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Department of Language and Literacy Education

Come work, study, and learn with the nationally and internationally recognized faculty of the Department of Language and Literacy Education. We offer a wide and robust selection of endorsement, certificate, and degree programs for educators interested in literacy learning and language acquisition. Whether on campus, online, or some combination of the two, there is a language and literacy program to fit your needs.

Our three areas of focus—English education, literacies and children’s literature, and TESOL and world language education—provide cutting-edge instruction marked by innovative design, challenging content, and rich professional relationships. Graduates of our BSEd, MEd, MAT, and EdS programs take their expertise to schools throughout the Southeast, while our doctoral graduates populate research-intensive universities across the nation.

Admission to programs and majors in the Department of Language and Literacy Education will not be adversely affected at the department level by an applicant’s history of participation in social justice activism or in peaceful protests seeking social or political change.

Vision Statement

We, members of the Language and Literacy Education Department, are a community of scholars, researchers, educators, clinicians, and innovators committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. We teach. We learn. We question. We fail. We strive to interrogate and sustain multiple perspectives in language, literacy, and aligned fields that cultivate inclusive environments. We are committed to promoting the success of faculty, students, and staff of all racial and socioeconomic groups, religious and cultural backgrounds, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and national origins. We believe all people deserve equity in education, and we work diligently to maintain a department where all scholars can thrive, free from discrimination, bigotry, inequity, harassment, or violence of any kind. We support current and future educators who are reflective of, and sensitive to, an increasingly diverse society.

Concentrations

  • English Education

    The English Education faculty members have a legacy of excellence in teaching, research, and service at UGA.

  • Literacies and Children's Literature

    Ranked among the top 10 programs in the country, our degrees focus on innovative research and teaching practices. Faculty members engage students in critical inquiry and an analysis of literacy issues based on each student's experience and goals.

  • TESOL and World Language Education

    Earn a degree in TESOL and World Language Education to teach in the United States or internationally. Help others learn a second language and expand your career options to a global level.

Degree Programs

Double Dawgs
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degrees

Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd)

  • BSEd in TESOL and World Language Education

    Earn certification as a world language / TESOL teacher at UGA's highly regarded program featuring hands-on classroom experience and an accomplished, internationally renowned faculty.

  • BSEd in English Education

    This program prepares you to teach secondary-school English with classes in literature, composition, and language as well as student-teaching experience.

Dual Degrees

  • AB/BSEd in French/World Language Education

    The BSEd program prepares students to teach modern, classical, and less commonly taught languages in pre-school through 12th grade. There are established plans of study for French, German, Latin, and Spanish education.

  • AB/BSEd in German/World Language Education

    The BSEd program prepares students to teach modern, classical, and less commonly taught languages in pre-school through 12th grade. There are established plans of study for French, German, Latin, and Spanish education.

  • AB/BSEd in Spanish/World Language Education

    The BSEd program prepares students to teach modern, classical, and less commonly taught languages in pre-school through 12th grade. There are established plans of study for French, German, Latin, and Spanish education.

  • AB/BSEd in English/English Education

    Pursue your academic interests and your passion for educating others with a dual degree from the UGA College of Education and Department of English.

Minors

Master of Education (MEd)

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

  • MAT in English Education

    Designed to prepare teacher candidates who have already earned a BA or BS for a certified secondary school teaching position in English, or the study of literature and other texts, instruction in composition, and language study.

  • MAT in TESOL and World Language Education

    Gain exposure to new theoretical orientations, research methods, and TESOL teaching approaches with UGA's MAT in TESOL and World Language Education program.

Master of Arts (MA)

Educational Specialist (EdS)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Non-Degree Programs

Non-Degree Certifications

  • Certification in TESOL and World Language

    Earn your TESOL or World Language certification in an academic year (summer/fall/spring/summer) through this non-degree program aimed at students with a degree in TESOL, modern, or classical languages but not education.

Endorsements

  • ESOL Endorsement

    Learn to help English learners in your classroom by adding the ESOL endorsement to your teaching certificate through our mostly online program.

  • Reading Education Endorsement

    If you are certified to teach in Georgia, our reading endorsement may be added on to your teaching certificate, giving you expertise in P-5 or 6-12 classrooms.

ITA Testing Program

In order to teach at UGA, international students must demonstrate English proficiency. The International Teaching Assistant (ITA) Testing Program in the TESOL and World Language Education program provides two spoken English proficiency assessments for students seeking teaching positions: a) the ITA Test of English Proficiency (ITA-TEP) and b) Duolingo English Test video assessment.

Learn more about these tests and who should take them .

JoLLE Newsletter

The Journal of Language and Literacy Education is a peer-reviewed, open access journal edited by graduate students. Since 2004, JoLLE has engaged readers in a broad spectrum of issues related to the field. As an online journal, JoLLE encourages submissions that incorporate multiple modes. Graduate students, under faculty advisement, are responsible for the entire process of editing and producing two issues a year. In addition to scholarly articles, JoLLE publishes Arts and Poetry, book reviews, and a monthly Scholars Speak Out feature. It also produces an annual spring conference that generates content for the spring issue. JoLLE provides graduate students with a dynamic experience that prepares them for their own careers in academia.

Visit the JoLLE Website

JoLLE cover

Learn about JoLLE’s annual conference!

Support Our Programs

Donate to a Specific Unit/Program

Scholarships

In addition to the following departmental scholarships, learn more about additional opportunities for financial assistance on our financial aid page .

Student Organizations

International Association of Reading Graduate Studies (IARGS)

We support the study of the teaching of reading.

Faculty advisor: Jennifer Graff

Journal of Language and Literacy Education (JoLLE)

This organization promotes the interchange of ideas among the literacy education community.

Faculty advisor: Usree Bhattacharya

Language and Literacy Education Graduate Organization (LLEGO)

The Language and Literacy Education Graduate Organization (LLEGO) is a vibrant and active student organization.

Faculty advisor: Kevin J. Burke

Latest News

Faculty and Staff

Donna E. Alvermann
The Omer Clyde and Elizabeth Parr Aderhold Professor in Education and Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus
Crystal L. Beach
Part-Time Assistant Professor
Usree Bhattacharya
Associate Professor
David L. Chiesa
Clinical Assistant Professor
Lori de la Reza
Business Manager I
Tisha Lewis Ellison
Associate Professor
Kadianne Francis
Student Affairs Professional II
Dell Perry Giles
Part-Time Assistant Professor
Jennifer Graff
Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator
Mary Guay
Clinical Associate Professor
Linda Harklau
Professor
Victoria Hasko
Associate Professor
Jamie Jordan Hogan
Clinical Assistant Professor
Sofia Ivanova
Academic Professional Associate
Sara B. Kajder
Clinical Professor and Director of Clinical Practice
Allison U. Nealy
Clinical Professor and Department Head
Petros Panaou
Clinical Professor
David Reinking
Adjunct Professor
Ryan Schey
Assistant Professor
Lou Tolosa-Casadont
Clinical Professor and World Language Program Coordinator
Constance B. Tucker
Office Manager

Contact Info

Department Head: Allison U. Nealy
  • Phone: 706-542-4505 (general inquiries) 706-583-8130 (student inquiries)
  • Email: lled@uga.edu
315 Aderhold Hall 110 Carlton Street Athens, Georgia 30602
© University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602
706‑542‑3000