Secondary School Teaching

"I am wrapping up my ninth year of teaching in the Medford Public Schools; I currently teach 10th and 12th grade English and journalism at Medford High School. I taught 6th grade for five years in Medford before moving to the high school. The courses in methodology, the student teaching, as well as the courses in my subject field were all excellent preparation for the classroom. My advisor, Dr. Myles Striar (now retired), was instrumental in my development as a teacher; I cannot thank him enough. I believe I am making a difference by teaching my students how to read, write, and think clearly as well as engendering a love of literature as it has been written, spoken, and sung through the millennia. From Homer to The White Stripes, I try to pass along a love of sharp thinking and the critical tools to grasp the myriad genres: from modern poetry to satire. BU was a great experience for me, and I never mind the student loan payment; it was well worth it." — Max Heinegg, English Teacher, Medford High School Medford, MA SED'98, MAT, Secondary English
"Dr. Glenn's class about character education prepared me the most for teaching today's student population. It seems as if I intertwine content and character education in all my lessons and in the school community. A few years ago, I founded the high school's community service club." — Lisa Desberg Lucia, English Teacher, Wilmington High School (2007 Teacher of the Year) Wilimgton, MA SED'01
"For the first few years after graduating from SED with an MAT in English Education, I taught English and Journalism both the high school and community college level. In 1998, I decided to combine my knowledge of teaching and background in journalism as the Public Relations Officer for Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. In 2004, I took the post of Associate Director of College Communications at Unity College in Unity, Maine, where I currently serve. My MAT from BU prepared me for this career by offering hands-on opportunities to teach and by providing me with an overview of pedagogy. On a daily basis as a writer and communications professional at the college level, I draw from my BU education in a variety of ways. Possessing the ability to translate programs and related issues for consumption by journalists, the general public, and the Unity College community has helped me to excel in this position and in my career. Having teaching experience has also given me a credential that places me on an even footing with faculty, who respect that I have taught and possess a firsthand understanding of the challenges they face. My BU education helped me to find the career that I was searching for, and I could not be more pleased with the outcome." — Mark Tardif, Associate Director of College Communications, Unity College Unity, ME SED'95

English and Language Arts Education

Degrees Offered: MAT in English Education Ed.M. in English and Language Arts Education CAGS in English and Language Arts Education Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching

Faculty Contact: Stephan Ellenwood 617-353-3238 ellenwoo@bu.edu

Students focusing on English and Language Arts Education study literature, research on language development, classroom teaching methodology, and service to schools and children. Boston University’s English Education program prepares teachers, literacy and language specialists, teacher educators, and researchers for professional responsibilities at various levels of English and language arts education.

Our program enables both prospective and experienced educators to examine the art and the craft of teaching language and literature. Depending on the degree sought, you may take a range of courses in literature, language, and educational theory and practice. The guided field experiences in local schools are at the heart of the program’s mission.

The program prepares school supervisors, teachers, teacher educators, and researchers for work in various areas of English and language arts. Our program focuses on research findings that help improve instructional methodology, materials, and curriculum, and provide service to schools and children.

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Liberal arts college graduates pursuing the Master of Arts in Teaching degree in preparation for middle of secondary school English teaching are required to complete a 48-credit program of graduate-level English courses, professional education courses, and student teaching. The course sequence enables students to earn an initial license, and the professional courses emphasize diverse teaching methodologies and innovative curriculum reforms. For more information, please refer to the MAT degree program description.
Learn more about the MAT program

Master of Education (Ed.M.) and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS)
The Ed.M. and CAGS programs in English and Language Arts Education provide advanced study for practicing English and language arts teachers who develop specific plans of study, in consultation with their academic advisors, for careers as supervisors, department chairmen, or consultants. Students in an Ed.M. or CAGS program may earn a professional license for classroom teaching with the appropriate professional experience while holding an initial teaching license. The programs emphasize both recent research and successful practices in English and language arts education. Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits for the Ed.M. program, and a minimum of 32 credits for the CAGS program. The Ed.M. degree program requires one research course, three courses in the Curriculum and Teaching Department, and five courses selected in consultation with your advisor.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Experienced educators in the doctoral program prepare for responsibilities as college and university professors, English/language arts researchers, consultants, and designers, writers, and producers of educational materials. In addition to the departmental core courses, students complete courses in educational research, English literature, English education, language arts, linguistics, reading, and curriculum development. Students interested in the doctoral program should refer to the Curriculum and Teaching Ed.D. description.

Required Courses for the MAT in English Education
Four graduate courses (16 semester credits) in your field of specialization at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Required Courses for the Ed.M. in English and Language Arts Education

Required Courses for the CAGS in English and Language Arts Education

1 Research course
3 Courses in Curriculum and Teaching
4 Electives Selected with Advisor’s Consent

Required Courses for the Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching

Course descriptions

Practicum
Boston University enjoys long-standing relationships with many inner city and suburban school systems in Greater Boston that offer our students rewarding field experiences under the guidance of expert teachers and faculty. The School of Education reserves the right to determine whether a student is fully prepared to enter any professional field experience. This would include passing the SED Literacy Test prior to starting the practicum.

Download a description of this program