French Education

French Education involves learning about French language and culture, while simultaneously developing knowledge and skills related to teaching.  Your classes will be a blend of content courses related to the language, as well as pedagogy (teaching) courses.  Meeting all of the program's requirements prepares you for teacher certification.

The Program

Candidates in the French education major are prepared for a language teaching career by getting the best of both worlds: content courses with faculty in the Department of Modern Languages and professional education courses from faculty in the School of Education (SOE).  In addition to required courses, French education students need to study abroad where the target language is spoken.

Professional Education Courses

Students may enroll in the 300-level professional education courses before being formally admitted to the SOE.  Prior to enrolling in the 400-level courses, students must complete the application for admission to the SOE; attain a minimum of a 2.75 grade point average overall in their course work and education courses; and pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam(s).  A minimum grade of "B" is required in the FREN teaching specialty courses.  Requirements for admission can be found on the School of Education website.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is the culmination of the teaching program.  Students have the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired in college courses under the supervision of an experienced French educator.

Student Advisement

Students will be assigned individual advisors who will work closely in program planning and in other ways to advise and assist them.  Students are encouraged to seek advising from both Modern Languages and the School of Education whenever needed.

Certification

Upon completing the program, students are eligible for certification to teach French in most states.  The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Career Opportunities

A degree in French Education will prepare you to teach French at the 7-12 level.  The demand for language teachers continues to be great.  In general, "employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.  Rising student enrollment should increase demand for high school teachers, but employment growth will vary by region" (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm)

Plan of Study

Please note this is a sample plan of study and not an official curriculum.  Actual student schedules for each semester will vary depending on start year, education goals, applicable transfer credit, and course availability. Students are encouraged to work with their academic advisor on a regular basis to review degree progress and customize an individual plan of study.