Become a Foreign Language Teacher

Open up other lands to your students by teaching foreign languages

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Teaching foreign languages does more than equip students to expand their careers into the international marketplace or enjoy their leisure travels to the fullest. Today's language teachers equip students with a mind-opening knowledge of other cultures, as well as concrete learning skills that will follow them into whatever field they choose.

In addition to the typical French, Spanish and German classes offered in America's secondary and even elementary classrooms, Chinese and Japanese are being taught in more public schools. In addition, American Sign Language has become popular in some districts.

What is Teaching Foreign Languages Like?

If you become a language teacher—a Spanish teacher, for instance—you must be fluent in the both English and the language you teach. In addition, you will be required to teach your students about the culture and history of the countries who speak your language. For Spanish, you can expect to include cultural and historical lessons on Spain, Argentina and the Caribbean ,along with comprehensive information on the U.S.'s closest neighbor, Mexico. Whatever language you teach, here are a few duties you should expect as an elementary or secondary language education teacher: Handling day-to-day classroom needs, such as classroom maintenance and lessons plans Planning and attending parent-teacher conferences and administrative meetings Identifying and obtaining special training materials and programs for your classroom Planning special events related to your language and culture classes, such as dance performances, cultural displays, cultural dinners and other events

The Classroom as a Cultural Canvas

As a language teacher, you may travel from classroom to classroom, or you may have your own room, depending on your school or district size. A growing trend in public and private education today is language immersion schools, where students attend all or some core curriculum classes such as math, social studies and language arts in another language all year long. Teaching foreign languages in these schools fosters an ability among students to support academic development in multiple languages; however, it looks very different from the more traditional French or Spanish teacher jobs we are accustomed to since much of the day's regular conversation is conducted in the secondary language.

Foreign Language Teacher Salaries

Language teachers enjoy a healthy job demand in elementary and secondary schools and may be able to command a higher salary than other teachers because of a current lack of high quality, certified language teachers. While, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of primary and secondary teachers is about $50,000, you may be able to earn a better salary or benefits package. Some schools also supplement international travel if teachers lead class trips to foreign countries.

Because of the increased need for language education and the growth of the international economy, people teaching foreign languages in post-secondary institutions will enjoy a similar demand and growth, with up to 23 percent increase in jobs by 2016.

Language Education Degrees and Training

Proving fluency in the language you teach usually means you will need a bachelor's or master's degree in your chosen language. As a language major, your coursework will include extensive language education as well as classes in your chosen country's literature, history and culture. With an advanced language degree, you can teach language at a community college or university.

Since teaching in primary and secondary schools requires completion of an education degree program as well, you may choose to double major in education to complete teaching certification requirements concurrently. Otherwise, you may need to focus on either education or your language while completing separate degrees.

Language Teacher Certification

If you wish to become a foreign language teacher at an elementary, middle or high school, you will be required to complete teacher certification requirements, which typically include completion of an accredited degree program, classroom experience and an examination, depending on the state in which you work.

In addition to the regular teaching certificate, about a dozen states require an examination in your language as well. The National Teachers Examination with a foreign language education component is given in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. In other states, a different exam is given, so check your requirements at your state's Department of Education before you proceed.

Teaching a foreign language can be one of the most rewarding teaching jobs, and gives you the opportunity to see your students discover another culture and way of thinking. The reward you feel when you are to broadening the horizons of your students and equipping them for the global economy is worth the work.