We CU Educating at Centenary University!
Bachelor of Arts in Education: English (K-12)
Prepare to teach English across middle and secondary classrooms while developing expertise in literacy instruction and curriculum design.
Centenary University offers teacher certification for tomorrow’s teachers in Biology, English, History, Mathematics, Social Studies, K-6 Elementary School, Preschool – Grade 3, and Teacher of Students with Disabilities (Special Education). Centenary University is known for its innovative approach to teaching special education methodologies to tomorrow’s teachers. We were one of the first institutions with education programs in New Jersey to provide a dual certification program for general education and special education candidates.
It’s also possible to earn additional certifications in Middle School Language Arts, Middle School Mathematics, Middle School Social Studies, and Middle School Science.
Once you are admitted to the program, we work with you to ensure your success at Centenary and support continues when you become an educator.
Earn both your General Education Certificate and your Teacher of Students with Disabilities Endorsement (Special Education) with our innovative Special Education program
The Special Education program is designed to prepare you to work effectively in support and inclusive settings with children and youth with disabilities and their families. We offer an approach that prepares you with an understanding of the foundations and current issues in special education, including federal and state rules and regulations.
Our graduates can effectively use assessment data to design, implement, monitor, and evaluate individualized instruction for students with disabilities. You will learn how to adapt and modify instruction and design accommodations to promote success for students with disabilities in special and inclusive settings.
Future teachers learn how to work in collaboration with families, community members, general education teachers, and other professionals who work with students with disabilities.
The learning approach is heavily hands-on and crosses-over into general education so that you understand how all children learn in their different learning styles.
Our program prepares you to think critically and act responsibly as professionals within the changing field of special education.
Centenary graduates are highly sought after as Special Education Teachers. Of you recent graduates, 40% have their first position as a special education teacher. (The average for the 24 programs across New Jersey is 10%.)
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include NJ teacher certification/endorsement as applicable, MA/MEd, supervisor/principal certification, special education, ESL, literacy, or educational technology endorsement.
Career Pathways:
English Teacher, Literacy Specialist, Curriculum Coordinator
Industry Outlook:
Steady growth in education, with a high demand for English teachers in both urban and rural districts.
Regional employers include
New Jersey public school districts; Newark Public Schools; Jersey City Public Schools; Paterson Public Schools; Elizabeth Public Schools; Trenton Public Schools; KIPP/North Star; Uncommon Schools; private/independent schools.
Salary Outlook:
$45,000 – $65,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in Education: English, a reasonable starting range is approximately $55,000–$65,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $72,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data