BA in French / EdM in French Adolescence Education

The UB Teach French program prepares students to become skilled educators with strong language expertise and real classroom experience. Graduates enter the profession with both academic preparation and professional training.

Students in this program will be prepared to:

• Teach French in grades 7–12 with a grades 1–6 extension
• Bring literature, culture and language learning into engaging classroom experiences
• Use evidence-based teaching strategies that support diverse learners
• Enter the profession with a full year of supervised teaching residency

Students begin with coursework in French language and culture before transitioning into advanced education coursework and classroom teaching.

The BA / EdM pathway allows students to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in five years through an integrated program of language study and teacher preparation.

Students first focus on French language, literature and cultural study while completing introductory education coursework. In later years, students move into graduate-level teaching methods courses and supervised classroom experiences.

This structure ensures that students graduate with both strong disciplinary knowledge and professional teaching expertise.

• Accelerated five-year pathway to a BA in French and EdM in French Adolescence Education 
• Coursework in both the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures and the Department of Learning and Instruction 
• Clinical teaching experiences embedded throughout the program 
• A full one-year teaching residency during the final year 
• Mentorship from experienced teachers and faculty 

Degrees: Bachelor’s degree and master of education (EdM) 
Time to complete: Five years 
Format:  On campus with some online coursework 
Certification: New York State French teacher certification 
Grade levels: 7–12 with grades 1–6 extension

Students in the UB Teach French program develop language expertise while learning how to design engaging and inclusive language classrooms. 

Throughout the program, students will: 

• Study French language, literature and francophone cultures 
• Learn how adolescents acquire language and develop literacy skills 
• Design lesson plans and instructional materials 
• Gain teaching experience in Western New York schools 
• Build confidence co-teaching with experienced educators 

During the final year, students complete a full-year teaching residency, working alongside a mentor teacher while leading instruction in real classrooms. 

By completing this program, students will:

• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in speaking, reading, writing and listening in French
• Interpret literary and cultural texts from the francophone world
• Design engaging language lessons for middle and high school learners
• Apply research-based teaching strategies in diverse classrooms
• Assess student learning and adapt instruction to support different learning needs

Students graduate with both disciplinary expertise and the pedagogical skills required for effective teaching.

Graduates of the BA in French / EdM in French Adolescence Education program are prepared for careers in education and language-related fields.

Common paths include:

• French teacher (grades 7–12)
• World language curriculum specialist
• Language education coordinator
• Cultural or international education programs
• Translation or interpretation roles

Graduates are especially well prepared for teaching positions in New York State schools.

If you are passionate about French language and culture and want to inspire future learners, the UB Teach French program provides a clear path to becoming a certified teacher.