Occupying an English Teacher Role: A Literature Major's Perspective

Is a literature major sufficient for securing a position as an English teacher?

The answer is a qualified 'yes.'

However, if your long-term goal is to hold a permanent teaching position at a public school, a literature major alone is unlikely to suffice. The path to becoming a fully certified and qualified English teacher involves a multi-step journey that includes gaining experience, obtaining specialized qualifications, and pursuing specific educational requirements.

Experience and Additional Qualifications

It is essential to accumulate at least a couple of years of teaching experience before you can consider applying for a permanent post. These experiences can be in the form of student teaching or working as an adjunct faculty member at a junior college or university level. While this initial experience can be valuable, it is only a part of the journey towards becoming a fully certified teacher.

In order to qualify for a permanent position, you need to pursue a Masters degree in Education. This program will typically span an additional year of intensive coursework. Moreover, you must complete a student teaching requirement, which offers hands-on experience in actual classrooms under the guidance of experienced teachers.

NCTE National Council of Teachers of English Certification

To increase your chances of securing a teaching position at the junior high or high school level in a public school, you should consider taking an NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) endorsed program in teaching English. The NCTE certification is highly valued and often required for teaching positions in public schools. Apart from this, you also need to pass the relevant state-specific certification exams.

While a degree in literature is a strong foundation for teaching English, it may not be enough to guarantee a permanent position. Therefore, you should explore other options such as a specialist’s degree in reading improvement. This field focuses on enhancing reading skills, and teachers with such a specialization often find themselves in high demand, working with small groups of students at a time.

Advisory Against Adjunct Faculty Jobs

It is worth noting that while you can gain experience as an adjunct faculty member, the pay and job security in public schools are typically better. Additionally, it is unfair how colleges often take advantage of adjunct faculty with literature credentials, especially those without a minimum Master’s degree in their subject area.

Conclusion: State-Specific Requirements

To understand the specific requirements for becoming an English teacher in the United States, you should visit the official website of the state where you plan to teach. You will find that a literature major can help meet some of the prerequisites but not all of them.

As a 37-year veteran teacher and the author of the book “Training the Teacher As A Champion,” my advice is grounded in extensive experience. The journey to becoming a fully qualified English teacher is challenging but rewarding. With the right qualifications and experience, you can achieve your goal of becoming an accomplished and well-respected English teacher.