Feeling good vibrations

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Are you looking for a career that has so much action you will go home exhausted five nights a week? Are you looking for a career that will put you in daily contact with hundreds of people; one that will allow your theatrical side to shine; one that will challenge you until you are 70 years old?

But most of all, are you looking for a career that will change lives, including your own; one that will never let you rest until you satisfy your personal goals; one that will give you the greatest rewards possible? Yes?

Then join the hundreds of Utah Valley University English graduates who are now teaching in America’s public secondary schools.

In 2000, a secondary English program started at UVU. Guided by a handful of dedicated and experienced professors, college students began to fill the classes. Now, eight years later and under the direct leadership of Lorraine Wallace and Dr. Kay Smith of the English department, classes brim with those who want to tangle with today’s teens.

“I’m so very proud of our teachers for being just what our schools need! They each bring a vast knowledge of content and pedagogy to public classrooms. And, I must add, our teachers know how make learning relevant and fun,” said Dr. Smith. “It is a great thrill when many principals tell me they call our university first when looking for those who can effectively and resourcefully teach English.”

Although the English Education program may receive little fanfare, what it has accomplished is impressive: Over 200 English teachers have left the UVU English Education program, and many of those teach in Utah. From Juab High School to Davis High School, and with many junior highs sprinkled in between, UVU teachers take their posts to help engender literate lives.

Our current pre-service teachers have the opportunity to learn in the field from these mentors, visiting their classrooms and giving mini-lessons. The rewards are beyond great — pre-service, intern and veteran UVU English teachers create bonds that build trust, confidence and a passion for teaching.

The English department has a high percentage of faculty with doctoral degrees. This promises that students going into the English Education program can count on professors who can teach how to succeed.

It is said, “Teaching is the profession that teaches all the other professions.” If you have not found your niche in the world, become an English teacher!