Prospective teachers of French, Italian, Spanish, German or Russian select the language they wish to teach as a liberal arts and science major (see specific language requirements). After completing a minimum of 45 semester hours of college semester hours of course work, the student then chooses Foreign Language Education as a co-major. For admission policies, procedures, and program requirement, see Secondary Education, Undergraduate Programs at the beginning of the Secondary Education heading.

In the specific language studies, the prospective teacher must earn 24-36 semester hours above level 4 (depending on the particular language major) a d must acquire sufficient competence to utilize the language as an instrument of oral and written communication. Before student teaching, the prospective teacher must present to the Office of Field Placement a statement from the chairperson of his/her language major(s) attesting to proficiency in written and oral communication in that language. In addition, prospective teachers of French, Italian, Spanish, German, or Russian must be knowledgeable of the culture and society of the country or countries in which the target language is spoken.

All prospective teachers of French, Italian, Spanish, German, or Russian must complete a minimum of each of the following: 6 semester hours of culture, 3 semester hours of conversation practice, 3 semester hours of grammar, and 3 semester hours of composition (see academic adviser within the major for specific courses). The adviser may recommend additional course work in one or more of these areas to remedy identified weaknesses. Prospective teachers of French, Spanish or Italian will register for FREN 107, SPAN 108, or ITAL 108 for a total of 1 semester hour.

The co-major in Foreign Language Education consists of a minimum of 31 semester hours of education course work, and you can view the curriculum by visiting the Hofstra Bulletin. 

This program leads to professional certification for teachers who possess initial certification in adolescent education, valid for teaching French, German, Russian, or Spanish in grades 7-12. It provides advanced study in the curriculum, pedagogy, and content of the target language. Individuals may also select concentrated studies in middle level 5-6, gifted education or bilingual education certification extensions. The program conforms with the New York State Learning Standards for Languages other than English.  For more information on the curriculum, please visit the Hofstra Bulletin. 

This course of study is intended for career changers looking for New York state initial certification, valid for teaching languages other than English in grades 7-12. This program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time teaching. Literacy, multicultural education, and information technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program. The program conforms with the New York State Learning Standards in Languages other than English and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages standards for oral proficiency. Individuals interested in extending their certification to include foreign language instruction in the elementary school, grades 1-6 should see FLES program.  For more information on the curriculum, please visit the Hofstra Bulletin. 

Courses in this dual program lead toward the following two New York state teaching initial certificates: Languages Other Than English (LOTE) in Grades 7-12 and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in Grades PreK–12. The program is designed to blend on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of school settings, culminating in full-time student teaching. Literacy education, multicultural education, meeting the needs of learners with exceptionalities, and the use of technology are integrated throughout all aspects of the program.  For more information on the curriculum, please visit the Hofstra Bulletin.