Internships 

There are often internships available on campus, either directly connected with English Department programs or in other offices. In addition, off-campus opportunities are usually available.  It is a good idea to check with the Internship Coordinator as early as possible to negotiate and facilitate site selection. 

Because they involve a rather heavy time commitment (150 hours of on-site experience), internships are best taken by students having proven certain academic competencies and during a semester when students may be enrolling in a fairly light class load. 

Remember that the student, the internship organization, and the proposed site supervisor are reviewed to ensure that each internship is an appropriate, productive learning experience. 

In general, prerequisites for an internship include: 

• successful completion of at least 75 semester hours in a college/university setting 
• minimum university GPA of 2.75 
• minimum departmental GPA of 3.0 
• completion of at least 9 hours of coursework in any English major option not included in the courses required of all majors 
• if you are taking the internship as part of the minor in writing, completion of the 9 required hours 

You must contact the Internship Director for an override to enroll in EN 435, a non-graded 3-hour course for which you receive academic credit. Once you are officially enrolled, you are responsible for completing the number of hours specified for the internship and various other coursework responsibilities; these will include a weekly log detailing what you have done on the job and a final report on the internship experience and may also include samples of the writing you have done. 

Whether the internship is paid or unpaid, both the on-site supervisor and the intern should realize that the primary aim is learning. Your on-site supervisor should see that you have an adequate opportunity during the 150 hours on-site to gain information and/or skills to enhance your career opportunities. 

For further information on internships, contact Dr. James Brubaker. 

Teaching Assistantships 

The English Department invites full-time students in the Masters of Arts program in English or TESOL to apply for positions as graduate teaching assistants (TAs) in either their first or second year of the program of study. Though these positions are competitive, we welcome applicants with or without classroom experience.

As a TA in the English Department at Southeast Missouri State University, you will: 

• Gain teaching experience as an instructor of record of your composition course in each of the fall and spring semesters for up to two years while in the program (these will be mostly First-Year English Composition courses, but TESOL students may teach in the Intensive English Program)
• Consult with writers in other disciplines in the Writing Lab at Southeast’s Center for Writing Excellence
• Gain professional experience working in Southeast’s Center for Faulkner Studies (these positions are limited and not guaranteed to all TAs)
• Receive a tuition waiver covering up to 9 credits of graduate-level coursework in both the fall and spring semesters, and up to 6 credits during the summer semester

 New TAs are required to enroll in EN 600, a two-week training session in August before their first semester, during which they will prepare their fall course with a cohort of peers. The training session will also include practice and theory new instructors need to confidently lead their classrooms. Additionally, TAs in the English Department at Southeast will work with and have the support of a supervisor and other members of the faculty to help shape their teaching practice and philosophy, making the experience particularly valuable as preparation for future employment or education.  

For the application, you will need:

• A cover letter discussing your interest in being a TA, how an assistantship would benefit your career goals and interests in English Studies or TESOL and any teaching experience you might have. Please also address your experiences studying, living, and working in different situations and contexts. You are welcome to include details about any teaching-relevant activities or groups you’ve been involved with, as well as your particular strengths concerning academic work, writing, and teaching. Finally, include a discussion of your willingness and abilities to teach using and working with technology. Even if you haven’t taught, consider your experiences with technology such as learning management systems (Canvas, Black Board, etc...), or other services such as Google Docs and WhatsApp.
• Up to three writing samples (narrative, expository, research, fiction, poetry, etc…) with at least one being academic.
• Contact information for three references who will write and submit letters of recommendation for you. Those letters of recommendation should be sent directly by the writers via email to english@semo.edu.

For full consideration, all application materials should be received by April 20.

Apply Now

For teaching assistant applications, contact: 

Department of English
Southeast Missouri State University 
One University Plaza 
English Department MS 2650 
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 
Phone: (573) 651-2156
english@semo.edu 

Sigma Tau Delta 

Sigma Tau Delta, the International English Honor Society, provides exceptional English majors with opportunities to advance the study of language and literature, develop skills in creative and analytical writing, and for meeting with other scholars and professionals in the discipline of English. 
 
Members of Sigma Tau Delta also have the opportunity to publish their writing in The Rectangle, Sigma Tau Delta’s literary publication. Student members are also eligible to compete for other writing awards. In addition, student members may compete for academic scholarships, professional internships, and teaching awards. At regional conferences and the annual international convention, students may present original creative and analytical work as well as network with students, faculty, and professionals from around the country and abroad. 
 
For more information about Sigma Tau Delta, its benefits, and membership requirements, contact Dr. Christopher Rieger.