Jesse Martin, School of Education alum, teaching students in his classroom.

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

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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.
School of Education student teacher Siraj Khan pictured working at his summer job with the Wauwatosa Recreation Department

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. Please complete the web form below to find out if any of your previous coursework can be used to fulfill certification requirements.

Request for Transcript Evaluation Form (for post-baccalaureate students only)

Graduate Program

Please contact Dr. Kristine Lize, program director, for more information. See C&I master’s degree program.

Admission Criteria

Undergraduate Students

  • 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.

Post-Baccalaureate Students

  • 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.

Application Process

Undergraduate Program

Applications for the Spring 2025 cohort must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Please view the requirements and complete the application form linked below to apply.

Undergraduate Admission Application

Post-Baccalaureate Program

Applications for the Spring 2025 cohort must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. Please view the requirements and complete the application form linked below to apply.

Post-Baccalaureate Admission Application

Graduate Program

Please contact Dr. Kristine Lize, program director, for more information. See C&I master’s degree program.

Faculty

Alanna Harris
  • Teaching Faculty I, Teaching and Learning
Kristine Lize, Teaching Faculty IV in Teaching and Learning.
  • Teaching Faculty IV, Teaching and Learning
  • Program Director, English and Language Arts, 4-12 Education
  • Interim Program Director, Reading Education

Advising

  • (Last names A – L) – Tamara Wallhausser
  • (Last names M – Z) – Nikki Claas
Nicole Claas, Senior Academic Advisor in Office of Student Services.
  • Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
Tammy Badura, Senior Academic Advisor in Office of Student Services.
  • Senior Academic Advisor, Office of Student Services
Important Dates
Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Application Deadline
Sept. 27
Contact
Dr. Kristine Lize
Teaching Faculty IV, Program Director, and Director of Clinical Experiences
kcmarver@uwm.edu

For information or questions about admissions, contact:

Maggie Kaczmarek
Undergraduate Admissions Manager
kaczmarm@uwm.edu

To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:

Office of Student Services Advising
soeinfo@uwm.edu
414-229-4721

Academic Advising
(Last names A – L) – Tamara Wallhausser
(Last names M – Z) – Nikki Claas