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Information for Graduate Students

Beyond the MA

Graduates with an MA degree generally follow two paths: either continuing their schooling or joining the workforce.  Below are some helpful hints on pursuing these options:

Pursuing the PhD

If the PhD is the route you are considering, you need to begin planning a year and a half in advance.  Because of this high-pressured timetable, some students plan to delay a year, using the year after graduate school as a preparation process. 

Although presenting a paper at a conference is a good activity for all graduate students to engage in, it is probably a necessity for those planning to pursue the PhD. Think about what course papers are possibilities for conference presentations. See the UPenn Call for Papers site for information on upcoming conferences in English.

An application for a PhD program usually requires at least the following:

1. GRE scores

   • The GRE General Test is now offered by computer only.  It is being offered year-round.  Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.  The testing period of November through January is heavy.  During these heavy testing times, ETS urges you to register early--two months in advance.

      

     The Subject Exam is offered three times a year in October, December, and April.

      

     Some institutions now require The Writing Assessment Exam.

     GRE preparation is important.  It is a good idea to take a class to increase your scores, since you will be competing with those who do take classes.  At the very least, purchase software that helps you prepare for the exam, such as GRE POWERPREP.  Do not attempt this exam without considerable preparation.   Check to make sure the literature exam is being offered; sometimes not all subject exams are available.  The subject exams also require preparation. For starters, review the Norton Anthology  (both volumes, English and American), familiarize yourself with some basic theoretical terms and figures, and obtain GRE preps.  You need to plan ahead.  You need to think not only about having your scores sent to your chosen institutions before their application deadline, but also about the possibility of taking the exams a second time if you are not satisfied with your scores.    However, since all scores within the last three years are reported, it is always best to do as well as you can the first time.  Valuable phone numbers include: GRE Registration: 1-800-GRE-CALL; ETS 609-771-7670; and the Sylvan Registration Center 1-800-473-2255.   The Sylvan Center in Cape is 339-2017.

      

     Make sure you check out the following web sites: The official GRE site provides valuable information about the test, test dates, current registration deadlines, fees, test centers, test strategies, necessary identification, etc. Looking at this site is a must.  The Kaplan site has useful tips on applying to graduate schools (when and where) and on admission strategies.

2. Three letters of recommendation

   • Ask for letters of recommendation from your professors well in advance—at least one month in advance before a mailing deadline.  It is always best not to have letters of recommendation coming in at the last minute.  Supply your recommender with addressed, stamped envelopes and provide copies of work (your exams and your papers) so your recommender can comment specifically on your work. (Make sure you save all of your work.)  Southeast has a Placement Service where you can set up a dossier file.  The Placement Service will then send your file to prospective employers or graduate schools for a $3.00 charge.  Their phone number is 651-2583.

3. A writing sample

   • The writing sample you submit should be an original analysis of an issue or text. It should demonstrate awareness of the critical or theoretical issues current in the field.  As you choose your topics for courses, you should keep this in mind.  After you have revised a course paper for these purposes, ask a faculty member to read your work and allow yourself ample time to make necessary revisions. Make sure this writing sample is error-free.

4. A curriculum vitae

   • Make sure your curriculum vitae is clear and error-free.  Ask your advisor to give you suggestions.

     The Director of Graduate Studies will also keep sample vita on file for you to peruse.  Since there are a variety of possible layouts, I suggest you come in to look at the file.  This file may also help you answer some technical questions that may be specific to your own curriculum vitae.  The key factor is clarity. Some job candidates on a separate sheet (not on the c.v.) provide a description of courses taught and innovative strategies used.

5. A statement of purpose

   • Statement of purpose, which usually consists of a one-to two page explanation of why you want to pursue your chosen field. The nature of this requirement frequently varies with the institution, so allow you ample time in the application process.

Applying for Community College Positions

If you are planning on applying to community colleges, you should have the following prepared by early spring:

1. Three letters of recommendation

2. A curriculum vitae

3. A statement explaining why you wish to teach at the community college

4. An application form that is sent to you

The September issue of PMLA is a directory that, among other things, provides a list of community colleges organized by state. You can obtain the appropriate names and addresses of particular colleges that interest you.  Otherwise, see The Chronicle of Higher Education.  The on-line version is more user-friendly than the hard copy.

Applying for High School Positions

If you wish to teach in the state of Missouri, you must be certified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).  If you have a BS in English Education degree from an accredited Missouri college/university and have taken and passed the Praxis-NTE exam, you should have your certificate to teach English Language Arts in grades 5-9 (Middle School Certification) and/or to teach English in grades 9-12 (Secondary Certification).  If you have a certificate from another state and wish to teach in Missouri, contact DESE  (Office of Teacher Certification—573-526-3578) for any requirements you will need to fulfill Missouri certification.  Conversely, if you wish to teach in another state, contact their teacher certification office for their requirements.

Before applying for a particular position, it is important to know something about the district and the community.  Many districts and community newspapers are now online.  It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the current social, cultural, and educational issues that are affecting the district.

If you have a school district in mind but haven’t seen any job listings, write a letter of inquiry.  Ask if they anticipate any openings and request an application.  If they do not have any positions, request that your application be kept on file.  Develop an excellent, one-page resume to be included with any application forms.

If you are invited for an interview, the following two questions are almost certain to be asked:  What is your strength as a teacher, and what is your weakness as a teacher?

After an interview, always follow up with a thank-you letter.

The main approaches to finding a teaching position include the following:

1. File your credentials with the University Placement Service.  When you file, you may indicate the areas of the state/nation in which you are interested in a position.  When schools register a position, if your name is on file, you will be notified and can elect to have your credentials sent to the school.  Send a letter to the school indicating your interest, asking for an application and an interview, and stating that your papers are being sent.

2. The University sponsors an Education Fair in April each year at which administrators from regional public schools do brief interviews with people interested in their schools.  If you participate in such an interview and are interested in the school, follow up by sending a letter of interest requesting an application.

3. Networking.  Many individuals find out about teaching positions by word-of-mouth.

   1. Knowing teachers in the region (from your undergraduate field experiences, your undergraduate colleagues, by joining and attending regional {SMETA—Southeast Missouri English Teachers Association} and state {MATE—Missouri Association of Teachers of English} meetings) is an invaluable means to finding a school and a position in which you will “fit.” 

   2. Letting your English Education faculty at the university know you are in the market is also important since they are often the first people whom administrators call when they are looking.

4. Education Week is a tabloid for K-12 positions much like The Chronicle of Higher Education is for college positions.  Jobs from across the nation are advertised.  Beware, however, of jobs that offer moving expenses and large salaries in large districts, such as Atlanta or Washington, D.C.  These are usually extremely challenging positions in inner city schools.  The St. Louis districts are now on-line listing specific openings.

Considering Nonacademic Careers

If you are planning nonacademic careers, you should take a look at Howard Figler's The Complete Job-Search Handbook (New York: Henry Holt, 1988).