Secondary Education
With a degree in English Education, you are qualified to teach in the public school system, grades 6-12. Consider which age group is the best fit for your personality and the subjects that you are most interested in teaching. Middle school will focus on language arts (e.g., reading and comprehension skills, basic writing). High school builds on and reviews these basic skills but might also allow some specialization.
What Can I Do Now
Courses
Check out our advising page for recommended courses. You'll need to plan your coursework carefully in order to meet Idaho's state education requirements. Also, think about certifications. One BYU-Idaho graduate had a degree in English with a certification in Math, and she had multiple job offers because of her range. Learn more about certification.
Student Teaching
Typically, you will student teach your final semester of school. However, start planning ahead, as it takes almost a year to schedule your student teaching. Learn more about student teaching.
Praxis
Most states require you to pass the Praxis exam as part of your certification requirement. Depending on your state's requirements, you may need to take the subject-specific Praxis, which tests your knowledge of literature genres, literary periods, and other literature-based knowledge. You might also take the Praxis Core Academic Skills exam. Learn more about the Idaho Test Requirements.
To prepare for the subject-specific Praxis, take careful notes in your literature classes. Many students enjoy a class discussion but don't write anything down. Can you really hold four years' worth of classes in your memory? The Praxis asks you to know different authors, literary periods, and genres. Turn your classes into a Praxis prep course. Take careful notes about the Victorian era. Write down the key characteristics of Emily Dickinson's poetry, as well as her most famous poems. Keep your class notes so you can review this content as you prepare for the Praxis.
Higher Education
Do you want to inspire the next generation of English majors? You might want to teach at a community college or university. If this is your goal, plan on going to graduate school.
Think carefully about what you want to teach. English breaks down into smaller subjects such as composition, rhetoric, professional or technical writing, creative writing, American literature, British literature, and multi-cultural literature. As you take your classes here, explore the various subjects that you might want to teach. Also, consider the marketability of each subject. There's a greater market for composition instructors than Shakespeare professors. Don't let practicality discourage you, but be aware of the competition.
What Can I Do Now
Courses
Check out our advising page for recommended courses. Find out which category of English most interests you; be open to new literary genres and authors.
Graduate School
Start planning for graduate school now. Learn more about how to prepare.
Professors
As you start thinking about graduate programs and teaching at a college or university, meet with some of your favorite professors. Ask them how they prepared for their career and what they love about their jobs. What are the challenges of being a professor? What steps do they recommend for meeting your goals? The faculty in the English department have a wide range of teaching and educational experiences, and they'd love to meet one-on-one to talk about your plans. Learn more about which faculty best match your interests. Then just send an email and set up a meeting.
Work Experience
Try for a job that relates to your career goals. Below are some great on-campus job opportunities that will prepare you for a career in higher education. Check out the Student Job Board for postings in these areas:
Teaching Assistants
Work with an individual professor as a teacher's assistant. TAs will work with teachers in grading student work, conferencing with students, and even teaching a class or two. Typically, TAs will work ten hours per week, depending on the instructor's needs. If you want to be a TA, contact the specific professor you'd like to work with. Remember that any initial contact (phone or email) is like a preliminary interview. Be professional. Write an email that shows you have strong writing skills.
Academic Success and Tutoring Center
With the Academic Support Centers, you might be a writing tutor, a reading tutor, or a subject-specific tutor. You will be trained in both the subject you tutor and how to tutor effectively. Both skills will help you in your career as a teacher.
Volunteer Tutor Experience
Even if you don't need a paying job, building your work experience is important. Check out these volunteer tutor experiences that you can find on campus.
Teaching English Abroad
Maybe you aren't ready for graduate school, or you want some great life experiences before you settle into a more traditional career. Many BYU-Idaho English graduates teach English abroad for a semester or a year or longer. A quick Google search will show you numerous companies that are looking for English teachers. Find more information about getting a job teaching English abroad below:
As you consider this option, be careful in selecting a reputable program. Here's an article on avoiding scams.