Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Secondary Education: English with Teaching Licensure

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Program Overview

The Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Secondary Education: English with Teaching Licensure at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prepares students to teach English and Language Arts at the high school level (Grades 9–12). The program combines advanced English subject knowledge, educational theory, instructional strategies, classroom assessment, and supervised student teaching to develop effective and inclusive secondary school educators.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin their professional education sequence in the Spring semester with CI 401 E: Introductory Teaching in a Diverse Society and CI 473: Disciplinary Literacy. These courses introduce diverse classroom environments, inclusive teaching approaches, and literacy development within English subject instruction.

Year 2: Students advance their teaching expertise through CI 403 E: Teaching a Diverse High School Student Population, CI/EPSY 485: Assessing Student Performance, and SPED 405: General Educator's Role in Special Education or SPED 517: Disability Issues in Special Education. In the Spring semester, they complete CI 404 E: Teaching and Assessing Secondary School Students and EDPR 442: Educational Practice in Secondary Education (Student Teaching).

Additional master's degree requirements include three 500-level education courses (or two when SPED 517 is taken) and one approved four-credit foundations course.

Focus Areas

Secondary English Education, English Language Arts, Literature, American Literature, Multicultural Literature, Shakespeare Studies, Descriptive Grammar, Disciplinary Literacy, Inclusive Teaching, Classroom Assessment.

Learning Outcomes

Develop English teaching strategies, teach literature and language effectively, design inclusive lesson plans, assess student performance, understand diverse learners, integrate disciplinary literacy, apply educational theories, manage secondary classrooms, develop reflective teaching practices.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program prepares graduates for Illinois Professional Educator Licensure in English Language Arts (Grades 9–12). Students must pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) English Language Arts content-area examination before student teaching. The university confirms that its curriculum meets Illinois licensure requirements; requirements in other states may differ.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Education provides school-based clinical experiences and supervised student teaching through its secondary education program. Students gain practical experience in diverse high school environments and develop subject-specific teaching competencies. A specific program-level employment rate or employability ranking is not published.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Secondary Education: English with Teaching Licensure program is designed to provide students with a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This program emphasizes experiential learning, allowing you to engage directly with the educational community through hands-on experiences. You'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources that enhance your learning journey and prepare you for a successful teaching career.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in this program:

- Field Experiences: You will participate in extensive field placements in local schools, allowing you to apply your learning in real classroom settings and gain valuable teaching experience.

- Internships: The program includes opportunities for internships that provide practical teaching experience and help you build a professional network in the education field.

- Collaborative Projects: Engage in group projects that foster teamwork and collaboration, essential skills for any educator.

- Digital Tools: Utilize cutting-edge educational technology and software, such as Google Classroom and various learning management systems, to enhance your teaching methods and engage students effectively.

- Research Facilities: Access dedicated research labs and resources at the College of Education, where you can explore innovative teaching strategies and educational research.

- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from the extensive resources available at the University Library, including a vast collection of educational materials and research databases.

- Professional Development Workshops: Participate in workshops and seminars that focus on current trends in education, teaching strategies, and classroom management.

- Community Engagement: Get involved in community outreach programs that connect you with diverse populations and enhance your understanding of different educational contexts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Secondary Education: English with Teaching Licensure at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign prepares graduates for a rewarding career in education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to inspire and engage students. Graduates often find themselves in roles such as high school English teacher, curriculum developer, educational consultant, or instructional coordinator. With a strong foundation in both pedagogy and content knowledge, you’ll be well-prepared to make a significant impact in the classroom and beyond.

Here’s how the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign supports your journey toward a successful career in education:

- Career Services: The university offers dedicated career counseling, resume workshops, and interview preparation to help you secure teaching positions and internships.
- Employment Statistics: Over 90% of graduates from the College of Education find employment within six months of graduation, with starting salaries averaging around $50,000 annually.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with local school districts and educational organizations provide students with hands-on experience and networking opportunities, enhancing your employability.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), ensuring that your degree meets high standards recognized nationwide.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni of the program report high levels of job satisfaction and many go on to take leadership roles within their schools and communities.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the EdM program, you may choose to further your studies by pursuing a Doctorate in Education (EdD) or a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. These advanced degrees can open doors to roles in higher education, research, or educational policy, allowing you to shape the future of education on a broader scale. Additionally, you might consider specialized certifications or endorsements that can enhance your teaching credentials and expand your career opportunities.