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Explore the teaching - English and language arts bachelor's degree program at UW-Eau Claire

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's teaching - English and language arts bachelor's degree prepares you to become a certified English and language arts teacher in grades 4-12. Taught by passionate, supportive faculty members, coursework will help you to learn best practices and effective instructional techniques when teaching writing, speaking, reading and literature.

The majority of the major is made up of courses chosen by you. Explore the nature and structure of human language, different types of communication, writing styles, language myths and how literature has changed over time. This broad range — and incredible flexibility — allows you to personalize your studies and focus on the areas that most interest you.

Professional development is a key focus of the major. Through projects, labs and fieldwork, you'll gain the tools and skills needed to develop successful students. The opportunity to assist teachers in their classrooms throughout your four years — as well as student teach for a full semester — will help you to build your leadership skills, identify your preferred teaching style and discover how to best meet the needs of your learners. 

Upon completion of the teaching - English and language arts major, you'll have experience collaborating, exercising creativity and communicating effectively — as well as a strong understanding of the many facets of literacy and language. Our graduates go on to instill a love and appreciation for language, reading and writing in elementary, middle and high school students, helping them to grow on both a personal and academic level.

Why teaching - English and language arts at UW-Eau Claire?

Global experiences. Partaking in cultural and global experiences is highly encouraged at UWEC. English majors regularly choose to take their education a step further by studying abroad in places like Japan, France, Italy, South Korea and Australia. Cultural immersion programs have allowed students to better understand the world around them, while directly immersing them in new and different cultures. Past programs have explored transnationalism in Jamaica; cultural practices of the Hmong in Fresno, California; and the Civil Rights Pilgrimage in Alabama, Arkansas and Louisiana. 

Skill-building curriculum. A variety of literature, culture, theory and film courses — as well as English and communication and journalism electives — allow you to become an expert in multiple areas. Explore topics in visual communication, social media, audio and video production, British literature, popular culture, poetry, drama and linguistics. A class focused on literature for middle and high school ages will introduce you to trends relevant to young-adult literature, genres, strategies to promote reading, and teaching techniques to use in any language arts classroom.

Collaborative research opportunities. The English department at UW-Eau Claire offers countless opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, including the chance to conduct groundbreaking research. Alongside dedicated faculty members, your work could lead to publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at regional or national conferences.

Connection to local employers. To help you explore career opportunities and make valuable connections, we host an annual Education Job Fair, an on-campus career fair specific for those looking to enter the field of education. This event is an excellent opportunity to make connections and submit your resume for current and future job openings.

100% employed

or continuing education after graduation

2021-2022 Graduate Report

Quick facts

Teaching - English and language arts program details
  • Program length: four years
  • Offered: in person
  • Campus: Eau Claire
  • This major does not require a minor.
  • Students majoring in this program will earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. 
Student organizations
  • Aspiring Educators
  • Blugold Beginnings
  • Collegiate National Association for Music Educators (CNAfME)
  • English Ambassadors
  • English Festival
  • NOTA
  • Sigma Tau Delta

Licensure information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

  1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
  2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
  3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
  4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

The requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states: Not Applicable

It has not been determined whether the requirements of this program meet licensure in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

What can I do with a teaching - English and language arts degree from UWEC?

Graduates of the teaching - English and language arts program leave well prepared to educate, motivate and inspire the next generation. Upon completion of the program, you will be certified to teach any English and language arts courses in grades 4-12.

Where are teaching - English and language arts alumni now?

Since I've been on campus, I've had the ability to do so many different things that I never thought I'd be doing! Whether it's conducting research, heading service projects, or being a part of organizations, I've been offered so many opportunities.

Sam Schwiebert Teaching - English and Language Arts

Teaching - English and language arts bachelor's degree program curriculum

The curriculum within the teaching - English and language arts program is diverse and all-encompassing. Classes explore the theories and methods of teaching English and language arts in elementary, middle and high school classrooms. Lab courses and field experience will provide you with hours of student-teaching experience, helping you to learn — and apply — best practices and effective teaching and classroom management techniques. 

You'll also work closely with future educators, making important relationships and connections along the way. Your cohort will include people who, like you, are passionate about English and language arts and are interested in working with kids and young adults. 

What classes do teaching - English and language arts majors take?

Your classes may cover topics like: 

Learn more about the comprehensive teaching - English and language arts major in the UWEC course catalog.

Learn more about UWEC

We'll send you additional information about our campus and programs after you submit this form. You'll also have the chance to tell us more about yourself and your interests.

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Related programs at UW-Eau Claire

Thinking about a bachelor’s degree in English? Here are a few other programs you might be interested in exploring.

Department information

Multiple departments support this program. Learn more about them!

Photo of students walking in front of Centennial Hall

Education for Equity and Justice

Centennial Hall 3215
1698 Park Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the Education for Equity and Justice department website
Students with masks inside Centennial Hall

English

Centennial Hall 4102
1698 Park Avenue
Eau Claire, WI 54701
Visit the English department website