Teaching of Writing K-12 Certificate

Program Description

The Graduate Certificate in the Teaching of Writing K-12 provides a 15-hour graduate-level experience for educators (postbaccalaureate or those who already have a MA or are enrolled in MA degree programs) wishing to meet professional development requirements in the teaching of writing. Students will gain a deep understanding of the teaching of writing through a combination of working on their own writing, reflecting on their teaching practices, and reading current research in writing pedagogy, composition, and literacy. Following the National Writing Project model of “teachers teaching teachers,” participants will share successful writing activities through demonstrations and develop and implement curriculum. They will formulate research questions about their teaching practices and document the effects of their instruction by collecting and analyzing student work. Upon completion of the certificate, educators are ideally suited to fulfill leadership roles in collaborative teaching projects and in professional development offerings related to improving writing instruction.

This certificate is a Missouri State University Certificate and does not meet DESE Certification requirements for teaching.

Admission Criteria

To be considered for the program, a student must submit a Graduate Application; have successfully completed the Invitational Summer Institute (ENG 730 or the equivalent at a National Writing Project site) with a “B” grade or better; and hold a Bachelor’s degree in English or related field. Students who hold a Bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than English may be admitted to the GCTW program if they can demonstrate a commitment to teaching writing within their own discipline as a central component of their pedagogy. Such a commitment can be demonstrated in the statement of purpose or letters of recommendation.

The following additional required application materials must also be submitted:

A Statement of Purpose, approximately 500-750 words describing academic and/or professional objectives, teaching philosophy, approach and demonstrating a commitment to teaching writing; and
Two letters of recommendation from people who can speak to your academic and/or professional experience and expertise.

Required Courses: Credit Hours: 15

Core Courses: Choose 9 hours from:

Additional Courses: Choose 6 hours from:

Note:

* Cannot be counted as an “additional course” if taken as a core class.

Completion requirements

Courses must be completed with a 3.00 GPA for successful completion of certificate.