Education: English and Language Arts, 4-12 Education BS
Are you interested in teaching English with a focus on social justice and urban education? Then UWM’s English and Language Arts, 4-12 Education Program is for you.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Why English and Language Arts, 4-12 Education?
- Our program focuses its content and methods on culturally responsive practice grounded in research and theoretical perspectives.
- Our program educates teachers to work in a variety of settings, addressing the wonderfully diverse student populations entering classrooms today.
- Our program, unlike many, offers full year placements in urban classrooms with varying experiences in middle and high schools.
- Our program offers opportunities to tutor students online in their writing, working cooperatively with their classroom teachers.
This award-winning program addresses leading edge educational practices, standards and policies; assessment practices; the integration of digital technologies into instruction and classroom practice; and literary study and composition, as well as other literacy skills that learners need to succeed. Completing this program meets the Wisconsin requirements for certification to teach English, allowing you to teach English in Wisconsin and in many other states.
Program Highlights
- Our program is recognized as a top English Education Program in Wisconsin: Since 2002, 21 of our certifiers have received awards for “Student Teacher of the Year” or “First-Year Teacher of the Year” presented by the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English and the Wisconsin Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Three of our instructors have received national and state teaching awards as well as research awards.
- Our program certifiers are agents of change who are schooled in social justice and equity awareness.
- Our program is taught by highly experienced and professionally involved educators. Our instructional staff members have served as presidents of the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English in addition to serving in national leadership roles with the National Council of Teachers of English, the Modern Language Association, the Wisconsin State Reading Association and the Conference on English Leadership.
- Our field supervisors come with advanced degrees and have completed many years of classroom teaching. They support teacher candidates to succeed as professional, classroom practitioners.
Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC)
The MLC Resource Library provides interdisciplinary teaching materials for teacher candidates, practicing teachers, graduate students and faculty of the School of Education who are MLC related. Those seeking instructional materials for student teachings, field placements, or course assignments, are able to access this library.
For more information, visit the Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC) webpage.
Career
English language arts teachers are change-makers, supporting learners to be critical thinkers, persuasive writers, confident speakers, independent readers and discriminating researchers. Certifying as an English teacher can be a stepping stone to other teacher leadership professional opportunities including administration, curriculum design, research and analysis, editorial and writing.
Program Requirements
Post-Baccalaureate Program
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied towards our program.
Graduate Program
Please contact Dr. Kristine Lize, program director, for more information. See C&I master’s degree program.
UWM Admission
| Undergraduate Admission | To be considered for admission to UWM, you must meet all UWM admissions requirements and complete the Universities of Wisconsin Application. |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certification | The School of Education post-baccalaureate certification programs lead to teaching certification and licensure. This pathway is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and aspires to become a classroom teacher. |
| Graduate Admission | To be considered for admission to the School of Education Curriculum and Instruction, MS or Exceptional Education, MS program you must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements. Individuals interested in earning teacher certification with their master’s degree will select a certification area of interest. |
The Universities of Wisconsin Application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.
In completing the Universities of Wisconsin application, attend to the following:
- It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
- When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
- When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
- Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
- When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page, select “Education & Training” followed by your specific area.
- Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
- Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, include the statement “I am applying to pursue a teaching certification” along with your current WI teaching license information or if you’re seeking initial WI teaching licensure, as well as subject areas of interest.
- Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.
School of Education: Advancement to Professional Sequence Process (Advance to Major)
All applicants to the English and Language Arts, 4-12 Education must meet the following requirements to advance to the professional program sequence.
- 58 credits with a 2.5 grade point average.
- 2.75 grade point average in all English content courses.
- Additional undergraduate requirements of admission — see academic advisor.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on all coursework.
- 2.75 grade point average in all English content courses.
- For additional information—see academic advisor.
- Applications must be received by Sept. 27 for the post-baccalaureate program.
Complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form
Advancement to the professional program sequence is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon availability of space.
Faculty
- Teaching Faculty IV, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, English and Language Arts, 4-12 Education
- Interim Program Director, Reading Education
- kcmarver@uwm.edu
- 414-229-4190
- Enderis Hall 355
Academic Resources
Sept. 27
Teaching Faculty IV, Program Director, and Director of Clinical Experiences
kcmarver@uwm.edu
To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:
Office of Student Services Advising
soeinfo@uwm.edu
414-229-4721