Learn cutting-edge methods of writing instruction from some of the top scholars in the field
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Writing is a 20-hour program of study for certified middle school or high school teachers, part-time university writing faculty and lecturers in other disciplines, and M.A. students interested in earning a certificate in writing to enhance their professional teaching careers. To facilitate the schedules of grade 6-12 teachers, courses are offered on weekends, weekday evenings, and during the summer (e.g., two-week intensive courses).
The Certificate requires completion of five graduate courses consisting of one core course and four elective courses. Major topics include theories and methods of teaching writing; understanding linguistic diversity; uses of technology in writing; social aspects of writing development; non-fiction writing; writing assessment; and teacher research. Graduate credits earned can be applied toward the M.A. in English upon acceptance into the M.A.
The aims of the Certificate program are as follows:
To prepare teachers of writing from middle school to the university by engaging in the theories and best practices that promote student learning and lead to improvement in student writing;
To support teachers who pursue professional development through course work in a structured program of study;
To encourage middle school and high school teachers to pursue a graduate degree in English (credits may apply toward an M.A. in English) or one in Education; and
To strengthen IU Indianapolis’s, and especially the School of Liberal Arts’s, professional mentorship of Indiana’s middle school and high school teachers.
To prepare teachers of writing from middle school to the university by engaging in the theories and best practices that promote student learning and lead to improvement in student writing;
To support teachers who pursue professional development through course work in a structured program of study;
To encourage middle school and high school teachers to pursue a graduate degree in English (credits may apply toward an M.A. in English) or one in Education; and
To strengthen IU Indianapolis's, and especially the School of Liberal Arts's, professional mentorship of Indiana's middle school and high school teachers.
Contact
For questions about admission to the program and graduation procedures contact:
School of Liberal Arts Graduate Programs Office teamgrad@iu.edu
CA 513
317-274-1182
For questions about advising and curriculum contact:
André Buchenot,
Associate Professor of English, buchenot@iu.edu
(317) 278-0391
By satisfactorily completing five graduate courses, or a minimum of 20 credit hours, you earn your certificate in the teaching of writing. The five graduate courses consist of one core course and four elective courses. Four graduate credit hours may be taken at another accredited institution with approval by the Graduate Certificate adviser.
Core course (4 cr.):
W509 Introduction to Writing and Literacy Studies (4 cr.)
Elective courses: (16 cr.):
W500 Teaching Writing: Issues and Approaches (4 cr.)
W508 Graduate Creative Writing for Teachers (4 cr.)
W510 Computers in Composition (4 cr.)
W531 Designing and Editing Visual Technical Communication (4 cr.)
W590 Teaching Composition: Theory and Practice (4 cr.)
W600 Variable Topics in Rhetoric and Composition (4 cr.):
When you have accessed the application, use the information below as a guide.
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching Writing is located under IU Graduate School
On the application in the Intended Program and Plan section, select the following:
Type of degree: “graduate certificate” from the drop down menu
Academic Program: “IU Graduate School” from drop down menu
Do not select “English (IU Graduate School)” or the Teaching Writing Certificate will not appear
Academic Plan: “Teaching Writing Certificate” from drop down menu
NOTE: The certificate programs do not require letters of recommendation. However, the online application can only be submitted if at least one recommender is named.
