Elizabethtown College English Department

This program is one of the most unique programs that the college has to offer. Students are able to experience courses in both the English and Education departments and have access to engaging opportunities for their specific interests. Upon completion of the program, students will leave E-town with a degree in English as well a certification to teach Secondary Education in the state of Pennsylvania.

Junior English secondary education major Megan Kane really enjoys her small classes because they are discussion based and there is “nowhere for students to hide.” In a small group setting, there is a great deal of reflection, which helps students grow and develop practical skills.

Courtney Comer, also a junior English secondary education major, also values the small class sizes.  “Being able to talk about what you’re reading is really important, and it is so much less intimidating to discuss in a smaller class,” she said.

Both Comer and Kane are passionate about their choice of major, but they both came to the conclusion of English secondary education in different ways. Kane has “always loved to read and write, but was torn between pursuing education or professional writing.”  She had the opportunity to work with students when she was in high school, and from that experience decided that English education was the right direction for her.

Comer came to Elizabethtown College knowing that she wanted to be a part of the education department, but could not decide between math and English. After taking a course with professor of English Louis Martin, she “fell in love with English.”

Associate professor of English and English secondary education Matt Skillen does his best to offer opportunities to enrich the students’ experience while they’re in the program. They have opportunities to attend conferences to gain a broader range of knowledge while networking with valuable contacts. Through Skillen, Comer was connected with a local family and provided with the opportunity to tutor in English.

Student teaching, or methods placement, is one of the most useful tools for students, because they have the opportunity to engage students in a real English classroom setting. Within the program, students are also asked to reflect on their opportunities with their fellow classmates. This allows them to grow as teachers themselves, but also to learn from others experiences.  Small class sizes are ideal for this practice, because it invites students to share freely without the intimidation of a large group.

The curriculum is a fairly even mix of English and education courses, with opportunities to personalize the program as students please. They have the freedom to shape their schedules around what they want achieve.

Author bio:

Written by Dru Schneider, 2018 graduate of Elizabethown College.