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Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing
The Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School is available only to those already certified as middle school or high school teachers. The courses taken create opportunities for full-time high school and middle school teachers to develop and enhance their expertise in the teaching of writing in their classes. High school and middle school teachers in any discipline with an interest in studying current theory and practice in the teaching of writing are encouraged to apply for admission to the Certificate program.
Gainful employment disclosure information is available at http://provost.illinoisstate.edu/downloads/GainfulEmploymentDisclosureRequirements6_30_2011.pdf
Certificate Courses
- ENG 409.01 Major Figures in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School
- ENG 409.02 Issues of Grammar in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School
- ENG 409.03 Writing Assessment in High School/Middle school
- ENG 409.04 Using Technology to Teach Writing in High School/Middle School
- ENG 409.05 Applying Rhetoric to the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School
- ENG 409.06 The Writing Project (Offered Each Summer)
When can I start?
You can start the program any semester. Visit the Certificate Admissions page or contact Dr. Christopher De Santis, Director of Graduate Studies in English, for registration information.
Who takes these courses?
With few exceptions, all students in these classes already hold teacher certification in a middle or secondary subject. Most are full time high school or middle school teachers and share a high level of investment in the courses.
When are the courses offered?
We know high school and middle school teachers have especially full schedules. These courses will always be offered on weekends or weekday evenings to facilitate teachers’ busy weekday schedules. Weekend courses are usually offered in six-hour blocks every other Saturday during the semester.
What if I miss one of the courses?
The six certificate courses are typically offered in a three year rotation (with the exception of 409.6, "The Writing Project" which is offered each summer). Should you start work on the certificate and have to miss one of the courses, you can, with permission from the Graduate Director, substitute an appropriate graduate-level composition or rhetoric class.
Who teaches these courses?
These courses are taught by members of the ISU English Department faculty who have substantial experience as full-time middle or secondary educators or very substantial experience working with teachers in middle and secondary schools.
How do I complete the certificate?
In addition to 18 hours of coursework, you complete the Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing in High School/Middle School by doing the following:
- submitting an application and being admitted to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing Program
- submitting a completed Certificate Audit (via e-mail attachment) to the Director of Graduate Studies in English
- submitting a completed Application for Completion of a Non-degree Graduate Level Certificate form to the graduate school
Where do I go for more information?
For more information about the certificate, contact Dr. Christopher De Santis, Director of Graduate Studies in English.
For information on the specifics of the certificate courses, contact Dr. Robert Broad, Dr. James Kalmbach, or Dr. Janice Neuleib.
For information about graduate certificates at ISU, please visit the Graduate School's Graduate Certificate page.