ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines some critical elements in the professional preparation for teachers of Arabic as a second or foreign language. In the past four years, enrollments in Arabic language programs worldwide have skyrocketed. Finding enough teachers to provide instruction has been a challenge; when possible, programs hire professionally trained teachers. Effective program administrators know of the central role of the teacher in the management of effective learning in those programs. In addition to their importance in teaching Arabic, qualified Arabic teachers are essential to the future of the Arabic language. Now more than at any time in history, Arabic is a critical tool for international and cross-cultural communication.
