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In this program, you will learn to stir up enthusiasm for the study of English from the seventh to 12th grades. You’ll be given opportunities to develop your classroom practice as well as expand your knowledge of English literary studies, English education, and the field of education as a whole. You’ll learn how best to transmit your knowledge to students, discover techniques to engage reluctant learners, and help young learners develop an appreciation for English language and literature.
The program fully prepares you for employment as an English teacher at the middle and high school levels. This program will not only support you to gain New York State Certification but will also provide you with both the analytical and practical skills to offer students the support needed to thrive holistically. Our graduates are hired by school districts locally and nationwide. The mission of the department is to prepare teachers for effective classroom practice of diverse students in urban settings. Our goal is the development of knowledgeable, skilled teacher candidates who are well versed in research, theory, and practice.
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
The Department of Secondary Education and the Department of English jointly offer a program for students who plan to teach English in grades seven through 12. Additional information may be obtained from the Department of Secondary Education or the Department of English. Adolescence education (grades 7–12) and special subject programs are writing intensive. Students should consult a counselor as early as possible to plan their program.
Students must complete the following English Department requirements for the B.A. degree program for English teacher:
2120 and 2121 (8 credits) English 2120 and 2121 are required. Majors in the English teacher program should complete English 2120 or 2121 or be enrolled in one or the other, before continuing in other electives. No ENGL course numbered lower than 2115 may count toward the major.
One course from each of two of the following six historical periods; one course must be chosen from Fields 1 or 3 and one must be chosen from Fields 4 through 6:
Four courses, one from each of the following groups:
The following pedagogical courses in the Department of Secondary Education: Secondary Education 2001, 2002, 3401, 3402, 3456 4401, 4407, 4482, 4541 (total of 28 credits):
Consult the Secondary Education section in the Undergraduate Bulletin for additional information on sequencing, pre-requisites and specific requirements (including GPA) to take particular Secondary Education courses.
This program reflects changes in teacher certification requirements recently implemented by the New York State Education Department. Degree programs in adolescence education and include a major in an appropriate department of the college and in the case of social studies may also include an approved selection of interdepartmental courses.
Completion of an adolescence education program as part of a major in English, one of the appropriate social sciences, mathematics, or one of the sciences qualifies students for New York State initial certification in adolescence education for grades seven through 12.
Students must complete 28 credits in the Department of Secondary Education as specified above.
All students accepted to the School of Education are required to submit fingerprint verification before signing up for most education classes. Fingerprint verification is required for work in New York City Department of Education schools if you already have fingerprint records or not. Follow these instructions.
Students will:
To help you pursue your studies in the most efficient manner, and to maximize your efforts to graduate in four years, Brooklyn College has created four-year degree maps for all its majors.
View degree maps for this major and others.
Or contact:
222 West Quad Center 2900 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11210 E: grads@brooklyn.cuny.edu P: 718.951.4536
Mondays–Fridays, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
To make an appointment with a graduate admissions counselor, visit:
BC Admissions Appointment Tool
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in Secondary Education and English offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
Students complete internships in public and private schools throughout the New York City region as well as across the United States. The internship is a supervised experience designed to hone the requisite skills and knowledge to work as an English teacher.
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