English Teaching Major
Study English teaching at UNI – the state’s leader in teacher preparation
English and Language Arts teachers play an important role in the development of a well-rounded student. They introduce young minds to the world of literature, languages and cultures, while helping them develop their own ability to communicate.
UNI is recognized around the Midwest for its excellence in teacher preparation, and the English teaching program is no different. In fact, UNI trains more language arts teachers than any other university in the state.
Through first-hand classroom experience and observation, our students are prepared to lead their own classes as they begin student teaching. When it comes time to hire English teachers, principals regularly request UNI English teaching graduates for their open positions.
Click here for more information on English Teaching major classes and program requirements.
in Iowa
UNI’s Department of Languages & Literatures graduates more language arts teachers than any other university in the state.
Classroom
Ready
UNI is home to a top teacher preparation program, known around the Midwest for excellence. Students gain 725+ hours of classroom experience before graduation.
Endorsements
Convenient for students to complete endorsements in other disciplines to be more marketable to school districts.
Learn more about English Teaching
Fill out your information here to receive communication about this major.
Contact us directly at:
Department of Languages and Literatures
1001 Bartlett Hall
Cedar Falls, Iowa 50614-0506
langlit@uni.edu
Phone: 319.273.2821
Fax: 319.273.5807
Opportunities for English Teaching majors
Clinical Experience
As an English teaching major, you will have two internships in which you will explore, define and sharpen your skills as a future classroom teacher. Your teaching experience will be capped off with student teaching which can be done in Iowa, throughout the United States or overseas.
Educator Prep
Students in UNI’s educator preparation programs acquire more than 725 hours of hands-on classroom experience before graduation. This is done through more than 90 active school district partnerships in and beyond Iowa—even internationally!
Professional Organizations
UNI English Teaching majors are part of a vibrant preservice teaching community that includes the UNI Council of Teachers of English (UNICoTE), which is the student affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Preservice teachers also participate in the Iowa Council of Teachers of English, the award-winning state affiliate of NCTE.
Clinical Experience
As an English teaching major, you will have two internships in which you will explore, define and sharpen your skills as a future classroom teacher. Your teaching experience will be capped off with student teaching which can be done in Iowa, throughout the United States or overseas.
Educator Prep
Students in UNI’s educator preparation programs acquire more than 725 hours of hands-on classroom experience before graduation. This is done through more than 90 active school district partnerships in and beyond Iowa—even internationally!
Professional Organizations
UNI English Teaching majors are part of a vibrant preservice teaching community that includes the UNI Council of Teachers of English (UNICoTE), which is the student affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). Preservice teachers also participate in the Iowa Council of Teachers of English, the award-winning state affiliate of NCTE.
Careers
This major enables students to gain a wide-variety of teaching experience by offering courses in communication, literary theory and film. Common career areas for graduates of this major include:
- English Teacher
- Language Arts Teacher
- Grant Writer
- Journalist
- Freelancer
- Social Media Manager
Key Courses
Literature for Young Adults
Reading and evaluation of literature suitable for adolescents.
Teaching Major Authors
Advanced study of instructional resources, activities, and strategies for effective teaching of major authors in secondary English/Language Arts classrooms; topic may focus on one or more writers (e.g., William Shakespeare, Walt Whitman & Emily Dickinson) or on several writers associated with a period, region, ethnic tradition, or genre (e.g., Modern American Poets).
The Teaching of English
Preparation for teaching secondary English (5-12); teaching of literature and media, reading and writing, and speaking and listening; attention to curriculum design, language development and use, and evaluation.
Educator Essentials: A common set of course options for all teacher education students to complete -- gives future Panther teachers a foundation to build upon.
Iowa Writing Project
Created in 1977, the Iowa Writing Project (IWP) offers professional growth opportunities for Iowa teachers and advocates exemplary teaching of writing and use of writing for learning in Iowa schools. IWP focuses on Iowa educators, K-college, extending across the state a vision of writing and a consistent approach to the teaching of writing. The Project cooperates with compatible efforts in other states and is an active member of the National Writing Project network.
Related Majors & Minors
Languages and Literatures Features
Final Thursday Reading Series featuring Monica Roe
Thu, Sep 25 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Hearst Center for the Arts, 304 W. Seerley Blvd. Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Stephen Haven and Rosa Lane poetry reading and author talk
Mon, Oct 20 2025
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Bartlett 1017
Final Thursday Reading Series featuring Ted Morrissey, Brady Harrison, and Grant Tracey
Thu, Oct 30 2025
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Hearst Center for the Arts, 304 W. Seerley Blvd. Cedar Falls, IA 50614