Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

About the Role

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers at the postsecondary level educate students about languages and their corresponding literary texts to promote linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding.

Other Common Titles

Foreign Language Instructor
Language Arts Professor
Literature Professor
ESL (English as a Second Language) Instructor
Linguistics Professor
Language Coordinator

Typical Tasks

Designing and implementing curriculum for language and literature courses
Teaching language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to students
Assigning and evaluating essays, tests, and spoken language assessments
Advising students on academic pathways and helping them select appropriate courses
Conducting research in language acquisition, pedagogy, or literary analysis
Organizing cultural events to enhance student engagement with the language
Collaborating with other faculty to develop interdisciplinary approaches to language education
Staying updated on advancements in language education technology and methodologies

Notable People

Noam Chomsky – Revolutionized the field of linguistics with his theories on language structure and acquisition, influencing language education.
Marie Clay – Developed significant theories in literacy education and reading processes which are crucial for foreign language pedagogy.
Richard D. Lambert – Known for his research in second language acquisition and the implications for teaching foreign languages in schools.

Recommended Resources

The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language
An extensive resource providing insights into the nature of language and its role in society.
The Language Teacher's Toolkit
A practical guide filled with strategies and tools to effectively teach foreign languages.
The International Journal of Foreign Language Teaching
A peer-reviewed journal focusing on research and practices in foreign language education.
Teach Abroad Blog
A blog sharing experiences and resources for educators looking to teach foreign languages internationally.
Language Learning Podcast
A podcast that discusses various language learning methodologies and tips from experienced language teachers.