German Teacher Education majors acquire skill sets that prepare them for K-12 classroom teaching. The hands-on experiences during pedagogy coursework prepare German teacher candidates to succeed in their future teaching career, while reaching a variety of diverse learners. The skills developed during coursework and clinical experiences make graduates of this program ready to meet the challenges of teaching in the 21st century and in a variety of environments.

Upon successful completion of their degree, our graduates are certified to teach K-12 German in Illinois, as well as in 32 other states with reciprocity agreements. Career outlook for graduates remains promising. In fact, school principals around the state regularly contact the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures in search of qualified job candidates.

You'll have the opportunity to study literature, examine fairy tales or popular song texts, and learn about the latest developments in the European Union. German coursework prepares students to achieve Advanced-Low or higher proficiency, an endeavor supported by study abroad programs in Paderborn or Bonn, Germany. Co-curricular activities, carried out by the German Club and the German Honor Society, also help students develop their speaking skills and learn more about German-speaking communities.