English majors must take a variety of courses specialized in writing, literature and the teaching of these subjects. English teachers must be capable of guiding students through literary analysis and must also be able to assess students for literature content knowledge. English teachers must also help students understand various literary concepts such as metaphors and alliterations. English teachers are also often expected to teach students the writing process, which is a process of brainstorming, organizing, drafting, revising and editing papers in various subjects. Teachers must be able to grade papers in an objective manner, often using rubrics that contain various standards that the paper must satisfy such as style, tone, organization, argument support and grammar. English teachers must also teach students the basics of grammar.
In addition to education courses, math teachers must take all of the advanced math courses such as trigonometry and calculus. They must take courses on math theory to develop a more well-rounded understanding of the mathematics field. They must also take courses that teach them strategies on how to teach students math concepts. Math teachers must learn demonstration teaching, which involves showing students how to complete math problems through visuals.
Science teachers can sometimes specialize in general science. But since science is such a broad field, most science teachers must specialize in a specific area of science such as biology, chemistry or physics. All science teachers must take biology, physics and chemistry core classes since many of these subjects are interrelated. They must also take courses that focus on scientific methods in the secondary schools, courses that focus on science and society and a science teaching seminar.
History teachers must take various core classes that focus on American history and world history. They must also take courses on historical methods, which explore how historians study and write about history, since much of history is crafted by what historians keep in historical texts and what they omit. History teachers must also take courses in geography, sociology and economics. Some history teachers can specialize more in economics and politics, qualifying them to teach courses in government and economics.
Physical education teachers must take a variety of courses designed to teach students health and lifestyle courses. Physical education teachers do not only teach students gym, but also can teach nutrition, health and safety. They must take various courses designed to help them teach these subjects, such as interpersonal communication, adolescent psychology, instructional technology and various coaching courses.