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Foreign language instructor vs spanish teacher

The differences between foreign language instructors and spanish teachers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a foreign language instructor and a spanish teacher. Additionally, a foreign language instructor has an average salary of $62,177, which is higher than the $52,445 average annual salary of a spanish teacher.

The top three skills for a foreign language instructor include tagalog, classroom management and ILR. The most important skills for a spanish teacher are classroom management, spanish language, and student learning.

Foreign language instructor vs spanish teacher overview

Foreign Language InstructorSpanish Teacher
Yearly salary$62,177$52,445
Hourly rate$29.89$25.21
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs45,30354,666
Job satisfaction54
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Average age4646
Years of experience22

What does a foreign language instructor do?

The responsibility of a foreign language teacher is to teach students any language that is not their mother tongue. They speak, write, and comprehend foreign language to students, which often includes cross-cultural studies and literature instruction. They teach at all education levels and in government and corporations. Those teaching at the college level requires an advanced degree like a doctoral degree or master's degree. They may also specialize in the language they want to become an expert in.

What does a spanish teacher do?

A Spanish teacher is responsible for teaching the Spanish language, including its history and culture, both written and conversational. Spanish teachers follow the curriculum, depending on the students' expertise level and evaluate their progress through oral and written assessments. A Spanish teacher must develop effective lesson plans, focusing on Spanish grammar and composition, identifying students' improvement areas to adjust lesson outlines. Spanish teachers must have excellent knowledge and expertise with the Spanish language and engaging activities to further students' development.

Foreign language instructor vs spanish teacher salary

Foreign language instructors and spanish teachers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Foreign Language InstructorSpanish Teacher
Average salary$62,177$52,445
Salary rangeBetween $44,000 And $87,000Between $38,000 And $70,000
Highest paying CityMonterey, CASanta Rosa, CA
Highest paying stateNew HampshireAlaska
Best paying companyMiddlebury CollegeKing Low Heywood Thomas
Best paying industryRetailEducation

Differences between foreign language instructor and spanish teacher education

There are a few differences between a foreign language instructor and a spanish teacher in terms of educational background:

Foreign Language InstructorSpanish Teacher
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 64%
Most common majorEnglishEducation
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Foreign language instructor vs spanish teacher demographics

Here are the differences between foreign language instructors' and spanish teachers' demographics:

Foreign Language InstructorSpanish Teacher
Average age4646
Gender ratioMale, 44.9% Female, 55.1%Male, 23.9% Female, 76.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 7.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 10.2% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.1% Asian, 11.3% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage16%16%

Differences between foreign language instructor and spanish teacher duties and responsibilities

Foreign language instructor example responsibilities.

  • Distribute marketing materials to community organizations and businesses and lead community outreach strategy on behalf of ESOL department regarding various programs/schedules/opportunities.
  • Design syllabus, class events, and study material to prepare students to succeed in the class.
  • Develop course syllabus, curriculum and teaching materials.
  • Develop an interactive and student centered Arabic language curriculum for teaching young learners basic Arabic communication, writing and reading skills.
  • Counsele students on language skills, study strategies and goals, and recommend supplementary educational material for self-study and exam preparation.
  • Distribute marketing materials to community organizations and businesses and lead community outreach strategy on behalf of ESOL department regarding various programs/schedules/opportunities.
  • Show more

Spanish teacher example responsibilities.

  • Create dynamic lesson plans, activities and content to help students achieve oral proficiency according to ACTFL standards.
  • Plan and instruct elementary (Pre-K to 6th grade) Spanish language emphasizing vocabulary, pronunciation, reading and spelling.
  • Conduct mathematics, language, and cultural studies lessons exclusively in Spanish as part of the school's full immersion program.
  • Prepare students for state assessments in ELA.
  • Collaborate with freshman teachers on month-long debate project.
  • Teach students study skills, note-taking skills, and test-taking strategies.
  • Show more

Foreign language instructor vs spanish teacher skills

Common foreign language instructor skills
  • Tagalog, 14%
  • Classroom Management, 12%
  • ILR, 11%
  • Language Learning, 11%
  • Language Teaching, 9%
  • Grammar, 7%
Common spanish teacher skills
  • Classroom Management, 17%
  • Spanish Language, 12%
  • Student Learning, 6%
  • Professional Development, 6%
  • Public Schools, 4%
  • IV, 3%

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