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Career Profile

Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary

What they do:

Teach languages and literature courses in languages other than English. Includes teachers of American Sign Language (ASL). Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Also Called:

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Foreign Languages Professor, French Professor, German Professor, Instructor, Modern Languages Professor, Professor, Spanish Instructor, Spanish Professor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Foreign Languages Professor, French Professor, German Professor, Instructor, Modern Languages Professor, Professor, Spanish Instructor, Spanish Professor

Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$46,030
Starting Salary (2025)
$78,480
Median Salary (2025)
-0.2%
Projected Job Growth
330
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
Write letters of recommendation for students.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Self-Control
Persistence
Stress Tolerance
Dependability
Achievement/Effort
Concern for Others

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Instructing
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Active Listening
Learning Strategies

Expected Knowledge

Foreign Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Doctoral degree 73%
  • Master's degree 18%
  • Bachelor's degree 9%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.