What does a Language Teacher do?
Language teachers provide instruction to help students master the fundamentals of a specific language. They generally start with the core elements of basic grammar and format, and then expand into more complex aspects, eventually working towards the goal of becoming comfortable speaking and understanding conversational dialogue. They may provide this teaching onsite in a classroom setting or from a distance using a remote learning platform. They select a curriculum, explain concepts, and evaluate students’ progress.
Language teachers have varying qualification requirements depending on the level and setting in which they are teaching, but generally they would at least have a bachelor’s degree, with an advanced degree preferred. They would likely be required to have a valid teaching license in their state. They would be fluent in at least two languages, and have teaching experience.
- Communicate and interact with students, parents, staff and community.
- Monitor appropriate use and care of equipment, materials and facilities.
- Maintain appropriate records and follows required procedures and practices.
- Ensure that students achieve and demonstrate mastery of stated learning objectives.
- Serve as a resource person and facilitator in the learning process.
- Complete all grading by providing prompt, high-quality, personalized feedback on assignments.
- Review curriculum and determine course modifications that will promotes student achievement for those requiring accommodations through IEPs or 504 plans.
- Communicate regularly with students to ensure that each student successfully complete his/her instructional program.
- Use data to monitor successful completion of assignments and facilitate appropriate interactions with students that encourage consistent interaction with the course(s).
- Provide ongoing and timely feedback to students on their progress towards meeting big goals by frequently checking for understanding.
- Support the instructional program with synchronous and asynchronous web conferencing sessions using Adobe Connect.
- Use data to reflect on effectiveness of lessons and student achievement progress in order to improve instruction and personal practice.
- Prepare and deliver relevant course content using a variety of teaching methods and assessments that support student learning.
- Use teaching methods that emphasize application, cooperation and collaboration and engage students actively in their studies, encouraging them to become independent learners with higher-order thinking skills.
- Bachelor's Degree in computer science, education, or language.
- A leader, critical thinker, and excellent communicator.
- Collaboration and time management skills alongside adaptability and continuous improvement.
- Can conduct lectures and labs with confidence and assist students in need.
- Is a professional at all times.
How much does a Language Teacher make?
Language Teacher Career Path
Learn how to become a Language Teacher, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Language Teacher Insights
Product School“Top notch instructors and course content from the best of the best companies in Silicon Valley”
Australian Centre for Education“This means you cannot commit to anything outside of work and destroys and potential for a good work life balance.”
Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall“I love teaching and it was exciting opportunity for me to teach students and see their learning progress.”
JET Program“Not much freedom to teach what you want (Japanese teacher is in charge of all planning)”
BorderLink“Your manager for your prefecture can make your time worse or better (Luckily I have a great manager).”
Heart English School“Seems like there is no career progression although I may have not looked further into or my current Japanese ability is too low.”
JET Program“Opportunity to learn Japanese but didn't require any for my placement despite being very rural.”
JET Program“It's a great experience but after awhile your career will stagnant and you'll be doing the same things each year.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of language teachers
A language teacher instructs students on the fundamentals of a specific language. A typical day of a language teacher includes preparing course and classroom materials, assigning homework, grading papers and tests, and creating individualized plans for students with special requirements. Language teachers also organize a schedule across different locations.
Working as a language teacher is a great job if the benefits suit you. If you love to teach and to help people, language teaching is a fulfilling career. Some professionals also get increased opportunities to travel to the country or countries that use the language they teach.
Teaching can be challenging, but it is a rewarding profession. Individuals looking to become a language teacher usually have to have a college degree in the language they teach or be a native speaker and have a teaching degree or experience in teaching. They must also have patience for their students.