What Are the Degree Requirements for an English Teacher?
English teacher positions are found at middle, secondary and post-secondary schools. All states require at least a bachelor's degree to teach at these levels. A more advanced degree is required for post-secondary positions.
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Middle and Secondary Schools
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Teaching English at the middle and secondary level requires a bachelors degree in all states. In addition, teachers must achieve proper licensure and certification to teach their desired grade. Requirements vary by state.
Alternative Certification
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Some states will allow a teacher without certification to begin teaching after earning a bachelor's degree. They may be required to simultaneously meet the requirements for certification through continuing education coursework however.
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Post-Secondary School Requirements
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Four-year colleges or universities require English teachers to hold a doctorate degree in English, although two-year colleges may hire teachers with only a master's degree in English. Requirements vary by institution.
Furthering Education
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While states allow teachers to begin teaching with a bachelor's degree, some states require teachers to earn their master's degrees after a certain number of years in the classroom. States with this requirement sometimes assist with continuing education costs.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit school books image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
