They teach language and literature courses in languages other than English. This includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL), teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
The role of a foreign language teacher is to teach courses in a specific language, which in modern curricula often includes instruction in literature and cross-cultural studies. Foreign language teachers are masters of the language, demonstrating high proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the language they are teaching. With these skills, instructors create an environment for students to learn effectively. Foreign language teachers usually teach several levels concurrently, from beginning speakers of foreign languages to students who are approaching fluency. Instruction in foreign languages includes vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and accent, as well as the evolution and history of the language.
Sample of reported job titles: Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Foreign Languages Professor, French Professor, German Professor, Instructor, Modern Languages Professor, Professor, Spanish Instructor, Spanish Professor
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required.
A person working as a Professor – Foreign Languages in Kenya typically earns around Ksh214,000 per month. Salaries range from Ksh105,000 (lowest) to Ksh334,000 (highest).
Teaching positions in pre, elementary, and secondary schools are expected to increase at an average rate in the future. However, demand will be greatest for teachers with expertise in science, math, and bilingual education.
As globalization connects different areas of the world, the demand for foreign language teachers is rising. The salary for a foreign language teacher varies depending on the grade level taught and location.
Minimum requirements to teach at a private or public school include a bachelor’s degree in a foreign language, linguistics, or a related field, native-level fluency, an understanding of the culture associated with the language(s) taught, and a strong desire to teach the subject. Foreign language teachers at the college level will need an advanced degree, such as a master’s or doctoral degree. Like other educators, foreign language teachers are responsible for planning and delivering lessons. At the high school level, foreign language teachers often sponsor and supervise foreign language clubs and related extracurricular activities. Since many students take foreign languages in preparation for applying to college, teachers of foreign languages may take on a mentoring role and participate in the college application process with students. Secondary schools with diverse curricula may ask teachers of foreign languages to instruct English-speaking classes on the literature and culture in which the teacher is an expert, such as French Literature.
