Language, Culture, and Teacher Education (LCTE)
The Language, Culture, and Teacher Education (LCTE) Unit prepares K–12 educators to teach in a wide range of school communities. Our programs emphasize research-based teaching and reflective practices that support all learners.
Bridging Language, Experience, and Practice in K–12 Education
In the LCTE Unit, our work reflects a deep commitment to preparing teachers who are responsive to the varied experiences and strengths students bring to the classroom. Through a strong foundation in language, culture, and research-based pedagogy, we equip educators to be leaders in schools and communities.
Teaching and Learning to Transform
The LCTE Unit prepares educators to teach and lead in today’s school communities. With a focus on research-based and reflective practices, our areas of study include Cultural Studies, Social Science Education, Art Education, Literacy Education, Elementary Education, English Education, World Language Education, English as a Second Language (ESL) Education, Deaf Studies, and Children’s and Young Adult Literature. Together, these programs equip future teachers to support all learners and make a meaningful impact across K–12 settings.
Explore Areas of Study in the LCTE Unit
Art Education
Art Education prepares students to teach visual arts in a variety of settings, combining studio practice with strong foundations in teaching and learning.
Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies explores the relationships between culture, identity, and education. This area of study helps students examine how social, historical, and political contexts shape teaching and learning.
Deaf Studies
Deaf Studies explores the language, culture, and experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. Students gain knowledge to support inclusive communication and education practices.
Elementary Education
Elementary Education prepares students to teach young learners across core subject areas, with a focus on foundational skills, child development, and effective classroom practice.
English Education
English Education prepares educators and scholars to teach and study literature, writing, and language arts across a range of educational settings. Programs emphasize critical thinking, communication, and responsive approaches to diverse learners.
English as a Second Language
ESL programs prepare educators and scholars to support multilingual learners across K–12, adult, and higher education contexts. Coursework emphasizes language development, instructional strategies, and research on language learning and teaching.
Literacy Education
Literacy Education prepares educators and scholars to support reading, writing, and language development across age groups and settings. Programs focus on instructional methods, literacy theory, and research to advance effective and equitable literacy practices.
Social Science Education
Social Science Education prepares educators and scholars to teach history, civics, geography, and related fields. Programs emphasize inquiry-based teaching, critical thinking, and understanding social and cultural contexts in education.
World Language Education
World Language Education prepares teachers and scholars to support language learning across K–12, adult, and higher education contexts. Graduate and undergraduate programs emphasize language acquisition, intercultural competence, and effective instructional practices.
Children’s and Young Adult Literature
The Children’s and Young Adult Literature area of study is designed for doctoral students interested in exploring the history and evolution of the literary genre. Graduate coursework focuses on past and current trends, reader engagement, theories about reading and literacy development, reading pedagogies, and literary criticism.
Teaching That Engages the World and Shapes the Future
In the LCTE Unit, we are grounded in teacher education that prepares future educators to teach a wide range of content areas across grades K–12. Our programs are built around meaningful field experiences, close faculty mentorship, and a strong sense of community among students. Coursework is active, collaborative, and connected to the strengths and lived realities of schools and communities.
In tandem with teacher preparation, we also offer opportunities to explore language, identity, and educational equity through programs such as Deaf Studies, Cultural Studies, and Literacy Education. Students develop practical tools and a critical lens to support all learners—and engage deeply with questions that matter across classrooms and communities.
Whether you are drawn to content-specific teaching or broader questions of learning and engagement, your experience in the LCTE Unit will be hands-on, reflective, and grounded in your growth as an educator and advocate.
Ready to join us on Rocky Top?
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