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The teenage years are among the most important in a person’s life. It’s a time when a great teacher can make an enormous difference. Now you can prepare to become the extraordinary teacher every student deserves.

Prepare to help students reach their true potential

In small classes and amazing field experiences, you’ll work closely with the outstanding faculty of our School of Education. You’ll develop your leadership skills, master the latest educational technologies, and study the subtleties of lesson planning, classroom management and human growth and development. In a curriculum deeply rooted in the liberal arts, you’ll take a deep dive into English courses. You’ll explore a variety of teaching styles, prepare to support and challenge students who learn in different ways, and gain a deep understanding of the profession’s key values of scholarship, leadership and service.

More ways to grow—on campus and beyond

Practical, hands-on experience is built into our curriculum. You’ll spend a lot of time in the real world of secondary education, observing teachers at different grade levels and engaging students across a wide range of cultural backgrounds. As a senior, you’ll spend a semester teaching a high school class, with the guidance and support of your professors. You will enter the teaching profession with the full set of skills and knowledge you’ll need to create a caring, stimulating and effective classroom environment.

The English major and secondary education focuses on important literary works in English during various periods within an historical context. Students must also fulfill School of Education requirements in order to be certified. The program is designed to help prepare students for teaching English on the secondary level and also for graduate study in English or education.

The State of Illinois requires teachers to earn a Professional Educator License with Secondary Endorsements in a specific area of study. Dominican offers state-approved programs in five key subject areas:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • English
  • History
  • Mathematics

Learn more about Dominican's English major

Learn more about Dominican's Secondary and K-12 Education major