On Preparing Teachers with Knowledge of World Literatures

1972 NCTE Annual Business Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Background It is increasingly apparent that English teachers need a wide knowledge of literary works in addition to those from English-speaking countries.  Many high schools and colleges are offering electives in humanities and world literatures.  High school and college students desire and need to understand other cultures.  Now that numerous contemporary and older works are available in inexpensive English translations, it is possible for English teachers to aid in the interpretation and appreciation of literary forms through which men and women of different backgrounds have expressed themselves.  Be it therefore Resolution Resolved, that the National Council of Teachers of English endorse the following requirement in secondary school teacher certification: that all secondary school English teachers have preparation in and significant knowledge of literatures other than and in addition to those of the United States and Great Britain.