Middle School English, Language Arts, and Reading & ESL

Start your degree to become a teacher

Are you interested in becoming an English teacher? In becoming an ESL teacher? The teaching degree to become a Middle Grades English teacher is BS, Interdisciplinary Studies with 4- ELAR/ESL certification.

Who is the typical student?

Students in the School of Education, earning their teacher degree in 4-8 ELAR/ESL, are passionate about teaching reading and writing to middle grades students. Their own experiences inspired them to become a teacher and give back to others.

Learn MoreConnect with a current student or a current teacher to learn more about earning your degree to become a teacher.

What will you learn?

Face to face and online courses will prepare you to become a teacher. Our program focuses on student wellness and wellbeing in addition to teacher wellness and wellbeing. 

By senior year, students are in the field at least one day a week districts such as Cedar Hill ISDDallas ISDDe Soto ISDGarland ISDGrand Prairie ISDIrving ISD Lancaster ISDMesquite ISD, and Uplift Education.

Want to know how to become a English teacher? Review the program course catalogue or connect with a pre-admissions advisor on questions about requirements and transfers

What are the requirements?

Requirements for becoming a Middle Grades English teacher are admission to the teacher education program, a semester of student teaching, a criminal background check, and passing your certification exams. 

Learn MoreConnect with ELAR 4-8/ESL Program Coordinator Dr. Cynthia Rodriguez, or learn more about certification testing

What are the job prospects?

A teaching career provides stability and benefits while allowing you to impact the world. Starting salaries in N. Texas are just above $50,000 a year with health and retirement benefits. Many teachers interview and receive preliminary offers before graduation.  Scholarships also ensure you leave the School of Education with low debt.  Learn more about the job market

Why a teacher degree?

A teacher degree with certification is an investment in a stable career with benefits.  Some become a teacher and stay teaching. Others advance by becoming a master reading teacher, instructional coach, curriculum writer, or even, administrator.  After successfully teaching over several years, others take their skills outside of schools to become tutors, educational sales reps, consultants, business owners, or policy advisors.  Learn more about career paths and design a roadmap