concentration offers a blend of subject knowledge and teaching techniques.
Teacher Preparation Program:
Most states mandate aspiring teachers to undergo a teacher preparation program that encompasses educational psychology, teaching strategies, classroom management, and evaluation methods. These programs usually culminate in student teaching experiences, offering candidates practical exposure under the guidance of seasoned educators.
2. Pertinent Coursework
Literature Courses:
Courses spanning various genres, such as American literature, British literature, and world literature, are vital. Grasping different literary movements and historical contexts empowers teachers to enrich students' understanding of texts.
Composition and Rhetoric:
Writing-focused classes are integral as teaching effective writing is a key part of the curriculum. This includes mastering grammar, style, argumentation, and research writing.
Language Arts Methods:
Courses tailor-made for teaching language arts will arm future teachers with techniques for teaching reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and critical thinking skills.
Young Adult Literature:
Being conversant with modern young adult literature can aid teachers in resonating with their students' interests and fostering engagement through relatable content.
3. Hands-on Experience
Student Teaching:
Engaging in student teaching placements enables prospective teachers to put their knowledge into action in actual classroom settings. This experience is priceless for crafting lesson plans, managing classrooms, and comprehending student dynamics.
Internships or Volunteer Work:
Participating in internships or volunteering at schools or educational institutions can offer additional experience working with teenagers and bolster teaching skills beyond formal student teaching environments.
4. Continuous Professional Growth
Workshops and Conferences:
Participating in workshops centered on novel teaching methodologies or specific areas like literacy instruction can keep teachers abreast of the latest best practices.
Certification Exams:
Clearing state-mandated certification exams (such as Praxis) is a prerequisite to obtain a teaching license. Preparatory courses for these exams can also prove beneficial.
5. Personal Skills Enhancement
Communication Skills:
Robust verbal and written communication skills are vital for effectively delivering material to students and stimulating text-based discussions.
Empathy and Patience:
Cultivating empathy enables teachers to appreciate diverse student backgrounds, while patience is key in accommodating different learning speeds among students.
6. Technology Incorporation
Educational Technology Courses:
With technology becoming increasingly pivotal in education, courses focusing on integrating technology into the classroom, like using digital tools for writing or online resources for research, are highly beneficial.
In Conclusion
To sum up, the journey to becoming a high school English teacher entails securing relevant academic credentials through degrees and literature and teaching-focused coursework; acquiring hands-on experience through student teaching; pursuing continuous professional growth; refining personal skills; and weaving technology into lesson planning. By diligently following this roadmap, budding educators will be well-prepared to inspire their students through the magic of language arts.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
God Bless!
JC.
Blueprint for Becoming a High School English Teacher
Embarking on a journey to become a high school English teacher requires careful consideration of various educational facets, including academic credentials, hands-on experience, and personal growth. Here's a detailed roadmap to help you navigate the necessary preparations.
1. Academic Credentials
Bachelor’s Degree in English or Education:
The first stepping stone towards becoming a high school English teacher is acquiring a bachelor's degree. A degree in English enriches your understanding of literature, writing, and language arts. Alternatively, an education degree with an English concentration offers a blend of subject knowledge and teaching techniques.
Teacher Preparation Program:
Most states mandate aspiring teachers to undergo a teacher preparation program that encompasses educational psychology, teaching strategies, classroom management, and evaluation methods. These programs usually culminate in student teaching experiences, offering candidates practical exposure under the guidance of seasoned educators.
2. Pertinent Coursework
Literature Courses:
Courses spanning various genres, such as American literature, British literature, and world literature, are vital. Grasping different literary movements and historical contexts empowers teachers to enrich students' understanding of texts.
Composition and Rhetoric:
Writing-focused classes are integral as teaching effective writing is a key part of the curriculum. This includes mastering grammar, style, argumentation, and research writing.
Language Arts Methods:
Courses tailor-made for teaching language arts will arm future teachers with techniques for teaching reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and critical thinking skills.
Young Adult Literature:
Being conversant with modern young adult literature can aid teachers in resonating with their students' interests and fostering engagement through relatable content.
3. Hands-on Experience
Student Teaching:
Engaging in student teaching placements enables prospective teachers to put their knowledge into action in actual classroom settings. This experience is priceless for crafting lesson plans, managing classrooms, and comprehending student dynamics.
Internships or Volunteer Work:
Participating in internships or volunteering at schools or educational institutions can offer additional experience working with teenagers and bolster teaching skills beyond formal student teaching environments.
4. Continuous Professional Growth
Workshops and Conferences:
Participating in workshops centered on novel teaching methodologies or specific areas like literacy instruction can keep teachers abreast of the latest best practices.
Certification Exams:
Clearing state-mandated certification exams (such as Praxis) is a prerequisite to obtain a teaching license. Preparatory courses for these exams can also prove beneficial.
5. Personal Skills Enhancement
Communication Skills:
Robust verbal and written communication skills are vital for effectively delivering material to students and stimulating text-based discussions.
Empathy and Patience:
Cultivating empathy enables teachers to appreciate diverse student backgrounds, while patience is key in accommodating different learning speeds among students.
6. Technology Incorporation
Educational Technology Courses:
With technology becoming increasingly pivotal in education, courses focusing on integrating technology into the classroom, like using digital tools for writing or online resources for research, are highly beneficial.
In Conclusion
To sum up, the journey to becoming a high school English teacher entails securing relevant academic credentials through degrees and literature and teaching-focused coursework; acquiring hands-on experience through student teaching; pursuing continuous professional growth; refining personal skills; and weaving technology into lesson planning. By diligently following this roadmap, budding educators will be well-prepared to inspire their students through the magic of language arts.
Top 3 Credible Sources Used:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
God Bless!
JC.
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
299
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
Hey Kaitlin!
You may acquire K12 or high school or specialist teaching from a college plus a teaching certification.
You may acquire K12 or high school or specialist teaching from a college plus a teaching certification.