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What does a Language Arts Teacher do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A language arts teacher is someone who teaches the English language to students. This can include teaching grammar, reading, writing, and literature.

Language Arts Teacher job duties include:

  • Plan and prepare courses and lessons in line with curriculum guidelines.
  • Motivate students with engaging lesson plans and materials.
  • Incorporate technology into the classroom to facilitate learning.
  • Develop and administer formative and summative assessments.
  • Grade student work and provide feedback.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field of language arts.
  • Attend professional development workshops.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to develop instructional materials.
  • Maintain accurate records of student progress and attendance.

Language Arts Teacher Job Requirements

Most Language Arts Teacher positions require a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in English, Education, or a related field. Many states also require teachers to be certified in order to teach in public schools. Certification requirements vary by state, but generally include completing an accredited teacher preparation program and passing a state-mandated exam. Some states offer alternative certification programs for individuals who have already earned a Bachelor's degree in another field. In addition to education and certification requirements, most schools prefer to hire teachers with previous teaching experience.

Language Arts Teacher Skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • The ability to break down complex concepts
  • The ability to find different ways to explain things
  • Classroom management skills
  • The ability to engage students
  • The ability to build relationships
  • A love of learning
  • A passion for teaching
  • A growth mindset
  • The ability to differentiate instruction

Related: Top Language Arts Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Language Arts Teacher

There are many steps that one must take in order to become a Language Arts Teacher. The first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in English or a related field. Once you have obtained your degree, you will need to complete a teacher preparation program. After you have completed your teacher preparation program, you will need to obtain a teaching license. Once you have obtained your teaching license, you can begin teaching Language Arts at the elementary, middle, or high school level.

Related: Language Arts Teacher Resume Example

Related: Language Arts Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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