In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid for your Secondary English Education degree.
Secondary English Education (6-12)
Secondary English Education Major
You love language, and you have a desire to teach. Turn your two interests into a great career by becoming an English teacher. You’ll get to pass on the importance of effective communication to the next generation. With a degree in Secondary English Education from Wayne State, you’ll be eligible to teach subjects such as composition, literature, speech, theatre, communication, journalism, and reading in grades 6-12.
Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey
Our Focus is Results
Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world in the English Education degree program.
Skills Learned
- Creative writing
- Literary analysis
- Advanced English grammar and writing
- Linguistic theory and applications
- American and British literature
- Shakespearean plays and poetry
- Teaching young adult literature
- Classroom strategies to teach writing
- Developmental reading for middle and high school
- Classroom management and leadership
- Presentation and public speaking
- Critical thinking and reasoning
- Professional standards and ethics
- Oral and written communication
Possible Careers
- Middle school English teacher
- High school English teacher
- Journalism teacher
- Literature teacher
- Author
- Editor
- Publisher
- Librarian
- Legal or technical writer
- Freelance writer
Employers
- Middle schools
- High schools
- Colleges and universities
- Businesses and organizations
- Newspapers and magazines
- Publishing companies
- Libraries
- Public offices
- Non-profit organizations
- Self-employment
Learn from the Best
Our faculty are accomplished. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in the Secondary English Education degree program.
Outside the Classroom
At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your education in the English Education degree program by participating in clubs, organizations, activities, and more.
Clubs and Organizations
- Forensics Team (competitive speech team)
- Kappa Delta Pi (education honor society)
- Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Aspiring Educators
- Sigma Tau Delta (English honor society)
- Student Council for Exceptional Children (SCEC)
Publications
- The Wayne Stater - college newspaper
- Plains Writer Series – a biannual event featuring contemporary poets and writers to campus for readings and workshops
- The Nebraska Territory – a regional literary magazine
- The Judas Goat – a student literary magazine
Opportunities
- Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA) - Develop your classroom skills and get paid at the same time.
- Competitions and conferences – Showcase your skills when you compete in poetry and fiction slams or the Hot Papers Contest, and meet the pros when you participate in writing programs and attend conferences.
- The Neihardt Seminar – a special summer course taught by a visiting writer/scholar
- Study Abroad - Earn credit toward your degree while experiencing exciting global adventures overseas.
Clinical Practice
Before graduating with your English Education degree, you will complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you will work closely with an experienced English teacher to gain classroom experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.
