FAQ: Undergraduates Seeking Foreign Language Licensure

Graduate Programs | Foreign Language Licensure (Undergraduate) |  ESL Added Endorsement

Thank you for your interest in becoming a foreign language teacher! We are very excited to offer you some information about our program. You’ll notice below that a lot of our answers refer you to the Office of Education Services. This is a place that can give you a lot of information about the application process, too – we encourage you to go to their website and spend some time there!

Office of Education Services (OES) website

What do I need to have to qualify for admission into your program?
For a list of the necessary qualifications for admission, look at the Program Guide Sheet that corresponds with your background (for instance, if you are a French major, look at the French major sheet, etc.), and the Teacher Education Program application packet.
Program Guide Sheets
Teacher Education Program application packet

What languages can I be licensed to teach by your program?
Right now, the languages include: Russian, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, and Spanish.

Do I need to major in the language to be licensed as a teacher?
No, you can also minor. You must major or minor, however.

I am a native/fluent speaker of the language, can I be admitted into your program without being a major/minor?
No. There are options for you after you get your B.A., but you will need to complete formal coursework in the language even if you already speak it fluently.

I am not so sure about my language ability, even though I’m a major/minor…can I be admitted into your program?
If you are concerned that you are not strong enough in the language, be advised that you will need to be verified as competent in oral communication by your language department before you student teach. Be also advised that it is very difficult to feel successful in student teaching when you are not very strong in the language. Perhaps you should look at travel or additional education options to improve your language ability before applying to the program.

Are there any financial incentives offered to people getting licensed as foreign language teachers?
Yes!  Because foreign language teachers are an identified subject shortage area in the United States, there are programs that can offer financial help in a variety of ways to students in our program.  See information here about programs for teachers in Iowa (more information on Iowa also available here) and Illinois.

What are the deadlines for application?
For summer and fall semester admission, the deadline is March 1. For spring semester admission, the deadline is October 1.
*Note that the deadline for admission for summer and fall 2012 is March 15, 2012.

I’m not sure if I’m qualified. Can you look over my materials and tell me if I’ll be admitted?
Unfortunately, we cannot. Even if you meet the minimum requirements for admission, we cannot make any promises. Your best bet is to make your application materials as strong as you can.

I want to be an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, too. How do I do that?
Applicants to the ESL Added Endorsement Program must be current students in a Teacher Education Program (TEP) or licensed in-service teachers. That means, if you are admitted into the Foreign Language TEP, you can then apply at that time.
For information on the ESL Added Endorsement Program, consult its Guide Sheet. 
You can also look at our FAQ page on the ESL Added Endorsement Program.

Will my advisor change if I am admitted into this program?
You will keep your Language Department advisor, and you will also get a Secondary Education advisor to help you navigate this program.

What coursework is required to complete for foreign language licensure?
The Office of Teacher Education and Student Services provides program guides for the Secondary Teaching Majors by language desired.

I have a lot of questions about the application procedure, not really specifically about Foreign Language Education.
A really good place to look is the FAQ for the Teacher Education Program.

If the FAQ does not answer your questions, you are welcome to contact the Office of Education Services.