Secondary English

Converse’s teacher preparation programs comprise a wide diversity of field and clinical experiences in public schools. Our program prepares you to become an effective teacher with an in-depth knowledge base of your field and appropriate teaching strategies for the developmental level of your students, guided by our faculty who continually challenge students to integrate theory with practice.

Applicants must have the following:

• Graduation from an accredited college;
• Overall GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale for full admission;
• A major undergraduate program appropriate for the requested teaching area;
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended

Visit the graduate catalog for detailed admission requirements.

Applicants should submit the following materials:

• Completed online application, including the $40 application fee
• Two letters of recommendation (with at least one from an academic source)
• Official degree-granting undergraduate transcript and graduate transcripts from all colleges attended.
• *A personal statement

*Converse’s founder, Dexter Edgar Converse, held the ideal that Converse students “may be enabled to see clearly, decide wisely, and to act justly.” Please write a personal statement, approximately 250-300 words in length, on how your personal goals as an educator tie with the Converse concept of The “Ideal” Educator. In keeping with the Honor Tradition at Converse, your essay must be entirely your own work. Please be specific on how Converse can help you become the “Ideal” Educator, taking special care to organize your essay clearly and proofread your work. The personal statement should be submitted as a part of the application or emailed to the Office of Graduate Admission.

Converse’s goal is to develop teachers with the cultural characteristics and school practices that reflect the needs of the students and the school philosophy.

Our English candidates will complete a major in English which includes a minimum of 33 semester hours of English above the 100 level. You will also complete certain courses within or in addition to the major. These courses ensure study of the language, composition, and literature for future English teachers. In addition, prospective teachers of English must complete hours in professional education and psychology. You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 in content area courses as well as a 3.0 GPA in overall program coursework.

Components of the MAT degree in Secondary Level English:

• Provide a thorough course of study in human growth and development;
• Develop skills in appropriate pedagogy and classroom management;
• Promote a broad knowledge of the history, theory, and professional practices promote a broad knowledge of the history, theory, and professional practices that are related to secondary English education;
• Demonstrate computer proficiency in instructional technology including the knowledge of skills, strategies, software and hardware to be used in classroom management and computer-assisted instruction;
• Plan, implement and assess instruction in simulated settings and in real classroom settings as a student teacher*;
• Organize and effectively manage placement in the public schools in grades 9 through 12.

*The PRAXIS II exam is taken by students before the completion of student teaching.

Additional Program Details

• Visit the graduate catalog for current course descriptions
• View benchmark worksheets for an outline of academic requirements for this program

See comprehensive graduate tuition and fees here.*

*Tuition and fees subject to change

Learn about Financial Aid opportunities.