Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage: $59,490

Education: Master's degree (52%); Doctoral degree (31%); Post-master's certificate (6%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Instructor; Professor; English Professor; Spanish Professor; French Professor; Spanish Instructor; German Professor; Modern Languages Professor; Instructor of Spanish; Assistant Professor of Spanish

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary.

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  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
  • Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as how to speak and write a foreign language and the cultural aspects of areas where a particular language is used.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Select and obtain materials and supplies such as textbooks.
  • Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and activities.
  • Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
  • Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
  • Develop and maintain web pages for teaching-related purposes.
  • Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in scholarly journals, books, or electronic media.
  • Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
  • Act as advisers to student organizations.
  • Participate in campus and community events.
  • Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary.

  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary.

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