Chinese; Cantonese and Mandarin Language Instructor NFATC; formerly FSI - onsite, Arlingt

Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin) Language Instructor for NFATC (formerly FSI) - onsite, Arlington, VA, Arlington, VA

Arlington, United States | Posted on 07/13/2026

PGLS is looking for experienced Chinese - Cantonese and Mandarin Language and Culture Instructors to provide language training, mentoring and testing for Cantonese or Mandarin at the School of Language Studies at the National Foreign Affairs Training Center (Department of State). This opening is for the following durations:

• Plan and conduct group Cantonese or Mandarin language classes in a small group setting, onsite in Arlington, VA.
• Use established materials and work collaboratively with the LTS and other instructors in the team on training and/or testing matters.
• Assess students’ progress and provide feedback; consult with LTS and adapt teaching techniques to the students’ individual needs.
• Conduct informal and formal progress assessments to evaluate students’ progress.
• Provide a respectful, student‑centered environment and provide encouragement and constructive feedback.
• Maintain an online classroom environment through the Foreign Service Institute’s Learning Management System.
• With pre‑approval by COR plan and/or participate in non‑classroom activities in the Washington DC area.

• Educated speaker of Cantonese or Mandarin (preferably Level 4 or higher on ILR scale).
• Cultural background of the area by being raised or educated in China or by living in an enclave or heritage community in another country.
• BA/BS, MA/MS or Ph.D. or foreign equivalent degree(s) in any field.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience teaching Cantonese and/or Mandarin to adult learners (2 or more students).
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience teaching Cantonese and/or Mandarin with proficiency-based or task-based curricula.
• A minimum of one (1) year administering proficiency-based assessments (serving as an FSI tester or rater, administering DLPT or OPI exams, administering task-based quizzes or weekly assessments).
• Knowledge of basic computer skills: e.g. email, Microsoft Office Suite, online meeting software (Zoom, Skype, MS Teams, Web Ex).
• Experience with hybrid teaching.

• Experience developing foreign language instructional material and/or curricula.
• Experience teaching with the communicative approach to language teaching and incorporating a range of educational technologies in teaching.
• Experience delivering training targeted to the needs of the diplomatic community.

PGLS offers a competitive and comprehensive full‑time employee compensation and benefits package: FSA, Health, Dental, Vision – CIGNA Plan option(s);
Company Paid Short Term Disability Insurance;
Pet Insurance;
Tuition/Professional Development Reimbursement, 401k, Dash Pass; PTO;
All Federal Holidays Paid, Metro/Parking Reimbursement.

PGLS is committed to equal opportunity in employment and is dedicated to hire an inclusive workforce. It is the policy of PGLS to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, nationality, or ethnicity (including color, caste, or ancestry), religion, sex, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

As part of the company’s equal employment opportunity policy, PGLS will also take affirmative action as called for by applicable laws and Executive Orders to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.

To request reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process, please reach out to PGLS at