Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education (grades 6-12) - English

Why Earn Your Secondary Education - English Degree at Saint Leo University?

Do you love literature and creative writing? Share your passion with young people, and get them excited about composition, critical thinking and—yes—even grammar. As an English teacher at the secondary level, you’ll guide students to important discoveries about language and culture.

Find your voice through British and American lit classes, the Saint Leo University's Writer’s Circle and Sandhill Review literary magazine, while learning effective strategies—including the use of emerging technologies—for teaching language arts to adolescents, including ESOL, special education, multicultural and at-risk populations.

Undergraduate Secondary Education - English Program Details

Accumulate more than 800 hours of field experience by the end of your senior year—almost double the hours recommended by the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. By the time you graduate, you’ll be well equipped to command a classroom of your own as a certified English teacher.

In 2011, Saint Leo’s Education department was named a national finalist for the Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award. And, according to a recent survey, between 92-98% of school principals who've had a Saint Leo graduate as a first-year teacher at their school report that they'd provide a positive recommendation for rehiring.

You may declare the Secondary Education major when you begin coursework at Saint Leo University. However, to be formally admitted to the program, you must complete a major application once you fulfill general education requirements.

View in Course Catalog

Learn Your Way: Online, On Campus, or Near You

• Online: Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
• On Campus: Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
• Near You: You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.

Career Outlook

No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.

• Florida Teacher Certification: Secondary Education majors are eligible to receive certification to teach grades 6-12 in your area of specialization—English.
• Student teaching: Hone your skills through no less than four field placements, including teaching fulltime in a secondary school one semester your senior year.
• Professional seminar: Prepare yourself for the job market: Create your resume, meet with school district representatives to learn about the application process, participate in mock interviews with school principals and district administrators.
• 21st century classroom: Discover how to enhance learning with technologies such as iPads, the MimioVote assessment system, interactive SMART boards and teleconferencing across the world.
• Conferences: Attend at least one professional conference before graduation, such as the Florida Council for Teachers of English.
• Co-curricular activities: Participate in the Future Teachers Association and become an active member of Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.

Accreditation

Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.