This degree prepares future educators to teach German language and stylistics, heightened by an exposure to Germanic civilization and literature. Students also become versed in the theories of language acquisition and best practices for teaching language.
This program is nationally recognized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
This program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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You love the German language and culture and you relish the opportunity to teach it to another generation. If that sounds like you, then becoming a high school German teacher might just be the path to follow. Major in secondary education with an emphasis on German, and you'll learn how to communicate in the language and spread cultural awareness.
In the department of Modern Languages, you’ll have access to the Language Learning Center, a state-of-the-art computer, video, and audio laboratory, as well as opportunities to study abroad or participate in exchange programs. While gaining expertise in teaching skills, you’ll develop all the tools you need to shape the educational experience of high school German students.
Note: You must apply and be accepted to the College of Education’s teacher education program in addition to being admitted to the university.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Candidates in this program are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, professional knowledge, and professional dispositions to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements.
Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills, professional dispositions are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the following course(s):
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.5 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Additional Admission Requirements | Required |
| Foreign Language | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Required |
| Student Teaching/Supervised Teaching | Required |
| Study Abroad | Required |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
These programs prepare future educators to teach Spanish, French, or German language and stylistics, heightened by an exposure to civilization and culture and literature by becoming versed in the theories of second language acquisition and best practices for language teaching. The programs emphasize the development of a teacher’s ability to develop research-based teaching strategies that are developed from second language acquisition research that informs our field and makes language learning accessible to learners. Specific attention is directed at the interaction of second language acquisition theories, foreign language pedagogy, individual differences that learners bring to the language learning process (e.g., motivation, aptitude), curriculum, classroom management theories as well as competence in the language candidates will teach, the target language. Attaining a high level of communicative competence in the target language is an emphasis of the program such that candidates who enter future classrooms enjoy a relatively high level of proficiency; most candidates spend at least a semester studying abroad to do so and also to build competency and knowledge of the cultural products, practices, and perspectives related to the languages they will teach. The program is unique in that it focuses solely on foreign language education. This allows candidates to be in a supportive cohort of high-achieving peers taught by faculty who specialize and conduct research in second language acquisition. We strive to provide a cutting-edge, high-quality program that will utilize and build upon candidates’ knowledge, proficiency, and experiences living in the target culture to become an innovative middle or high school teacher that bases classroom practices on second language acquisition research. The program is designed for students with an interest in Spanish, French, or German education that are seeking certification to teach one or more of these languages.
Student Learning Outcomes
Outcomes align with Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium
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Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.
To be eligible for admission to the program, candidates must meet the following requirements:
30 units of coursework which includes:
A minimum GPA of 2.5 in all content major coursework (must have taken at least 3 units) and a cumulative 2.5 GPA in all courses.
Additional requirements:
Take the following 62 units with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in all GER and LAN courses and with a grade of "C" or better in each course.
German (GER) and Language (LAN) courses (38 units)
In all of our teacher education programs, you are required to complete a student teaching or internship experience. In addition, a minimum number of units of practicum is required, which involves supervised field experience with a practicing teacher.
Before being accepted to student teaching, the following criteria must be met:
Arizona Teacher Certification
In order to obtain an Arizona teaching certificate you must pass both the appropriate National Evaluation Series subject matter test and the National Evaluation Series Secondary Assessment Professional Knowledge.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan. Accelerated Programs provide the opportunity for outstanding undergraduates working on their bachelor’s degree to simultaneously begin work on a master’s degree, which may allow them to complete both degrees in an accelerated manner by applying 6 units toward both degrees. Students must apply to the accelerated program and the master’s program by the application deadline, and meet all requirements as listed on the Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Programs to be considered for admission. Admission to programs is competitive and qualified applicants may be denied because of limits on the number of students admitted each year. Be sure to speak with your advisor regarding your interest in Accelerated Programs.
All candidates for the German B.S.Ed. major must take the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Advanced-Low Level Check. See your advisor for details.
Be aware that Arizona state teacher certification requirements leading to Institutional Recommendations may change at any time, and may impact program of study requirements.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.