About
North Carolina needs teachers. Students in Appalachian’s English, Secondary Education (BS) program receive excellent preparation to be an English teacher through the university’s Department of English and Reich College of Education.
This NCATE-accredited program produces the most English, Secondary Education graduates in the state. It also has an excellent placement record. It is designed for students who want to teach high school English, although majors often go on to graduate school in English or other professional schools in areas such as law, medicine or education.
The preparation for English education is rigorous so future teachers become broad in their thinking, well informed about theory and practice, and concerned about diversity, community and their ongoing professional growth. Graduates also experience success and flexibility in careers as diverse as writing, publishing, journalism, broadcasting and marketing, as well as educational administration, law, business, library and information science, health care, politics and more.
After Graduation
Employment: Students who graduate from this program have gone on to work for school districts across the state and across the country.
Graduate School: Those who have furthered their education have been employed by numerous universities and colleges that include Wake Forest, Clemson, Millikin University and others. Students who choose to continue their education have gone on to programs at the following schools:
- Clemson University
- Teachers College, Columbia University
- New York University
- Wake Forest University
- UNC-Chapel Hill
- North Carolina State University
- University of South Carolina
- UNC-Greensboro
- University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- University of Virginia
- Duke Divinity School
- University of Tennessee College of Law
- University of Wisconsin Law School
Professional Licensure
This is a program that can lead to licensure or certification in North Carolina. Appalachian State University cannot confirm whether this program will meet the requirements for professional licensure in other states or territories.
If this applies to you, check the Professional Licensure webpage for information on licensure requirements and licensing agencies in other states. Or, you may address questions to State Authorization at App State at stateauthorization@appstate.edu or 828-262-7559.
People
Minors
A minor is not required.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
The English Club is a student-run organization that supports camaraderie among English majors through a variety of activities and special events on campus.
Sigma Tau Delta is an international honor society for English undergraduates.
Lyric is Appalachian’s Spoken Word Poetry Club.
The Peel is an award-winning student-run literary publication that features Appalachian students’ stories, poetry, essays and artwork.
Cold Mountain Review is Appalachian’s professional literary review published out of the Department of English.
The Film Club is the Department of English’s undergraduate club devoted to film production and appreciation.
APPS Society Film Series is sponsored by the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS).
Sustainability Film Series screens films that help viewers better understand the challenges facing human culture and our planet.
The Queer Film Series seeks to increase campus and community awareness of the histories, lives, and cultures of LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, and intersex) persons.
The Hughlene Bostian Frank Visiting Writers Series brings eight authors to campus for readings and craft talks throughout the school year.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society. Opportunities for education majors include international student teaching.
Admission Requirements
Admission to Appalachian’s Teacher Education Program is required.
Why Appalachian?
- There is a high demand for teachers in North Carolina, and this program excels at preparing students for these jobs. Alumni include 2015 North Carolina State Teacher of the Year Keana Triplett, and other graduates frequently have been named teacher of the year at the school, district and regional levels.
- The skills most in demand for today’s job market are those in which English majors excel – oral and written communication, critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension and analysis.
- Research shows that English majors who choose to pursue a graduate or professional degree consistently perform at the highest levels on the GMAT, MCAT, LSAT and the GRE.
- Appalachian has been training quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
- Appalachian has been preparing quality educators for more than 100 years and is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Location
Boone and Hickory*
*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.
Careers
Appalachian graduates with English degrees excel wherever employers value cultural literacy and the ability to read carefully, think critically and write effectively.
Contacts
Dr. Leonardo Flores
Chair
floresll@appstate.edu
828-262-3098