Online Spanish Teacher Certification Information

Programs leading to Spanish teacher certification programs are not available entirely online, but interested students may be able to complete a portion of the certification requirements online in a hybrid program that includes some student teaching or on-campus work. Certification can be acquired through bachelor's degree programs, graduate certificate programs or master's degree programs.

Overview of Online Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education, Spanish Emphasis

A bachelor's degree with an emphasis in Spanish is the minimum requirement for individuals to qualify as a Spanish teacher at a public secondary school. Teacher certification is sometimes included in the degree curriculum. Depending on the institution, the degree is most often a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Education.

Program Information and Requirements

An online 4-5 year bachelor's degree program requires courses in theory, pedagogy and Spanish, in addition to general education courses, all of which are available online. A supervised student teaching or internship component of the program can last as long as a school year and cannot be completed online. Teacher certification depends on a satisfactory assessment of the candidate's performance. Candidates also must pass their state's version of a subject competency examination, such as the Languages Other Than English (LOTE) test used in Texas or the national Praxis II test administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Testing is conducted in person at designated testing centers.
Students are required to have a computer with Internet access, although in many programs no special software is necessary.

Popular Courses in Online Bachelor in Secondary Education Programs, Spanish Emphasis

Courses found in an online bachelor's degree program in education with an emphasis on Spanish are largely the same as those in an on-campus program. Subject-specific courses provide a broad overview of Spanish language and culture and its influence on society.

Spanish Civilization Course

This survey course in Spanish history from prehistoric times to the present is often taught entirely in Spanish. It provides an introduction to the development of civilization in Spain and the changes in everyday life through the years.

Latin American Civilization Course

Also generally conducted in Spanish, this course explores the cultural advances and national character of Latin American countries. The subject matter usually begins with an exploration into the conditions that existed in pre-Columbian civilizations and how they were affected by Spanish exploration.

Spanish Composition and Conversation Course

In this advanced course, students participate in an academic investigation into the Spanish language. Argument, definition, classification, analysis and comparison are some of the tools students use to develop and improve their oral and written Spanish proficiency.

Spanish Literature Course

One of the mainstays of certification requirements is a course in Spanish or Hispanic literature. The works of major Hispanic novelists, poets, dramatists, essayists and short story writers are read and analyzed. This exercise develops a student's facility with craft of the language and provides insight into the periods in which the pieces were produced.

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Overview of Online Graduate Certificate in Teaching Program, Spanish Emphasis

A bachelor's degree with a Spanish major, or its equivalent, is the minimum educational requirement for admission for this initial certification program that culminates in a certificate rather than a degree. After obtaining a graduate certificate, students often apply the credits toward a master's degree in teaching and professional certification.

Program Information and Requirements

Applicants holding a degree in Spanish have filled all background core topic requirements, and native Spanish speakers meet the requirements through the Praxis II examination, which is required of all applicants. Those whose degrees are not in Spanish are required to complete background courses such as grammar and composition, writing and rhetoric, phonetics and Spanish Civilization. Certification programs themselves are usually self-paced and consist of 18-23 credit hours. With the exception of an internship, which lasts a minimum of 12 weeks, all courses are available online. Letters of recommendation may be required.
Students must have a computer with Internet access. In many cases, the program is delivered in modules, covering topics such as strategies, classroom management and the use of technology. Throughout the program, students may be required to participate in real-time online discussions and videoconferencing, which may require webcams.

Popular Courses in Online Graduate Certificate in Teaching Programs, Spanish Emphasis

Because all Spanish language requirements are met while completing undergraduate or prerequisite work, the online courses necessary for a graduate teaching certificate focus on pedagogy, principles and methodology.

Pedagogy Course

Instructional planning, discipline, classroom management, motivation and instruction for diverse populations within school settings are among the skills developed in this course. Principles of learning theories and instructional design as they apply to teaching methods are emphasized.

Diagnostics Course

This course delves into the analysis, selection and implementation of proper instructional methods, taking into consideration students' cognitive and emotional development. Various learning and instructional styles are examined. Focus is placed on the effect of outside influences on learning, including physical, social and emotional factors.

Language Arts Course

Based on the belief that all learning is interrelated, this course teaches the integration of writing, reading, listening and speaking. The focus is on the analysis and techniques of melding these aspects into a seamless and effective instructional strategy.

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Overview of Online Master of Arts in Teaching Program, Spanish Emphasis

Much like an on-campus master's degree program, the online master's program may require a minimum undergraduate GPA as well as a number of letters of recommendation. Students are required to complete background courses in Spanish, unless exempted because they are native speakers or their undergraduate degree is in Spanish. All students are generally required to pass the Praxis I, reading, writing and math exam in addition to the Praxis II Spanish proficiency exam.

Program Information and Requirements

Coursework for a 12-month Master of Arts in Teaching, Spanish Emphasis includes all courses required for a graduate teaching certificate, including student teaching or internship, as well as advanced courses. Whereas regular master's programs have a residency requirement, in many cases, online courses are considered in-residence. Some schools have a short on-campus orientation or training session. The meat of the program may be pursued entirely online, allowing students to earn a master's degree while employed as a teacher.
While some schools allow students to proceed at their own pace, others shepherd students through the program as a cohort, course by course. Students need Internet access and, in some cases, the ability to communicate through audio input for participation in real-time seminars or class discussions.

Popular Courses in Online Master of Arts in Teaching Programs, Spanish Emphasis

The advanced portion of the master's program may be split between online and on-campus courses. Although a fair portion of the program deals with Spanish-related material, usually the larger portion deals with principles, techniques and the methodology of teaching.

Research Methods Course

Mindful of ethical considerations, students learn to use instruments such as questionnaires, focus groups and surveys as they explore basic, applied or directed, evaluation, historical, descriptive, correlational and experimental research methods.

Advanced Methods of Teaching Spanish Course

Students explore methods of teaching Spanish, including the use of the Internet, the integration of cultural concepts into the classroom setting, development of personal teaching materials and language laboratory techniques.

Teacher Leadership Course

Students study and develop traits and methods that yield productive results in the classroom. With an emphasis on proactive risk-taking, effective listening and communication, students learn the value of collaborative efforts, coaching and mentoring as the develop curriculum and convey knowledge effectively.

Career Information for Graduates

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), expected employment opportunities for all K-12 teachers to increase by 13% from 2008-2018, which is about the national average for all occupations (www.bls.gov). The BLS further reported that the percentage was expected to vary widely according to locality, with inner cities and rural areas presenting the most forecasted job opportunities and the aging of the large baby boomer generation, prompting an expected increase in the number of teachers retiring over the same 10-year period.
In a survey covering the 2005-2006 school year, the American Federation of Teachers found the average starting salary for a first-year teacher with a bachelor's degree to be $33,327. In May 2010, PayScale.com reported the median salary for all high school Spanish teachers to be $42,921.

Continuing Education and Teacher Licensure

Online Praxis preparation courses are available through various sources. The ETS offers an information bulletin, sample tests and test preparation materials online. Online courses are available for those who wish to qualify for certification in an area other than teaching Spanish. Supervised student teaching may be required for each additional subject area along with the appropriate Praxis exam.
State licensure is required for Spanish Teachers. While in some states licensure is included with certification, in others, a license is applied for separate from certification. In the latter case, following the successful completion of all requirements for teacher certification, individuals may be recommended to the governing State Board of Education for licensure by the certification office of the relevant college or university. In many cases, initially qualified individuals are granted apprentice licenses. At the end of three years of satisfactory work, the credential may be upgraded to professional license. Professional licenses are generally renewable every ten years.