Language Teacher Preparation

The Language Teacher Preparation program opens the door to global understanding and cultural connection. Our program is designed to equip students with the linguistic skills and cultural knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. As the need for skilled world language teachers continues to grow, we empower future educators to make a meaningful impact in today’s classrooms.

Requirements

1. Declare your primary major in WLC

Major in World Languages and Cultures (WLC) with a concentration in the language you plan to teach. NOTE: A minimum of a “C-” in all major department courses/content courses is required for teacher licensure (content coursework).

2. Declare your secondary major in secondary education

Meet with Kathy Christensen, Secondary Education Advisor to declare your :Education major.

3. Complete introductory Education coursework

EDUC 2190, Orientation to Teacher Education (1 credit)
EDUC 2800L, Pre-Student Teaching Experience I: Secondary Education (0.5 credit = 12 hours)

Students must complete a background check and the results must be received by ISU prior to beginning any clinical experiences. See the full policy for more information.

4. Apply to the Educator Preparation Program

To apply for the Teacher Education Program, you’ll need to meet the following criteria:

A minimum GPA of 2.5
Documented completion of ISU approved 12 hours of practicum – EDUC 2800L
A criminal background check (see link above)

Most students apply after Spring semester of their Freshman year. Apply below once you’re ready.

5. Complete the general education requirements for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

LAS General Education Requirements

This should also include the following:

Take one course in American history or government
Take PSYCH 2300 or HDFS 1020
Take COMST 1020, SPCM 2120 or 3130, or THTRE 3580

6. Additional Clinical Experiences

Starting before admission to the program, you’ll need at least 80 hours of pre-student teaching clinical experience. You’ll do this with:

EDUC 3800A (2 credit = 48 hours) NOTE: Full admission to the Teacher Education Program is required.
EDUC 4800G (2 credit = 48 hours) NOTE: Full admission to the Teacher Education Program is required. Must be taken concurrently with ENGL 3180.

Students must complete a background check and the results must be received by ISU prior to beginning any clinical experiences. See the full policy for more information.

7. Educator Preparation Core Courses

EDUC 2020 Learning Technologies in the 7-12 Classroom (3 credits)
EDUC 2040 Social Foundations of Education in the United States (3 credits)
EDUC 3330 Educational Psychology (3 credits) Prerequisites Psych 2300 or HD FS 1020, application to the Educator Preparation Program
SPED 4010 Teaching Secondary Students with Exceptionalities in General Education Classrooms (3 credits)
EDUC 4060 Multicultural Foundations of Schools and Society: Introduction (3 credits) Prerequisites EDUC 2020, EDUC 3330, junior classification, admission to Teacher Education Program
EDUC 4260 Principles of Secondary Education (3 credits) Prerequisites CI 2020, senior classification, admission to Teacher Education Program
ENGL 3180 Introduction to ESL Methods and Materials (3 credits) Offered fall semester only.

NOTE: A minimum of a “C” in all education (EDUC), human development and family studies (HDFS), special education (SPED) courses and all content-specific pedagogy/methods courses required for licensure.

8. Student Teaching

Teacher candidates complete one 16-week placement or two 8-week placements. More information can be found here.

9. WLC Secondary Endorsement Requirements

Requirements for a second endorsement in a World Languages include:

Completion of ENGL 3180 and EDUC 3800A if your first endorsement is not in a world language
Additional coursework in the specific language of your choice beyond the 1000 level as follows:
- French- 24 credit hours
- German- 24 credit hours
- Spanish- 24 credit hours
To add an ESL Endorsement, consult the Department of Linguistics.

Notes

Post B.A. Student Requirements

Admission to the educator preparation program for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree are as follows:

A bachelor’s degree in the language to be taught – French, German, or Spanish – with a minimum of 2.5 cumulative GPA and no major course work below the grade of “C-”.
A minimum of one course in Natural Sciences, Math/Statistics, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Communication Skills.
Completion of Clinical Experiences (EDUC 2800L, EDUC 3800A, and EDUC 4800G)
Completion of the core educator preparation courses in section 7 above (including prerequisites) and earn a minimum grade of “C”
Follow the procedures for getting a background check, applying for admission to the educator preparation program as described above.

For more information, contact the WLC advisors or email wlc-advising@iastate.edu.