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English Secondary Education

Can you name a teacher who made a difference in your life? How about a book that changed the way you think? The English secondary education major will give you the knowledge and skills needed to bring those experiences to other students. Not sure you want to be a classroom teacher? You’ll still gain valuable experience in schools, which will prepare you for other kinds of jobs, such as nonprofit youth literacy organizations or other educational nonprofits. Our alumni have used their knowledge and classroom experience to obtain full-time employment with organizations like 4-H, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and Literacy Lab.

If you’re interested in sharing your love of language, literature and writing with others, this is the major for you. In four years, you’ll not only have completed all the requirements for graduation, but also for teacher certification in West Virginia. You’ll have spent many hours in local schools, observing, tutoring and student teaching and will be ready to apply for teaching positions or jobs in other educational settings.

How will I focus my studies?

To gain hands-on professional experience, English secondary education majors often work as tutors in the Eberly College Writing Studio, volunteer with the Appalachian Prison Book Project and join WVU’s student chapter of the National Council of Teachers of English, which provides opportunities for students to present at conferences.

Jessica Robertson, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Major: English Secondary Education
Minor: Sociology

Jess Robertson As an English teacher at Morgantown High School, WVU alumna Jessica Robertson uses her degree every day. “I love every minute of it. The English and English secondary education programs at WVU prepared me for the different things I experience in my classroom. I feel incredibly secure in my knowledge of content and teaching strategies as well as interacting with a multitude of diverse students. It is also fulfilling to work so close to my alma mater’s campus and observe my students as they plan to attend the university where my life began.” 

Jessica encourages students to embrace the versatile nature of the program and personalize it accordingly. “This program can be anything you make of it. With all the incredible options available within the English department, it’s impossible not to find something you’ll love. The professors bring the content alive for students and challenge you to think in ways you’ve never considered. The English program built a stable foundation for me and my career.”

Learn more at the English Secondary Education site