Overview of Online Certification Programs for Teaching Chinese
Online certification programs for teaching Chinese are not typically available; however, there are some universities that offer online certificate programs that prepare one for a career in teaching Chinese. Examples of program names include Certificate Program in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (TCSOL) and a Graduate Certificate in Foreign Language Education - Chinese Language. These programs typically require a student to hold a graduate degree from a recognized university, as they are graduate level programs.
Certificate programs in teaching Chinese are available fully online; however, some schools may require in-person internships or clinical experiences. The program can often be completed in one year; some schools also offer this as a dual program with a master's degree which would take longer to complete.
Online Certificate for Teaching Chinese Program Requirements
Aspiring students get to learn to teach Chinese as a foreign subject while acquiring lab and field experience in teaching and curriculum. Completion of the program could help a student meet the qualifications to teach Chinese in K-12 schools.
The online program would require a student to have a computer setup with high-speed internet to be able to access lessons online. The setup should also be equipped with speakers and microphones to aid the learning process.
Information and Requirements
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required to pursue an online certificate in teaching Chinese; many times applicant must also meet minimum GPA requirements as well, such as a GPA above 2.7. Applicants may also need to demonstrate native or near-native proficiency in Chinese though an oral interview or have completed significant postsecondary coursework in the language.
Some colleges could also ask for English proficiency test scores, like TOEFL and IELTS, while non-native speakers of Chinese might need to submit Chinese proficiency test scores.
Additionally, students might also need to present a statement of purpose along with two or more letters of recommendation and a resume to get admitted into the program.
Course Information
The courses in an online certificate program in teaching Chinese cover both the Chinese language and the development of teaching skills. Students will be able to expand their knowledge of Chinese grammar while also gaining new skills in developing a curriculum, assessing students, and helping students develop their oral language proficiency. Here are some common courses in this program:
- Educational linguistics
- Chinese grammar pedagogy
- Assessments in teaching
- Teaching Mandarin practicum
- Chinese language instruction
- Curriculum development
- Equity in education
- Methods of foreign language teaching in K-12 classrooms
Additional Requirements
Some of these online certification programs require an internship or hands-on learning experience. These experiences could include being assigned to a K-12 classroom for a semester where they would work with students under the supervision of the classroom teacher
Career Outlook for Online Certification for Teaching Chinese
Upon completion of the program, a student could be ready to seek employment as a foreign language and literature teacher or Chinese teacher in K-12 schools and colleges. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary foreign language and literature teachers earned a median annual salary of $69,990 as of May 2019. At that same time, high school teachers had a median salary of $61,660.
The BLS predicts that that high school teachers will see a growth of 4% between 2018 and 2028. The growth prediction is on par with the national average. The prospects for postsecondary teachers for that time is slightly higher, at 8%.
An online certificate in Teaching Chinese can prepare individuals for careers teaching Chinese in schools and helping students in their curriculum with Chinese as a foreign language. The program can be completed in about one year and includes courses in both the Chinese language and pedagogy.
