* Required courses:
* English literature survey
* American literature survey
* British literature survey
* World literature survey
* Grammar and usage
* Rhetoric and composition
* Literary theory and criticism
* Children's literature
* Adolescent literature
* English education methods
* Elective courses:
* Creative writing
* Playwriting
* Poetry
* Short story
* Novel
* Nonfiction writing
* Linguistics
* Speech communication
* Theater arts
* Film studies
Student teaching
* Student teaching is a required component of most teacher education programs. During student teaching, you will work under the supervision of a certified teacher in a public school classroom. You will be responsible for planning and teaching lessons, grading papers, and communicating with parents.
Certification
* In order to teach English in public schools, you must be certified by the state in which you plan to teach. The requirements for certification vary from state to state, but most states require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in English, complete a teacher education program, and pass a certification exam.
Additional qualifications
* Some school districts may require teachers to have a master's degree in English or a related field. Additionally, some districts may prefer candidates who have experience working with diverse student populations or who have bilingual skills.