Foreign Language PK-12

Academics

The Foreign Language and Latin (PK-12) initial licensure program with an optional master's degree component provides professionals with the specialized knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions needed to meet the educational needs of students attending today's schools. The program prepares prospective educators seeking licensure as teachers of world languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, Spanish , or Latin) in schools that serve preschool through grade twelve.

Licenses

  • Foreign Language: Chinese Licensure
  • Teacher Licensure in Foreign Language and Latin

THE ACTFL TEST FOR STATE OF VIRGINIA PROSPECTIVE FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHERS

Language proficiency is a critical component of the licensure program. To address language proficiency, the ACTFL Test is used in two areas of the Foreign / World Language Teacher Licensure Program:

  • It is part of the Admissions Requirements for some applicants.
  • It is a requirement for all licensure candidates prior to applying for the student teaching / internship.

See ACTFL TEST for important information regarding licensure and admission.

Program Information Advising Checklist

  • Licensure Course Work Advising and Information Sheet for Foreign Language and Latin Students (does not apply to Chinese program)(Word) (PDF)
  • Licensure Course Work Advising and Information Sheet for International Cohort Students (Chinese) (Word) (PDF)
  • Licensure Course Work Advising and Information Sheet for Domestic Non-Cohort Students (Chinese)(Word) (PDF)

Licensure Component

Licensure component for individuals who are pursuing a full, initial license or who need to satisfy the state's requirements of a provisional license.

Internship Options

A 6-credit, 15-week daytime internship is required for completion of the state-approved licensure program. Both an elementary and a middle school or secondary school placement are required. Two options are available to meet the needs of most individuals:

  • Internship--One-term daytime internship in the classroom of a cooperating teacher. Intern assumes co-teaching and independent teaching responsibilities.
  • On-the-job Internship-This option is available only to students who are employed as full-time, provisionally licensed teachers and are teaching in their endorsement area in an accredited school. In addition to a fall or spring experience, this option includes a summer or some other appropriate experience. In lieu of an internship, provisionally licensed teachers may choose to use their full-time teaching to satisfy the experience requirements for a full license. However, the 42-credit master's degree requires that 6 credits in approved course work be substituted for the internship.

Field Experience

Field experiences in public schools are required throughout the program: a maximum of 15 clock hours per course or 30 clock hours per term. Arrangements will be made at the beginning of each term.

Completion of M.Ed. Degree

After completion of the licensure component, an additional 15 credits are required for completion of the Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction degree and must be completed within six years of admission to the program.