Education: World Language Education BS
The World Language Education program is for undergraduate students who are interested in becoming a PK-12 World Language teacher in one of the following languages: American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, or Spanish.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
A PK-12 World Language License Will Provide You With:
- Strategies and methods to support the target language growth of ALL of your students.
- The tools necessary to modify/adapt your lessons and activities to ensure that ALL students can participate.
- An opportunity to develop/strengthen cultural competence to help you understand and support ALL of your students.
- Tools and resources to become an advocate for World Language education.
Who Is a PK-12 World Language Teacher?
- A World Language teacher is a trained individual (who is fluent in the target language and culture) who can bring the world into a classroom!
- World Language teachers plan for classroom environments that provide students the opportunity to develop proficiency and love, appreciation and fluency for languages and cultures.
- A World Language teacher works with students of all ages to develop their skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing in English in the target language.
- As a World Language teacher, you will join a network of teachers who are committed to global citizenship.
Why PK-12 World Language Certification?
Learning a World Language can help students to:
- Create positive attitudes and develop less prejudice towards cultures and communities who are different from them.
- Become globally minded individuals who can understand and actively engage with the world.
- Develop fluency in another language and culture.
- Improve cognitive functions.
As a World Language teacher, you will have an opportunity to influence our communities to become more globally minded, multilingual and multicultural!
Career Opportunities
This teacher certification allows program completers to work as a classroom teacher and/or PK-12 World Language teacher.
Additionally, this certification will allow program completers to work in a language immersion school.
Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC)
The MLC Resource Library provides interdisciplinary teaching materials for teacher candidates, practicing teachers, graduate students, and faculty of the School of Education who are MLC related. Those seeking instructional materials for student teachings, field placements, or course assignments, are able to access this library.
For more information, visit the Multiliteracies, Languages, and Cultures Resource Library (MLC) webpage.
In this program, candidates will explore the following topics:
- Linguistics and Grammar
- Biliteracy
- Theories of language acquisition
- Politics of language acquisition
- Teaching strategies to support reading, writing, speaking and listening in the target language
- The inclusion of culture as the basis for language acquisition
- Teaching methods to encourage oral proficiency in the target language
- Advocacy
In addition, candidates will have the opportunity to work with World Language students in multiple and diverse field placements.
Program Requirements
Post-Baccalaureate Program
Students who already hold a bachelor’s degree can earn their teaching certification by successfully completing our post-baccalaureate teaching certification program. It’s possible that coursework completed as part of your bachelor’s degree could be applied towards our program.
Graduate Program
Please contact Dr. Tatiana Joseph, Program Chair and Assistant Professor for more information. This is a focus area in the Curriculum and Instruction MS Degree program. See C&I Master’s degree program.
UWM Admission
| Undergraduate Admission | To be considered for admission to UWM, you must meet all UWM admissions requirements and complete the Universities of Wisconsin Application. |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certification | The School of Education post-baccalaureate certification programs lead to teaching certification and licensure. This pathway is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and aspires to become a classroom teacher. |
| Graduate Admission | To be considered for admission to the School of Education Curriculum and Instruction, MS or Exceptional Education, MS program you must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements. Individuals interested in earning teacher certification with their master’s degree will select a certification area of interest. |
The Universities of Wisconsin Application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.
In completing the Universities of Wisconsin application, attend to the following:
- It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
- When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
- When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
- Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
- When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page, select “Education & Training” followed by your specific area.
- Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
- Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, include the statement “I am applying to pursue a teaching certification” along with your current WI teaching license information or if you’re seeking initial WI teaching licensure, as well as subject areas of interest.
- Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.
School of Education: Advancement to Professional Sequence Process (Advance to Major)
All applicants to the World Language Education program must meet the following requirements to advance to the professional program sequence.
- A 2.5 minimum cumulative GPA in all UWM and transfer courses at the time of admission application.
- A 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA in any World Language content courses.
- A minimum of 48 credits (UWM and transfer credits) at the time of admission application.
- Additional undergraduate requirements for admission—see academic advisor.
- A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on all coursework completed for undergraduate credit.
- A 2.75 minimum cumulative GPA in any World Language content courses.
- For additional information, see your academic advisor
Complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form
Advancement to the professional program sequence is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon availability of space.
Graduate Program
Please contact Dr. Tatiana Joseph, Program Chair and Assistant Professor for more information. This is a focus area in the Curriculum and Instruction MS Degree program. See C&I Master’s degree program. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the semester in which you wish to begin.
Faculty
- Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, English as a Second Language Education
- Program Director, World Language Education
- josepht@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6667
- Enderis Hall 309
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the semester in which you wish to begin.
Assistant Professor and Program Director
josepht@uwm.edu
To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:
Office of Student Services Advising
soeinfo@uwm.edu
414-229-4721