This program leads to eligibility for teacher licensure in Virginia. Licensure in English prepares students for a full range of secondary school teaching assignments. The program is accredited by the State of Virginia; in addition, Virginia has licensure reciprocity agreements with thirty other states, should the student leave Virginia. The program combines the usual requirements of a college major and minor. Students take courses in the English department (ENGL) of the College of Arts and Letters and Teaching and Learning department of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies. Students receive a Bachelor of Arts in English. Graduates of our program have been recognized for their teaching across the Hampton Roads schools.
Program Highlights
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Prepares reflective, equity-minded English teachers with strong disciplinary backgrounds
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Provides opportunities to participate in field experiences in schools, as well as in university and community programs that aim to empower readers and writers
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Offers an option of working toward a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certificate through Old Dominion University’s English Department
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Invites alumni to participate in a teacher inquiry group that supports them in their professional growth and reflective practice as they transition from the university to the classroom
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Recreation Workers
Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics, or social studies at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.
Instructional Coordinators
Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology in specialized fields that provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
Editors
Plan, coordinate, or edit content of material for publication. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. Includes technical editors.
Requirements
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Apply for and be admitted into the approved English teacher preparation program after 60 credits of coursework
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Maintain the minimum required grade point averages (GPA):
- A cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required.
- A major/content GPA of 2.75 is required – all upper-division English courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher. Lower-division and English W courses must be passed with a grade of C or higher.
- A professional education GPA of 2.75 is required – all professional education courses must be passed with a grade of C- or higher.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Featured Courses
Cost
Estimated rates for the 2024-25 academic year. Rates are subject to change. Anyone that is not a current Virginia resident will be charged non-resident rates. That includes international students.
Ways to Save
Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending ODU. For more information visit University Student Financial Aid.
Financial Aid
The U.S. Department of Education offers financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students here. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) offers financial aid to undergraduate and graduate students here. The ODU Office of Financial Aid has a list of scholarships for current and prospective students here.
TEACH Grant
Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Click here to learn more.
Hattie Strong Foundation Scholarship
If you're interested in applying for the Hattie Strong Foundation Scholarship, click here. For more information, contact the Office of Clinical Experiences, 2345 Education Building, 757-683-3348.
The Virginia Scholarship Loan Program (VSLP)
The primary purpose of the Virginia Teaching Scholarship Loan Program (VTSLP) is to provide financial support to students who are interested in pursuing a teaching career in one of the top five critical shortage teaching areas. The critical shortage teaching areas are determined annually through the Supply and Demand Survey for School Personnel, based on data received by school divisions in Virginia. The application is received from VDOE each April. For more information, contact The Office of Clinical Experience, 2345 Education Building, 757-683-3348 or click here.
Student Loan Cancellation/Deferment Options for Teachers
Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans. Click here to learn more.
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