Programs Preparing English Teachers

Language, literacy, and the ways of communicating are timeless so there will always be a demand for quality English educators. At Warner, we are committed to preparing knowledgeable, open-minded, and creative English language arts teachers who are aware of the shifting landscape, who are committed to high standards of teaching and learning, and who can become agents of change in schools. Our graduates become teachers who value their students, and who view students' differences, experiences, and ideas as resources for learning in the classroom. Through coursework and field experiences, our teacher candidates learn how to engage adolescents and enable them to study the English language, literature, and multiple literacies while also making rich connections to their world around them.

Today’s English language arts classrooms are about so much more than conventional reading and writing. English is not just a set of skills taught in the classroom; it is a set of social practices used to “read the world” in school, at home, and in our communities. We prepare candidates to approach teaching the English language, literature, and literacy with a critical social analysis of the diverse communities in which their students live. Our candidates recognize their students as individuals who bring rich histories, interests, and passions to the classroom and learn to provide opportunities for students to read and write about issues that intrigue or concern them.

As we live in a diverse and increasingly globalized world, the ways of communicating have become more and more complex. Our graduates develop strategies for designing instruction to prepare their students for success in this complex world—an important task facing United States education. Our faculty and candidates integrate technological and media literacy as both tools and social practices. Graduates learn to effectively draw upon a variety of media to enhance English language arts instruction while also encouraging students to express their own ideas and identities. And, their students become problem solvers and effective communicators who are proficient in English and master the appropriate learning and thinking skills, communications skills, and technology skills needed to excel in our 21st century landscape.

In an era of standardized testing and accountability, it is important to understand these realities, how they impact instruction, and how teachers can react to the demands while meeting the needs of every student. Our program prepares teachers to exceed Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts. Additionally, our graduates create a sense of community and foster strong language and literacy skills for all students, including those learning the English language or with other learning needs.

Our program is committed to issues of diversity and equity. Throughout the program, our candidates learn to construct classroom environments that promote social justice. They develop the courage and conviction to lead struggles for social justice, in-depth knowledge of English language arts, and the skills and understanding needed to help students from every background develop to their fullest potential. They develop sensitivity for what is appropriate for the age/grade level they teach, for the children and families they serve, and the communities in which they teach. And, they lead efforts to advocate for full inclusion for students with disabilities in general education classrooms as part of their efforts to reform schools.

36 credit program leading to NYS certification in Teaching Literacy (Birth-Grade 6 OR Grades 5-12). Requires prior teaching certification in another area.

Learn more about our Programs Preparing Reading Teachers.

A more flexible 30-credit master’s program not leading to NYS certification, for those interested in teaching literacy and English language arts in learning environments other than NYS public K-12 schools. These could include: independent, private or charter schools; community colleges; professional or technical schools; colleges and universities outside of the United States; or a variety of other, more informal settings.

Check program-specific requirements for our MS in Literacy Education (GR1).

Warner offers both EdD and PhD programs that can be customized to include a focus on English education, by:

• Choosing literacy and ELA courses for program core choices and electives.
• Constructing independent studies and projects in research methods courses related to ELA education.
• Conducting a dissertation project in the field of ELA education, sponsored by a faculty member with expertise in ELA education research and practice.

Learn more about our doctoral programs in teaching.

While Warner offers teacher preparation programs only at the graduate level, interested undergraduate students can achieve early admission to Warner and start taking courses to get a significant jump on their degree. 

Contact admissions for more information.

If you are a high school student looking for colleges that will allow you to become a NYS certified teacher in five years, while also completing a rigorous liberal arts undergraduate major, you should consider our GRADE program. Offered by Warner in partnership with the University of Rochester's College of Arts, Sciences and Engineering, this program allows undergraduate applicants to be directly admitted to graduate studies at the Warner School. This provides them the opportunity to anticipate some of their graduate coursework and engage in experiences that can help them decide if teaching is indeed for them. For more information, visit the GRADE Program page on the UR Undergraduate Admissions website.