Major Description
Prepares candidates for certification in teaching German levels K-12. Interested students should consult the Director of the World Language Teacher Education Program, Jude Krushnowski (jkrush2@illinois.edu). In order to be recommended for certification, candidates are required to maintain Illinois, cumulative, content area, and professional education, grade-point averages of 2.5 (A= 4.0). A minimum of 120 hours of credit is required for graduation. Consult the certification officer at 505 East Green Suite 203 for additional information. Also see Council on Teacher Education. Also see Council on Teacher Education.
Courses That Introduce the Major
- GER 101, 102, 103, 104—Beginning and Intermediate German
- GER 201—German Popular Culture
- GER 211 & 212—Conversation and Writing
Students should consult with an academic advisor regarding course selection prior to the advanced registration period.
Possible Career Opportunities
Majoring in the Teaching of German can lead to careers in K-12 schools (private, public, magnet…), Graduate school (MA, MAT, PhD), the non-profit sector, and the public sector.
Common Career Skills
- Foreign-language proficiency (speaking, listening, reading, writing)
- Cultural competence
- Communicative competence
- Cultural and textual analysis
- Pedagogical skills
Common Career Titles
- Teacher
- Educator
Enhancing Your Academic Experience
- Participating in undergraduate research
- Applying for a study abroad experience
- Utilizing resources of The Career Center
- Joining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) related to this major, such as:
- German Club (Deutschklub)
Further Information
There are several professional organizations dedicated to Germanic languages. Their websites might be able to provide a glimpse in the world of Germanic languages. These organizations include Modern Language Association, American Association of Teachers of German, and American Council of Teachers of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).