English, Secondary Teacher Certification

The Teacher Certification Program meets National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) standards of English Teacher Education programs.

Students will complete student teaching, coursework and testing requirements for recommendation for certification in South Carolina consistent with the College of Education's conceptual framework. This framework provides direction for programs, courses, teaching and teacher candidate assessment. The framework is built on the conceptual model of the "Professional Educator" as one who demonstrates these Learner Outcomes:

The Professional Educator

1. integrates content knowledge and skills of scholarly inquiry to teach all students;
2. plans, provides, and assesses learning experiences that are supported by research, knowledge of best practice and professional standards;
3. communicates and collaborates with diverse populations (students, educators, families and community members) exhibiting professional behaviors and dispositions; and
4. engages in reflection and professional development to foster student learning and inform instructional decisions.

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

¹ For approved courses see the General Education section
² If you already have credit for HIST 111, do not take HIST 111R; if you already have credit for HIST 112, do not take HIST 112R; if you already have credit for POLS 101, do not take POLS 101R

*English majors are required to complete foreign language study through the intermediate level (SPAN or FR 203). Students who place above the 203 Intermediate level are exempt from the major requirement for foreign language.

• ¹A grade of "C" or better is required in these Teacher Education courses.
• ²A grade of "B" or better is required in these Teacher Education courses.
• Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
• See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses

• Freshman Year: State Basic Skills Exam (PRAXIS Core)
• Sophomore Year: Application for admission to major in Teacher Education; screening interview; cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Junior Year: Application for student teaching; professional education GPA 3.00 or higher; cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
• Senior Year: Content Area Exams (PRAXIS II) and PLT; professional education GPA of 3.00 or higher; cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher; Graduation Application; FALS

Students enrolled in Secondary or PK-12:

Initial Level (First Year)

1. Participate in initial Advising and Induction.
2. Take PRAXIS Core or exempt with 22 ACT or 1100 SAT score.
3. Maintain a 3.0 GPA in all professional courses; achieve a grade of "B" or higher in each field experience; achieve a grade of "C" or higher in all EDUC, ECED, and SPED courses (see catalog for further details, including each department's GPA requirements within the specific content area).

Provisional Level (Second Year)

1. Complete Initial Level requirements.
2. Complete a SLED check.
3. Display professional dispositions and behavior at target levels.
4. Obtain a minimum 2.75 GPA on Lander coursework; maintain a 3.0 GPA in all professional courses; achieve a grade of "B" or higher in each field experience; achieve a grade of "C" or higher in all EDUC, ECED, and SPED courses (see catalog for further details, including each department's GPA requirements within the specific content area).
5. Pass PRAXIS Core or exempt with 22 ACT or 1100 SAT score.
6. Submit Sophomore Portfolio.
7. Gather and submit references.
8. Successfully complete an (April) oral interview with Teacher Education faculty.
9. Successfully complete other reviews as required by departments in specific content areas.

Formal Level (Third Year)

1. Complete Provisional Level requirements.
2. Display professional dispositions and behavior at target levels.
3. Obtain a minimum 2.75 GPA on Lander coursework; maintain a 3.0 GPA in all professional courses; achieve a grade of "B" or higher in each field experience; achieve a grade of "C" or higher in all EDUC, ECED, and SPED courses (see catalog for further details, including each department's GPA requirements within the specific content area).
4. Participate in Induction and Pinning Ceremony.
5. Successfully complete departmental requirements for PRAXIS II.
6. Successfully complete other departmental requirements, reviews, projects, or milestones.

Candidate Level (Fourth Year)

1. Complete Formal Level requirements.
2. Complete FALS requirements before student teaching semester.
3. Enter candidacy with formal admission to the teacher education program.
4. Display professional dispositions and behavior at target levels.
5. Obtain a minimum 2.75 GPA on Lander coursework; maintain a 3.0 GPA in all professional courses; achieve a grade of "B" or higher in each field experience; achieve a grade of "C" or higher in all EDUC, ECED, and SPED courses (see catalog for further details, including each department's GPA requirements within the specific content area).
6. Successfully complete departmental requirements for PRAXIS II.
7. Successfully complete departmental requirements for PLT.
8. Successfully complete other departmental requirements, reviews, projects, or milestones.