Is it possible to get an undergrad in Creative Writing, obtain my teachers certification, then go on to teach high school English/Creative Writing? Or should I get an undergrad in English?
Thanks,
Ian
Probably no.
In order to get teacher certification as an undergrad, you have to major in a secondary education program that leads certification in that field (most states call it English education, grades 7-12). At the vast majority of colleges, that is going to be a regular English major. The reason is because most high schools want teachers who can teach English literature, which is a core required class. Many high schools don’t even offer creative writing as a class, and if they do, it’s an elective.
You might be able to attend a college that has an English major with a concentration in creative writing that leads to certification. Another option is to major in English education and minor in creative writing, or take a lot of classes. A third potential option is to double major or major/minor in English and creative writing, and then get your M.Ed in English education that leads to initial certification/licensure as a teacher.
But on a general level, you will probably need to major in English education in order to teach with a bachelor’s degree.
Also do note that in many states/localities, it is very difficult to get a teaching job - even entry-level - with a BA these days. Many schools and districts are preferring or requiring a master’s. This is especially true in English; there’s a glut of English teachers in many urban/suburban areas.
Creative writing usually is a subtrack within an English major. While coursework in literature is required for creative writing majors, an English major in the literature subtrack usually takes more literature courses. As an English major with a literature emphasis, you can still take some electives in creative writing.
Some English major programs offer a subtrack for those who wish to obtain teacher certification. In addition to education courses, it commonly requires or recommends certain English courses including surveys in both British & American literary history, a course in the English language (e.g., Structure & History of the English Language), an advanced course in English composition, possibly a course in film or other media, and possibly a course in adolescent literature. Of course, there is some overlap between different subtracks within an English major, so you’ll really have to check the requirements in particular departments.
The safest bet if you wish to get teacher certification in English is to check the requirements in particular states in which you might wish to teach. It’s possible that some states will accept an English major with a creative writing track, but I’m guessing that a standard English major or an English major for teaching at the secondary level is the safest bet. A stand-alone creative writing major would be a riskier bet to obtain teacher certification in English.