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Foreign Language Instructor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$89.24/hr

... foreign language OR - Equivalent (none accepted) Please note: * Hiring committees review all ... College Instructor Credential in English as a Second Language (ESL)? If yes, submit applicable ...

One or more foreign language ability Physical Requirements * Sitting/Standing * Lifting up to 20 ... Instructors In California; from teachers with no experience, to well qualified and experienced ...

One or more foreign language ability Physical Requirements * Sitting/Standing * Lifting up to 20 ... Instructors In California; from teachers with no experience, to well qualified and experienced ...

... Instructor of Arabic. The position is available during the summer 2018 session, located on the ... or foreign language, and experience in teaching aspects of Arab culture and society. This may ...

... Instructor of Arabic. The position is available during the summer 2019 session, located on the ... or foreign language, and experience in teaching aspects of Arab culture and society. This may ...

Showing results 41-60

Foreign Language Instructor information

See California salary details

$68.1K

$85.7K

$114K

How much do foreign language instructor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for foreign language instructor in California is $85,663.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $94,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a foreign language instructor do?

A Foreign Language Instructor teaches students how to speak, read, write, and understand a foreign language. They develop lesson plans, create engaging activities, and assess student progress to ensure effective learning. Instructors may work in schools, universities, language institutes, or offer private lessons, and often incorporate cultural aspects of the language into their teaching. Their goal is to help students achieve fluency and confidence in using the new language.

What does a foreign language instructor do?

As a foreign language instructor, your responsibilities revolve around working to teach students a foreign language. Your exact job duties depend on the needs, skill level, and age of your students. You instruct speaking, reading, or writing, though your focus may shift depending on your students. You may work on conversational skills and basic proficiency with the language or assist advanced students as they become fluent. You plan the curriculum for the class based on the goals of the students, the academic requirements of the institution (if any), and adjust lesson plans to address student needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foreign language instructor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foreign Language Instructor, you need fluency in the target language, a strong grasp of grammar and linguistics, and typically a relevant degree or teaching certification. Familiarity with language teaching software, digital classroom tools, and standardized language proficiency assessments is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability help instructors engage diverse learners and foster an inclusive environment. These skills are crucial to effectively teach language, facilitate communication, and support student success in multicultural settings.

What are some common challenges foreign language instructors face when teaching students with varying proficiency levels in the same class?

Foreign Language Instructors often encounter classes where students have diverse backgrounds and varying degrees of fluency. Balancing lessons to engage advanced learners while supporting beginners can be challenging. Instructors typically use differentiated instruction, group activities, and personalized feedback to ensure each student’s needs are met. Additionally, managing classroom dynamics and encouraging participation from less confident speakers are important skills that contribute to a positive and effective learning environment.

What is the difference between Foreign Language Instructor vs Language Tutor?

AspectForeign Language InstructorLanguage Tutor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education or language, teaching certificationsOften requires language proficiency, certifications optional
Work EnvironmentClassroom settings, schools, language institutesOne-on-one or small group sessions, online or in-person
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, language schoolsPrivate clients, online platforms, tutoring agencies
Search & ComparisonOften searched by those seeking formal instruction or employment in educationPopular among individuals seeking personalized, flexible learning

Foreign Language Instructors typically work in formal educational settings with required teaching credentials, focusing on classroom instruction. Language Tutors usually provide personalized lessons, often independently or online, with less formal certification needed. Both roles aim to improve language skills but differ in environment and structure.

How to become a foreign language instructor?

To become a foreign language instructor, typically one needs a bachelor's degree in education or the target language, along with proficiency in the language. Many employers prefer candidates with teaching certification or credentials such as a TESOL or TEFL certificate, and classroom experience can enhance job prospects. Fluency, strong communication skills, and cultural knowledge are also important for success in this role.

Is there a demand for foreign language instructors?

Foreign language instructors are in steady demand in educational institutions, language schools, and online platforms due to increasing global communication needs. Employers seek candidates with fluency, teaching certifications, and cultural knowledge, and job opportunities are often available in both public and private sectors across various regions.

What are popular job titles related to Foreign Language Instructor jobs in California?

For Foreign Language Instructor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Foreign Language Instructor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Foreign Language Instructor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Foreign Language Instructor jobs in CA?

For Foreign Language Instructor jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Foreign Language Instructor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,663 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Adjunct Instructor Applicant Pool

Canyons School District

On-site

$89.24/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Canyons School District rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

337th of 643 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

Salary: $89.24 Hourly
Location : Santa Clarita, CA
Job Type: Part-Time Faculty
Job Number: 202300037
Division: Humanities
Department: English As a Second Language
Opening Date: 10/03/2023
Description
Adjunct Description
We are accepting applications for the Adjunct English as a Second Language (ESL) Instructor Applicant Pool. Adjunct pools are open on a fiscal year basis for continuous recruitment for department assignments. Please review application material requirements carefully to ensure successful submission. Your application will not be considered until all required documents are received.
The teaching assignment may be at the Valencia or Canyon Country campus, or other college teaching locations. Part-time faculty positions are as needed positions and do not accrue rights to tenure. Part-time faculty positions offer flexible hours and the opportunity to assist a diverse group of students in achieving their educational goals. We offer a wide range of opportunities in transfer, general education, vocational and occupational programs.
Example of Duties
College of the Canyons is seeking adjunct faculty members in English as a Second Language (ESL). Applications will be considered for immediate and future eligibility into the English as a Second Language (ESL) Applicant Pool.
We are accepting applications on an on-going basis for future consideration into the Applicant Pool. When no review date is listed for an Adjunct Instructor position, the position is open until filled. Your application will not be considered until all required documents have been received.
Service
  • Assume leadership roles both within the department and in the institution as a whole. Commitment to serving the needs of the student, department, college, and community. Collaboration across disciplines and utilization of student support resources. Participation in department, division, college committees, and participatory governance activities.
  • Participation in curriculum and program development.
  • Work collegially and collaboratively within the college community.
  • Participation in ongoing professional development.
Teaching
  • Ability to create a dynamic learning environment that values instructor/student interaction.
  • Ability to effectively engage with and facilitate authentic learning for students of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
  • Ability to adapt teaching pedagogy to the knowledge of each individual and class. Ability to self-reflect and respond to an evidence-based assessment of student learning.
  • Demonstrated experience and commitment to integrating new technologies into the learning process, including but not limited to interactive technologies for on campus and on-line courses.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements
Possession of an unexpired California Community College Instructor Credential in English as a Second Language (ESL).
OR - Master's in TESL, TESOL, applied linguistics with a TESL emphasis, linguistics with a TESL emphasis, English with a TESL emphasis, or education with a TESL emphasis
OR - Bachelor's in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics with a TESL certificate, applied linguistics with a TESL certificate, or any foreign language with a TESL certificate AND Master's in linguistics, applied linguistics, English, composition, bilingual/bicultural studies, reading, speech, or any foreign language
OR - Equivalent (none accepted)
Please note:
  • Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
  • A teaching demonstration may be required at the interview stage.
  • From time to time the equivalencies accepted by departments change. If you are qualifying under an equivalency, please note that if hired you must qualify under the established minimum qualifications or department equivalency(ies) in place at the time of hire.

Further Details
Conditions of Employment
Assignments may include Monday through Friday (day and evening), as well as Saturday classes.
Adjunct Salary Rate: Starting at $89.24 per hour. (Link to Academic Adjunct Salary Schedule).
Offer and acceptance of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credential/transcripts, background fingerprint clearance, tuberculosis screening, proof of eligibility to work in the United States (College of the Canyons hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States) and Board of Trustees approval as required.
Application Instructions
All materials listed below are required to be considered for an interview. Applicants are encouraged to apply online by visiting our website at Jobs at COC. All application materials must be uploaded online or received by the Human Resources Department, located in the University Center, Suite 360. College of the Canyons, 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, California 91355. If you require assistance, please contact the Human Resources Office at (661) 362-3427 or for hearing impaired TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178.
  • District ACADEMIC Application.
  • Current detailed resume summarizing education and experience.
  • Two (2) letters of professional reference. One formal, signed teaching evaluation may be substituted for one (1) letter of reference.
    • Each document must be dated within the last five years and have an original signature (fancy font type signatures are not acceptable).
  • Complete College transcripts verifying educational degree(s) and/or coursework required for the position. Unofficial or copies of transcripts may be submitted for application purposes (please include both the front and back of ALL transcript pages); however, official transcripts must be submitted at the time of hiring. Copies of college diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of transcripts.
    • Important note on minimum education requirements: Units and/or degree(s) earned must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the American Council on Post-Secondary Education. The candidate is responsible for providing equivalency evaluation recognized by the District for degrees and/or units earned outside the United States, degrees from a college or university not accredited by an agency recognized by the American Council on Post-Secondary Education, or if degree is not in the exact discipline required. For your convenience, we accept any company who is a current member of NACES.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the official application packet is fully and correctly completed. All materials submitted become the property of the District. Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Complete applications will be kept on file for two (2) years from the date the application is initially received.
Selection and Applicant Pool Process
Positions are open until filled. The above position represents the anticipated need for the upcoming semester(s) or the applicant pool. The department may review materials at any time based on enrollment needs and the Human Resources Office will contact selected applicants for the interview process. Only completed application packets that meet the minimum qualifications or established equivalency will be considered.
Qualified applicants who successfully complete the selection and interview process will be placed in the applicant pool and may be eligible for adjunct employment with the District anytime within the next 36 months.
For the most current information, please visit the College of the Canyons benefits page at or call (661) 362-3127.
01
Please list your areas of expertise or specialty within the discipline of English as a Second Language (ESL).
02
Do you possess an unexpired California Community College Instructor Credential in English as a Second Language (ESL)? If yes, submit applicable credential (front/back).
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you possess a Master's degree in TESL, TESOL, applied linguistics with a TESL emphasis, linguistics with a TESL emphasis, English with a TESL emphasis, or education with a TESL emphasis? If yes, submit all applicable transcripts (front/back).
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree in TESL, TESOL, English with a TESL certificate, linguistics with a TESL certificate, or any foreign language with a TESL certificate AND a Master's degree in linguistics, applied linguistics, English, composition, bilingual/bi-cultural studies, reading, speech, or any foreign language? If yes, submit all applicable transcripts (front/back).
  • Yes
  • No

05
Teaching online courses with College of the Canyons requires a full online certification (36 hours or the equivalent). Please indicate your certification level for online instruction, as follows:
  • I am online certified through College of the Canyons or another institution (*Please include all relevant documents in your application materials.)
  • I am partially online certified through College of the Canyons or another institution (*Please include all relevant documents in your application materials.)
  • I am not online certified (*If you are hired by the District, you will need to obtain certification prior to being assigned online courses.)

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