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Become a Teacher
There is a critical need for qualified Chinese language teachers (read more). This webpage is designed to help you learn more about teaching certification, university programs and schools with Chinese language programs.
Characteristics of good Chinese language teachers
- Has a solid background and spoken fluency in Modern Standard Chinese (putonghua)
- Is well-versed in American foreign language pedagogy
- Is knowledgeable and skilled in managing students in a U.S. classroom
- Is certified or willing to pursue certification and continuing professional development
- Is willing to work with the school and community at large
- Is proficient in English
State certification requirements
Professional Organizations
There are several professional organizations that represent Chinese language teachers at various levels and provide resources for those seeking certification, professional development, and employment opportunities among other services. The two primary groups are:
- Chinese Language Teachers Association (CLTA) | link
A professional organization devoted exclusively to the study of Chinese language, culture and pedagogy, with a membership composed of specialists in Chinese language, literature, linguistics and culture teaching at colleges and universities, as well as teachers of Chinese at primary and secondary schools
- Chinese Language Association of Secondary-Elementary Schools (CLASS) | link
A professional organization primarily devoted to providing professional support to primary and secondary education Chinese language teachers
Other groups include:
- Alliance for the Advancement of Heritage Languages | link
- Association of Chinese Schools (ACS, East Coast schools) | link
- Chinese Language Teachers Association in Greater New York | link
- The Chinese School Association in the United States | link
- National Chinese Association of Chinese Language Schools | link
- [People's Republic of China] National Office of Teaching Chinese as a Second Language (Hanban) | link
- Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) | link
- American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages | link
- National Foreign Language Center | link
- National Coalition of Less Commonly Taught Languages | link
- Title VI International and Area Studies National Resource Centers | link
University Certification Programs
Chinese Bilingual Teacher Education Program | link
The Loyola Marymount University Chinese Bilingual Teacher Education Program (CBTEP) prepares qualified Chinese teachers to teach in both Chinese and English in K-12 bilingual immersion or foreign language classrooms. Successful graduates will complete a “3-in-1” program: a Single or Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, a Master of Arts degree in Bilingual Elementary or Secondary Education and a Mandarin BCLAD Authorization. Program starts summer 2008. Applications are being accepted now, with scholarships available. Click here to learn more.
Scholarships for K-12 Teachers of Chinese Now Available
The Confucius Institute at the University of Kansas is offering several Accelerated Chinese Teacher Certification Scholarships on a competitive basis for Mandarin speakers who want to become K-12 teachers of Chinese. Scholarship awards include $7500 plus subsidized study in China and other benefits. Recipients will participate in a licensure program in Mandarin Chinese at the University of Kansas. Both native speakers and non-native speakers of Mandarin Chinese are eligible to apply; applicants need not be Kansas residents or American citizens. For eligibility requirements and application information, please contact Nancy Hope (nfhope@ku.edu) at Confucius Institute at the University of Kansas.
Penn Chinese Language Teachers' Institute | link
The Institute began in the summer of 1998 as a response to the demands of prospective Chinese language teachers. The institute aims at providing prospective teachers of Chinese with the pedagogical training necessary for obtaining foreign language teacher certification in their home states. In most states, the Institute courses meet partial requirements of teacher certification. All courses meet intensively for one week, supported by continuing online interactions throughout the summer and the subsequent academic year. Registration Deadline: June 5, 2006. Space is limited; registration may close prior to this date. For more information, visit the Institute Website.
Rutgers Accelerated Chinese Language Teacher Certification Program | link
The Rutgers University Department of Asian Languages and Cultures in
conjunction with the Rutgers World Languages Institute are pleased to
announce the implementation of an Accelerated Chinese Language Teacher
Certification Program, which has recently been approved by the New
Jersey Department of Education. The program was developed in response to
a mandate by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine, who made the following
remarks on September 8, 2005:
"In a global economy, our students need to be prepared with world
languages and culture. Eighteen New Jersey schools offer Chinese, but
that's not enough. We need to do better at teaching the high demand
languages that are increasingly important in the new world like Chinese
and Arabic."
The Program, which begins in Summer 2006, is designed for proficient
speakers of Mandarin Chinese who are seeking a career change and are
interested in teaching. There is the potential to complete within one
year the certification requirements to obtain a certificate of
eligibility (CE) to teach. All interested candidates should visit
this site for details on the Program,
including application procedures. They may also contact the World
Languages Institute at wli@langlab.rutgers.edu or call 732-932-7373.
George Mason University AP Chinese Teacher's Licensure Program | link
Offers initial licensure with Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction option. In collaboration iwht the New World Bilingual Institute.
International Exchanges
Opportunity for U.S. Schools-Teachers of Critical Languages Program
The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State is pleased to announce the Teachers of Critical Languages Program, an international educational exchange program under the new National Security Language Initiative. This program seeks to strengthen the teaching of Chinese and Arabic at U.S. schools, while also providing the international teachers the opportunity to learn about U.S. teaching methodologies, culture and society.
For the 2006-2007 academic year, U.S.primary or secondary schools may apply for the opportunity to host a teacher from China or Jordan to teach Mandarin Chinese or Arabic, respectively, and also to serve as cultural resources in the school and community. The Department of State will provide J-1 visa sponsorship, airfare, accident and illness insurance, and a living allowance for the teacher. U.S. schools must provide a mentor teacher and must demonstrate a plan for how both the U.S. school and the international teacher will benefit from the program.
The 2006 application deadline is Wednesday, May 31. For more information, or to request an application, e-mail tclp@state.gov.
Nanjing Normal University Masters Program | link
This university offers a Masters Program in Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language
Travel with the Chinese Language Teachers Association in Greater New York (CLTA-G NY) | e-mail
CLTA-G NY is offering a U.S. Educators Summer 2006 China Trip, June 30-July 9, 2006; Contact Prof. Lu at CUNYinChina@yahoo.com.
Critical Need for Qualified Teachers
The lack of Chinese language teachers is a serious bottleneck in expanding Chinese language programs in the United States. Here are how some are trying to solve the immediate problem:
- States, such as Connecticut, Utah, Ohio, New Jersey, Chicago, and Kentucky, have invited visiting teachers from China. The Chinese Ministry of Education pays stipend; local districts provide accommodation and health insurance. One issue is that many of these teachers need professional development on U.S. foreign language pedagogy and classroom management.
- The Chinese Hanban have provided seed funds for "Confucius Institutes," which will help supply teacher professional development opportunities and curriculum materials.
- Kentucky is developing distance education courses for students.
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