World Language Education

Program Overview

The World Language Education major at Ohio State University prepares students to become licensed teachers in French or Spanish for grades K-12. The program emphasizes understanding child development, effective teaching methods, and the role of assessment in promoting positive learning experiences. Graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead and advocate for social justice in the field of education.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The World Language Education major at Ohio State University is one of seven undergraduate programs in the Department of Teaching and Learning that provides students with the training necessary to become a teacher.
It offers initial licensure to teach either French or Spanish for grades K–12.
• Objectives: Through their course and field work, students will:
• Use their understanding of children’s and adolescents’ characteristics and needs to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all.
• Understand the importance of children’s and adolescents’ families and communities.
• Understand the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment.
• Integrate their understanding of children/adolescents and families, developmentally effective approaches to teaching and learning, and knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all.
• Identify and conduct themselves as members of the foreign language teaching profession.
• Program Description: The structure and content of the program are designed to assist students in developing the knowledge, skills, and disposition needed to become effective leaders and advocates for social justice in the field of education.
• Content: The program includes coursework in:
• Foreign language (French or Spanish)
• Education foundations
• Pedagogy
• Methods of teaching
• Child/adolescent development
• Psychological and social foundations of education
• Structure: The program consists of:
• Pre-major courses
• Major courses

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
• Lectures
• Discussions
• Simulations
• Field experiences
• Faculty: The program's faculty are world-renowned experts in their fields.
• Unique Approaches: The program includes a required First Education Experience Program (FEEP), which provides students with hands-on experience in a school setting.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the foreign language education program may seek either French or Spanish teaching positions in K–12 public and private schools.
They may also pursue opportunities as translators or tutors in the community and public sector.
• Opportunities: Since the state of Ohio has high standards for teacher preparation, graduates could potentially be hired as teachers anywhere in the United States.
• Outcomes: On average, new teachers with no previous teaching experience can expect starting salaries of $36,000-$42,000 per year.