At Lander University, the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a concentration in English prepares future educators to become highly effective high school English teachers who inspire a love of literature, language, writing and critical thinking. Students gain a strong foundation in English content while developing the teaching skills, classroom experience and professional knowledge needed to thrive in today’s schools.
Housed within Lander’s College of Education, the program combines rigorous coursework in English with extensive preparation in pedagogy, literacy, assessment and classroom management. Students learn how to engage diverse learners, create meaningful learning experiences and foster communication skills that empower students for college, careers and life. From the first year of the program, students participate in a sequence of field experiences that connect classroom learning with real-world teaching. Through observations, guided practice and in-the-moment mentoring, candidates build confidence and professional expertise in authentic school settings. Students complete more than 100 hours of field experiences before their culminating student teaching semester.
Upon completing their degree and all South Carolina Department of Education requirements, graduates receive their recommendation for a South Carolina teacher certification in English (Grades 9–12). The program has received national recognition from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in education and communication-focused fields, including:
- High School English Teacher
- Literacy Specialist (with additional training or graduate study)
- Curriculum Developer
- Instructional Coach
- Educational Program Coordinator
- Academic Intervention Specialist
- Training and Development
- Corporate Education
- Educational Publishing
- Writing and Editing
- Content Development
- Youth and Community Programs
*See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses