Suggestions for a high school junior planning on teaching high school english

As dean of the College of Education at Marquette, I'm admittedly a champion of our own programs.  For what it's worth, I honestly believe that all of the teacher education programs in Southeastern Wisconsin are meritorious.  In that sense, you can't go wrong.  As I see it, the decision should come down to a matter of the fit between the student and her/his goals, and the value added by the particular institution.  At Marquette, we attract high achievers with a clear interest in social justice -- serving others and making the world a better place.  That way of thinking is the heart and soul of our academic programs and entire university experience for our students, so if those dispositions aren't in place and are unlikely to develop, then we'd be a bad choice for a student.  The bottom line is that we're looking for educational leaders.  And, although we're a Catholic institution and proud of it, we welcome any students who share these aspirations and are intelligent, mature, responsible, hard-working and passionate.  And finally, because we're blessed with such talented, motivated students in the first place, when they're exposed to the high quality academic programming we provide here, they tend to be coveted by schools and districts that are aware of our reputation for excellence.   Hope this helps.

BH     

Hello

I am a Marquette alum and current teacher in Baltimore City. There is no doubt in my mind that my Marquette teacher preparation provided me with the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful teacher. Marquette transforms passionate and intelligent young teachers into teachers for social justice, young leaders in the classroom who can articulate a vision for a better world.

I watch young teachers in my district quit ever yyear because they have not been prepared for the demands of the job or to provide students with what they need and deserve. I credit Marquette wholy for providing me with approachable and caring instructors and great pre-service field experiences. These aspects of the Marquette program set it apart from others.

Please feel free to contact me about anything regarding the program or your daughter's future. There is not doubt that we need more fully certified and prepared teachers entering education.

-Nick

Hi! I'm a high school math teacher and I am proud to say I graduated from Marquette University! Now, before you think I'm just another MU alum who is drinking the kool-aid, consider this: as a teacher, it is likely I will be paying off my student loans for the next 8 years (I graduated almost 3 years ago), but I feel no resentment at all when I write that check every month, because you could not pay me to give back my Marquette education. I can say without a doubt that it has made me the person--and the teacher--that I am today. Marquette is a liberal arts school, and will ensure that your daughter is well-rounded. Though I am a math teacher, I am often helping my students with ALL of their subjects, and they are amazed at how I seem to know "everything!"

Marquette University is dedicated to its mission of Cura Personalis--that is, care for the WHOLE person. They focus not only on the learner as a student, but as a human being. The memory of the care I received from my professors, advisor, and staff members inspires me to treat my students with dignity and care each and every day.

I've also taken graduate courses at UWM, and while most of the information is the same, and I'm sure your daughter will receive a fine education there, I feel as though the sense of purpose and character-building challenges I received from Marquette are truly unparalleled. To this day, when I step on the Marquette campus, I feel at home.

My advice? Visit the campuses. See what feels right. You'll know. I did.(see below if you care how I knew) Also-- I would advise your daughter to get a reading certification as well. English jobs are VERY much in demand and I know many of the English teachers I've worked with have had to go that route to be able to compete.

Best of luck,

Kate

MU '09

My parents and I visited MU on a whim during the weekend when the Men's Basketball team was heading off to the final four. We didn't have an appointment, we didn't call ahead. We just showed up, and mentioned that I was considering Athletic Training as a major. Before I knew it, the head of the Athletic Training department was personally walking us into the locker room where a few of the players were (including Dwayne Wade!). Marquette knew nothing about me. They didn't know if I had the grades or test scores to get in, but they knew I was interested and went above and beyond to make me welcome. I knew if they'd take that kind of time for someone they knew nothing about, they'd do everything they could to make sure I succeeded. And they did.