How To Become A French Language Teacher

French as a global language is becoming more prevalent with over 320 million fluent speakers and counting. Many would like to learn the language as they aim to work in a country where it’s an official language. While it provides opportunities for people who want to acquire French as a second language for personal and professional purposes, those already advanced in their studies can share their expertise as teachers.

The demand for French language courses is increasing every year, creating ample space for professional growth among language educators. It’s a high-paying job as much as it is exciting, but becoming a French teacher takes time and a desire to learn more not just about the language but also the culture of France. Let the guide below walk you through your journey toward becoming a French teacher:

1. Know about academic requirements

To be a professional French teacher, being fluent in the language is not enough. You can take up a job as a tutor but if you want to work at a formal language school or center, you will need to obtain the necessary credentials, especially in education. Opt to obtain an education degree from institutions like Ontario Tech University which offers courses on teaching French as a second language.

Be sure you have enough funds to last you the entire program and secure housing from ALMA Oshawa which grants walkable access to the campus. You can also sign up for online French courses that focus on teaching. Whichever way you go, make sure to build your professional credentials.

2. Get your skills assessed

Aside from getting a diploma or certificate that qualifies you for a teaching position, you will also need to determine your level of mastery. If you want to focus on teaching French at intermediate and advanced levels, you should at least reach C1 level mastery. By reaching this level, you have the necessary skills you need to communicate in French across formal and non-formal contexts.

Most people with C1 mastery may already qualify for PhD programs in French-speaking countries and be accepted as French language faculty members. With this in mind, you must pass a C1 certification exam and obtain a Diplôme Approfondi en Langue Française. To prepare for this, consider reading a wide variety of materials in French and look for opportunities to converse with native speakers.

3. Build your teaching experience

It may still take a long time before you can land a secure job as a language instructor but you can use the free time you have to take up tutoring jobs. You can find listings on platforms like Craigslist or Upwork where you can interact with students wanting to hone their skills.

You can also take the chance to apply for a part-time job at a small language center in your community. These experiences will help you improve your communication skills and develop your teaching style.

4. Build your network and promote yourself

As you gain more credentials and teaching experience, you will want others to know that you’re ready to take on teaching jobs. For this, consider updating your LinkedIn profile and include certificates and diplomas you’ve earned.

You should also actively seek out job vacancies or apply for study grants that include an opportunity to teach French in a higher-education institution. If everything works out well, you could land a job as a full-time teacher in France.

Endnote

If you want to make the most of your skills in the French language, put them to good use by being a language educator. Use this guide and chart a path to a secure career.