Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Common Job Titles
- French Professor
- Professor
- Spanish Instructor
- Spanish Professor
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate student writing and oral production in target language using proficiency scales and providing constructive feedback to advance language acquisition.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign scaffolded curriculum and assessment strategies for multi-level language courses integrating linguistic, cultural, and literary learning objectives aligned with institutional standards.Advanced
- MindsetModel intercultural competence and respect for linguistic diversity when facilitating classroom discussions and mentoring students in cross-cultural understanding.Advanced
- KnowledgeInterpret grammatical structures, idiomatic expressions, and stylistic features of target language for diverse learners at varying proficiency levels in university settings.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize pedagogical theory with language acquisition research and technology-enhanced instruction when developing innovative teaching methodologies and course materials.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate research questions and scholarly arguments in foreign language studies contributing to academic discourse through publications and conference presentations.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze literary texts and cultural artifacts from target language traditions situating works within historical, philosophical, and socio-cultural contexts.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate student-centered learning principles with cultural authenticity to foster motivation and communicative competence in postsecondary language classrooms.Proficient
- Hands-onDemonstrate mastery pronunciation, intonation, and gesture systems of target language modeling authentic communicative behaviors in classroom instruction and language labs.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess learning outcomes and student progress using formative and summative measures leveraging learning management systems and aligning evaluations with program goals.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate multimedia presentation tools and collaborative editing platforms delivering interactive lectures and facilitating synchronous and asynchronous learning activities.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for linguistic and cultural preservation within academic communities participating in departmental initiatives and advising students on study abroad opportunities.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
21,170
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,090. 25th percentile: U.S. $59,790. 50th percentile: U.S. $77,010. 75th percentile: U.S. $101,680. 90th percentile: U.S. $134,960. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $47,090 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $134,960 |
| Workers on average earn | $87,670 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Foreign Language5.0/5
- English Language4.4/5
- Education and Training4.1/5
- History and Archeology3.3/5
- Philosophy and Theology3.3/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom
Technology Skills
- Adobe PageMaker
- American Sign Language ASL browser
- Audacity
- Blackboard Learn
- Blackboard software
- Calendar and scheduling software
- Collaborative editing software
- Computer assisted language learning CALL software
Tools & Equipment
- Carousel slide projectors
- Compact digital cameras
- Compact disk CD players
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Computer projectors
- Conference telephones
- Desktop computers