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Specialize in the Teaching of Writing
An 18-hour, online/campus-based program designed to enhance understanding of the writing process, teach writing successfully, and build a personal portfolio in a professional learning community
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.
Marty Woytus & Susan Johnson
p: (314) 516-5930
- Deadlines to Apply:
- Fall - July 1
- Spring - December 1
- Summer - May 1
Jointly housed in the Division of Teaching and Learning and the Department of English, this Graduate Certificate prepares teachers at all levels (K-12, college, adult) to improve their students’ performance in writing. The program also emphasizes using writing as a means to promote learning in all content areas. All courses provide opportunities for teachers to write, revise, share feedback, and reflect on their own writing development. Based on the National Writing Project’s core belief that teachers of writing must themselves be writers, the Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing brings together sound pedagogy, composition theory, and writing practice.
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 12 semester-hour core of courses developed by the Gateway Writing Project: The GWP invitational institute (6 hrs), a designated “topics” course (3 hrs.), and an exit course (3 hrs.). The Certificate requires a minimum of 12 semester hours at the 5000 or 6000 level or above. Electives (6 hrs.) may be chosen from approved offerings in English or Education.
Admission
Applicants must be admitted to Graduate School and be selected by the faculty admissions committee for the Gateway Writing Project’s Certificate in the Teaching of Writing. The committee will review candidates on the basis of 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.
Prerequisites
| ENGL/SEC ED 4880 | Writing for Teachers (or an equivalent course in teaching writing ) | 3 |
| Coursework or competency in basic computer application. | ||
Required Core Courses
| ENGL 4850/TCH ED 5850 | Topics in the Teaching of Writing (designated topics) | 3 |
| ENGL 6880 | Gateway Writing Project | 6 |
| TCH ED 6890 | Seminar in Professional Writing for Teachers (exit course) | 3 |
| Total Hours | 12 | |
Electives
Electives may be chosen from other Gateway Writing Project offerings or from courses offered by the appropriate academic department with advisor’s approval. These electives must include at least one more 5000-6000 level course.
| Electives | 6 | |
| Suggested electives applicable to an MA in English with writing emphasis: | ||
ENGL 5800 | Modern Linguistics | |
ENGL 5840 | Theories of Writing | |
ENGL 5860 | Writing/Reading Theory | |
ENGL 5870 | Composition Research | |
ENGL 5890 | Teaching College Writing | |
| Suggested electives applicable to an M.Ed. in Elementary or Secondary Education ELE: | ||
ELE ED 6387 | Literacy Acquisition and Learning for Diverse Students | |
ELE ED 6482 | Problems and Research in Teaching Elementary School | |
ED REM 6714 | Action Research In Education | |
| Total Hours | 6 | |
Courses in adult and higher education may also be appropriate. For complete information, see The GatewayWriting Project’s Graduate Certificate in Teaching Writing, available from the English Department, the Division of Teaching and Learning, and the GWP Director.
