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What Is a French Teacher and How to Become One

French Teacher

What Does a French Teacher Do?

French Teachers provide French language education and instruction to students of varying ages. The duties and responsibilities of a French Teacher include developing engaging lesson plans, assessing student progress, and assigning and grading student assignments. French Teachers also engage with younger students' parents when needed. French Teachers can hold positions in primary schools, community colleges, universities, and tutoring centers. Qualifications required for a French Teacher job include a bachelor’s degree in education or French and passing a licensure exam. Competencies include mastery of the French language, a caring attitude, and strong conflict resolution, interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.

How to Become a French Teacher

To pursue a career as a French teacher, you need a bachelor’s degree in French or education along with a teaching certificate in foreign language education. To earn your teaching qualifications, you must pass licensing exams in teaching strategies and the French language. You must also pass a criminal background check and drug test before working with children. You can find French teaching jobs at middle and high schools. If you earn a master’s degree, you can teach French at community colleges, and earning a doctorate qualifies you to teach at the university level.

How to Be a Good French Teacher

As a French teacher, one of your main job duties is to teach the French language to your students. Your lessons include grammar, vocabulary, and speaking and listening exercises. To be a good French teacher, your primary responsibilities are to use your teaching skills to make learning French engaging for students and to make your classroom a safe space for learning with classroom management strategies. As your French teacher career progresses, you can take on leadership positions within your school, such as chair of the foreign languages department.