Education - World Language Education

Overview

The structure and content of the Education - World Language Education program at The Ohio State University is 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. Each program is led by world-renowned faculty, staff and graduate associates who oversee the progress of each individual pre-service teacher as he or she progresses through an intense program of study. Upon completion of the program, students will obtain initial licensure to teach either French or Spanish for grades K–12. 

Program objectives

Through their course and field work, students will:

• Use their understanding of children’s and adolescents’ characteristics and needs and of multiple interacting influences on children’s and adolescents’ development and learning to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children and adolescents.
• Know about, understand and value the importance and complex characteristics of children’s and adolescents’ families and communities. 
• Know about and understand the goals, benefits and uses of assessment. 
• Integrate their understanding of and relationships with children/adolescents and families; their understanding of developmentally effective approaches to teaching and learning; and their knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for all children and adolescents.

• Identify and conduct themselves as members of the foreign language teaching profession.

Possible careers

Graduates of the foreign language education program may seek either French or Spanish teaching positions in K–12 public and private schools not only to teach a second language, but also to introduce student to world cultures. Since the state of Ohio has high standards for teacher preparation, graduates could potentially be hired as teachers anywhere in the United States. Many opportunities also exist within the community and public sector as translators or tutors.