COE: Grad Cert: Teaching of Writing Certificate
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Specialize in the Teaching of Writing

The Teaching of Writing Graduate Certificate is an 18-hour program offered through the Gateway Writing Project; it may also be coordinated with other graduate programs. Certificate courses may be applicable to the Masters of Arts in English with emphasis in composition or to various Masters of Education programs. This Certificate is especially appropriate for post-master's candidates who wish to pursue a specialization in teaching writing.

Through this certificate you can deepen your understanding of the writing process and how to teach it successfully to diverse learners. You can take the time to hone your own writing in a variety of modes. You can examine the cultural and political role of writing in today's society and learn the power of culturally responsive teaching. You can gain a systematic and purposeful view of teaching techniques, writing theory, new research, and student learning. As a result, you will develop an organizing vision that provides a context for what you know today and a basis for evaluating what you discover tomorrow. You will build a personal portfolio for multiple purposes, including district-level professional advancement and National Board Certification. Most important, perhaps, you will find a professional learning community.

Graduate Certificate

Contact Advisors:

Marty Woytus & Kristel Schlemper

116 South Campus Classroom Building (SCCB)
p: (314) 516-5937

Deadlines to Apply:
Fall - July 1
Spring - December 1
Summer - May 1

News

Slide 1 English alumna Christina Andrade Melly named 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year
Christina Andrade Melly is surprised by students, teachers and district administrators last month. Melly, an English and language arts teacher at Ritenour High School, was named the 2023 Missouri Teacher of the Year. Melly attended the Ritenour School District as a student and her experience compelled her to pursue a career in public education. (Photo by Brian Munoz/St. Louis Public Radio)

The Certificate is an 18-hour program through the Gateway Writing Project (GWP); it may also be coordinated with other graduate programs. Certificate courses may be applicable to the M.A. in English with emphasis in composition or to various M.Ed. programs. The GWP Certificate is especially appropriate for post-master’s candidates who wish to pursue a specialization in teaching writing. The Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing requires a 9 semester-hour core of courses developed by the Gateway Writing Project: the GWP invitational institute (6 hrs) and an exit course (3 hrs.). The remaining 9 hours are electives (at the 5000 or 6000 level) in English or in Education as approved by the advisor.

Admission

Applicants must be admitted to Graduate School and be selected by the faculty admissions committee for the Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing. The committee will review candidates using multiple sources that could include an interview, an application essay, and supporting documentation. Criteria include experience teaching writing at any level and academic record, especially in writing and the teaching of writing.

Required Core Courses
ENGL/TCH ED 6880Leadership in the Teaching of Writing6
TCH ED 6890Seminar in Professional Writing for Teachers3
Electives9
Appropriate electives will be determined by the advisor in consultation with the student.
Total Hours18

For complete information, see The Gateway Writing Project’s Graduate Certificate in Teaching Writing

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Nancy Singer, Ph.D.
Associate Dean

Nancy Robb Singer holds B.S. Ed. and M.Ed. degrees from the University of Missouri—Columbia and a Ph.D. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is also a faculty lead in the English Education program. Her research interests include online support of beginning teachers, investigation of how teachers create and perceive their professiona...