Urban Teachers – Teacher Preparation in Secondary English Language Arts
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Designed For
This program is ideal for aspiring educators who are passionate about teaching English Language Arts at the middle and high school level and are committed to working in urban school settings.
Career Objective
Graduates are prepared to teach English Language Arts in grades 7–12 with a strong focus on literacy, writing and critical thinking.
At a Glance
Program Starts: Fall
Priority Application Deadline:
December 15
Final Application Deadline:
May 1
Length of Program: 24 months
Schedule: Full time
Program Location: On campus
GRE Required? No
Teach English. Lead Classrooms. Transform Education.
This dynamic two-year program blends rigorous academic coursework with immersive, real-world teaching experience. Designed to prepare future educators for urban school settings, the program emphasizes culturally responsive teaching, literacy development and equitable instructional practices.
Students complete 42 credit hours, including core coursework in teaching secondary English, writing pedagogy, young adult literature and second language acquisition. The program also integrates research training and interdisciplinary electives, allowing students to broaden their perspective through fields such as educational psychology, ethnic studies and policy.
You will earn:
- A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction
- An English Language Arts Secondary Education endorsement
- An English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement
Our one-year graduate certificate program offers a streamlined pathway to secondary English Language Arts (ELA) teacher certification.
Program Advisor
Deb Kelt
Graduate Admissions Coordinator
Stephen Flynn
Program Details
Program Requirements
Courses
Total minimum hours: 42 hours
Including 6 hours of certification coursework
Program Requirements Include:
- EDC 385G Learning and Teaching in Urban Contexts
- EDC 382S Teaching Secondary English & Reading
- EDC 380T Writing Process and Pedagogy
- EDC 385G Second Language Acquisition
- EDC 390T Literature for Young Adults
- EDC 698P Student Teaching Internship
- SED 380 Inclusion, Disability, & Diversity in Secondary School Setting
Research Requirements | 3 hours
- EDC 380R Educational Research and Design
Electives Requirements Outside the Department | 6 hours minimum
Two electives (upper-division undergraduate or graduate courses) must be taken outside of Curriculum and Instruction (course numbers may not begin with “EDC”). We recommend exploring options in the following departments:
- English
- Rhetoric and Writing
- Educational Psychology
- Special Education
- Educational Leadership and Policy
- Social and Cultural Awareness
Background Check
School districts require all student teachers to successfully complete a criminal background check. Failure to pass the background check will cause an admission offer to be rescinded.
Certification Recommendation
Eligible students may be recommended for certification by our certification officer after successfully completing all teacher certification requirements, including the required Texas Education Agency-approved exams.
Faculty
Brings her experience in literacy education to UT with a specialization in preparing secondary teachers to work in urban schools.
Studies literacy, language, and multicultural education, especially involving new media and globalization.
Focuses on secondary English and literacy education in urban contexts, including among transnational youth.
Additional Information
