Teaching English Language Arts Grades 5-12 Major
Major
Teaching English language arts at CMU
Inspire the next generation of readers and writers with a degree in teaching English Language Arts. You'll build a strong foundation in literature, language and composition while developing the skills to engage and support diverse learners. With extensive classroom experience, you'll graduate ready to teach English Language Arts in middle or high school settings.
AT A GLANCE
Why pursue a teaching English language arts degree?
At CMU, you’ll join a close-knit community of aspiring teachers and faculty mentors who support each other through coursework, field experiences and professional development.
You'll develop strategies for curriculum design, lesson planning and differentiated instruction to support diverse learners. Courses include young adult literature, African American literature and LGBTQ literature. In courses like, creative writing and teaching literature in secondary schools will further strengthen your expertise, preparing you to lead engaging English classrooms.
With 60+ hours of in-classroom experience before student teaching, you’ll have opportunities to:
- Work directly with students: Support middle and high school readers in local classrooms.
- Co-teach and collaborate: Partner with experienced teachers to design and deliver lessons.
- Lead small group discussions: Help students analyze and interpret literature.
- Provide writing support: Offer virtual feedback to middle and high school students.
- Refine your teaching skills: Design and record lessons for feedback or online instruction.
Completing the teaching English language arts, grades 5-12 major qualifies you for recommendation to the Michigan State Board of Education for a secondary standard certificate.
What makes our teaching English language arts major stand out?
As a student in this major, you can:
- Learn from award-winning faculty: Study with published authors and experienced educators.
- Expand your network: Join the National Council of Teachers of English student organization.
- Share your work: Present original research at state or national conferences.
- Publish your writing: Submit poetry, fiction or nonfiction to Central Review, CMU’s literary journal.
- Gain hands-on experience: Get paid while building your résumé as a writing consultant in CMU’s Writing Center. Plus, complete 60+ hours of classroom experience before student teaching.
Career paths in English language arts education
This major prepares you to become an English language arts teacher for grades 5-12 and opens doors to careers in curriculum development and instructional coordination.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Middle School Teacher | $64,290 |
| Curriculum and Instructional Designer/Developer | $74,620 |
| High School Teacher | $65,220 |
| Instructional Coordinator | $66,490 |
Scholarships for global experiences
An international experience is a powerful way to enhance your education, providing perspectives that go beyond the classroom. The College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences offers several scholarships to help students like you study abroad. Whether you're interested in cultural immersion, language study or international teaching experiences, these awards can help make your global education possible.
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