Secondary Education English
Inspire the next generation of writers and readers as a middle- or high-school English teacher.
York College of Pennsylvania’s Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Secondary Education (7-12) English degree program builds the skills you need to be a transformative force in the lives of adolescent writers and critical readers.
Our program offers more than just studying classic literature and writing techniques. Explore the written word, film, and media, ranging from classical literature to Shakespeare to contemporary sources, and practice how to teach everything from historical literature to effective paper writing.
We concentrate on providing you with the essential skills to teach and motivate high school students, from learning at the hands of expert teachers and literary professionals to receiving support and guidance through student-teaching experiences.
About the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education English
Secondary Education English Major Requirements
Secondary Education English majors at York College develop their skills in English and communication to teach at middle- and high-school levels. The curriculum includes general education, foreign language courses, and specialized literature in history and culture. Students also engage in practical teaching experiences, culminating in initial certification in Pennsylvania.
Components of the 120-credit B.A. in Secondary Education (7-12) English degree program include:
- EDU 225: Instructional Needs of English Language Learners
- HUM 325: Language and Linguistics
- SE 201: Early Field Experience
- SE 495: Student Teaching
- WRT 290: Teaching and Tutoring Writing I
Program Admissions
Admission to the Secondary Education English major program at York College of Pennsylvania begins with foundational education coursework. These initial classes are crucial for gaining Teacher Candidacy Status, a prerequisite for engaging in more advanced studies and vital student-teaching opportunities.
Visit our undergraduate admissions page for detailed information on program requirements and application procedures.
Earn a B.A. in Secondary Education English at York College of Pennsylvania
Begin your path to becoming an influential Secondary Education English educator and apply to the Secondary Education English major at York College today.
Ready to transform your passion for language and literature into excellence in teaching? Request more information or visit our beautiful campus to take the next step.
Become an Secondary Education English Teacher in Middle and High Schools
The B.A. in Secondary Education English degree is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for teacher certification. Graduates of this program have gone on to work for various institutions, including the Chicago Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science, the School District of Philadelphia, Teachers College - Columbia University, York College of Pennsylvania itself, and nearby school districts.
From knowledge in applying literary studies and writing concepts to the tools of teaching, graduates of the Secondary Education English major use their learnings to become instructors in fields such as writing, literature, drama, film studies, and more.
From monitoring the requirements of applying for teacher certification to personalized assistance with résumé writing and finding placements, the Career Development Center offers services and resources for Secondary Education English majors looking ahead to post-graduation.
English Teacher Salary and Outlook
Teachers are a critical part of society, and the training of York College’s Secondary Education English major program allows students to pursue careers in public and private school settings and other jobs in education, such as educational technology and consulting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual salary in 2022 for educators certified to teach adolescent students was $62,360.
Various factors influence the salary of a middle- or high-school teacher, including the geographical location, the school district they work in, their educational background, certifications, and the extent of their work experience. Advancing one's career through additional experience, graduate certificates or degree programs, or taking on leadership positions can lead to potential increases in earnings.
Field Experience and Student Teaching
The Secondary Education English program blends hands-on teaching experiences with field opportunities to prepare students for successful careers and fulfill PDE professional teaching certification requirements.
Students in Secondary Education English gradually participate in both classroom and field-based teaching activities, building up to their final student teaching semester:
- Early field experience
- Advanced field experience
- Professional semester (seminar and classroom teaching)
These practical teaching experiences are essential for meeting Pennsylvania teacher certification requirements—a necessary credential for teaching in the state's public school system.
Learn more about the student teaching and field experience opportunities.
Learn From Expert Educators
York College’s faculty comprises leaders in literature, creative writing, professional writing, linguistics, teacher preparation, and pedagogy. Our dedicated faculty members nurture students' personal and professional growth and commit to ensuring every Secondary Education English major experiences personalized attention and project selections that align with individual goals.
Placements With Local Schools
York College of Pennsylvania partners with schools in the surrounding education network, encompassing a variety of public and charter schools and organizations focused on social initiatives related to education and educational technology.
This network provides students and alums of the Secondary Education English program with valuable links to educational settings in and around the area. These connections are instrumental in securing student teaching positions, employment opportunities, and avenues for advanced studies.
Clubs and Professional Organizations
Students pursuing a bachelor's in Secondary Education English at York can enrich their academic journey by participating in a diverse array of clubs and professional organizations, such as Alpha Kappa Pi, the education honor society. These groups cater to various interests, including history, psychology, and more, providing a platform for leadership development and deepening secondary areas of interest.
Involvement in the College’s newspaper, The Spartan, or the York Review literary magazine adds to the rich experience of many York Secondary Education English majors. Explore student-led organizations.
Skills for Teaching English in Middle and High School
Develop practical skills for crafting engaging English lessons, employing effective teaching methods, and managing classrooms. Graduates of the B.A. in Secondary Education English degree program:
- Attain a deep understanding of English literature, language arts, and composition for teaching at the secondary level
- Refine teaching techniques tailored to convey complex literary and linguistic concepts to students
- Exhibit proficiency in handling diverse classroom settings and fostering an inclusive, stimulating learning environment
- Learn to incorporate technology and digital resources in English teaching
- Master assessment methods to gauge and track student comprehension and progress
- Design and execute a compelling English curriculum that includes creative writing, critical analysis, and interactive discussions
Other York College Education Certification Programs
Depending on what subjects and students you picture yourself teaching in middle- and high-school settings, York College offers 12 undergraduate education majors approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as teacher certification pathways. Just a few of the programs offered by the School of Behavioral Sciences and Education include:
- Secondary Education (7-12), Social Studies
- Middle Level Education
- Middle Level Education, Special Education
- Early Elementary Education (PreK-4)
When the time comes for you to pursue graduate studies, gain further certifications, or undergo specialized training, York College’s education programs also include multiple graduate certificates and master’s and doctoral degree programs.
Secondary Education English Courses
Your class schedule will include core courses for your major, Gen Next general education classes, and electives.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Literary and Textual Studies | LIT 200 | 3 Credits |
| Young Adult Literature | LIT 270 | 3 Credits |
| Teaching and Tutoring Writing I | WRT 290 | 3 Credits |
| Student Teaching | SE 495 | 10 Credits |
Careers in Secondary Education English
English Instructor
Drama Instructor
Literature Instructor
Writing Instructor
Build your dream career, one day at a time.
This is day one. From your first semester on campus through graduation day, York College offers expert advice, professional development opportunities, and personalized support to help you navigate the choices that influence your future.
Explore resources for a successful college experience:
Frequently Asked Questions
A Secondary Education English bachelor’s degree mainly leads to a career as a high school or middle school English teacher, where you can share your love for literature and writing with students. This degree also opens doors to exciting jobs like creating educational content, working in educational policy, or even becoming a school administrator. It's a great choice if you enjoy reading, writing, and sharing your knowledge with others.
You need a high school diploma or equivalent for admission into the B.A. in Secondary Education English program. Good grades in English and related subjects are essential. You must also send your high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores if you have them. Plus, writing about why you want to study English education in your essay components where possible can make your application stand out. Once you become a student at York College, earning high grades in your introductory English and education pedagogy courses is paramount for enrolling in the teacher preparation program.
Student teaching defines a teacher training program, allowing future educators to practice how to teach in a real classroom and receive guidance from experienced teachers. Gain excellent experience in managing a class, making lesson plans, and teaching effectively. It's like a test run of being a teacher, helping you feel more confident and ready when you start your teaching career.
Meet the Faculty
View All Faculty
Secondary Education English in Action
View All News
Related Programs
Middle Level Education
The Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program in Middle Level Education at York College of Pennsylvania utilizes field experience and immersive instruction to instill the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in a middle school education career. You'll graduate professionally certified to teach grades 4-8 and have the opportunity to specialize in a core subject.
Middle Level/Special Education
In this dual major, you’ll learn classroom management and all the best practices of shaping preadolescent minds, as well as gain knowledge and skills about students with special needs and English Language Learners.
Secondary Education Biology
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Secondary Education Biology degree program at York College of Pennsylvania prepares you to become a certified biology teacher through Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved coursework and rich student teaching experiences.
Secondary Education General Science
For Secondary Education General Science majors, you’ll also get extensive training on how to lead a classroom, including instructional technique, assessment methods, and technological skills. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.
Secondary Education Mathematics
With a degree in Secondary Education Mathematics, you'll learn how to effectively guide middle and higher schoolers through this core academic subject, including algebra, geometry, and calculus. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.
Secondary Education Social Studies
Majoring in Secondary Education Social Studies, York College challenges you with intensive instruction in history, political science, geography, economics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in grades 7-12.