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How To Become a Spanish Teacher: Education, Certification and Salary Insight
Teaching Spanish can be a rewarding career, especially for those who have a passion for the language and the cultures in countries that speak it. To qualify as a Spanish teacher in most U.S. schools, you must earn at least a bachelor’s degree and meet any credential requirements in the state where you plan to work. In this article, we discuss the steps to become a Spanish teacher, common responsibilities and the average salary for this role.
What do Spanish teachers do?
Spanish teachers instruct students in spoken and written Spanish, including grammar, vocabulary and diction. They also teach things like reading comprehension and conversational skills using materials that educate students on the culture and customs of Spanish-speaking countries.
Spanish teachers create lesson plans and follow the required syllabus their district demands for each of their assigned classes. At the middle school and high school levels, they will typically work school hours with summers off, while a college professor’s schedule could differ each term. Spanish tutors may work independently or for private agencies.
As a Spanish teacher, you can expect to:
- Develop curricula and lesson plans. Although Spanish teachers follow the syllabus for a given level as dictated by their employer, they will still create their own lesson plans tailored to their classrooms and the needs of individual students.
- Grade tests and homework to track student progress. Spanish teachers give various assignments and tests to help students advance while also highlighting their weaknesses so they know where they need to improve. For instance, if a student passes an oral test and fails written exams, both the teacher and the student know they need to practice writing skills.
- Teach culture, history and customs of Spanish-speaking countries: Teachers further acquaint their students with the language by using Spanish to teach various aspects of culture, food, clothing, history and practices throughout Latin America and Spain.
- Encourage and instruct students to write and speak in Spanish: Spanish teachers lead exercises to help students master the rules of grammar as well as engage them in group conversations. Spanish students will also learn composition and basic reading. More advanced classes may involve researched presentations or reading and responding to literature. Some classes may be conducted entirely in Spanish.
- Explain Spanish-language mechanics: Teachers show students how the Spanish language works through lessons that cover spelling, grammar and punctuation.
How to become a Spanish teacher
If you are intrigued by the Spanish language and the rich, diverse cultures of the places where they speak it, but also enjoy the idea of helping people learn, then you may have the makings of an excellent Spanish teacher. If you want to become a Spanish teacher, you will probably have to:
1. Learn the Spanish language
While it is possible to attain fluency or a deeper understanding of a language during your degree program, any Spanish teacher in an English-speaking country must be bilingual in Spanish and English. While native Spanish speakers can certainly have an advantage, any aspiring Spanish teacher needs a deep understanding of grammar, mechanics, composition and literature in both languages if they are to make an outstanding Spanish teacher.
If you are not a native speaker, you will have some work to do on your own that extends beyond the classroom. Expose yourself to life experiences that immerse you into the language.
2. Obtain a bachelor’s degree
You must meet all the requirements to obtain a teaching license in your state, which means acquiring at least a bachelor’s degree. Most college and university Spanish programs focus on phonetics, pronunciation, conversation, customs, linguistics and Spanish literary work. Some states require a dual major in Spanish and education. Generally, the degree requirements take four years or so to complete. You will also have to earn your credential, which may or may not be embedded into your degree program or require extra schooling.
3. Earn Spanish teacher licensure
For teachers to work in public schools, they must have a license, the specifics of which will vary from state to state. As part of the process to earn your credential or any necessary certification, you will have to pass subject-knowledge tests and complete a required teaching internship.
Spanish teachers must demonstrate knowledge of the history, literature, geography and arts of the countries where Spanish is spoken. In certification tests, Spanish teachers are tested on speech analysis skills and language comprehension. Lastly, you will have to pass the licensing exam and possibly agree to a background check and fingerprinting.
4. Consider a master’s degree
It is not uncommon for educators to continue their education through the master’s degree level, and if you plan on teaching Spanish at the college level, it will likely be required. Many school districts will also pay higher salaries to teachers with master’s degrees. If your undergraduate work did not focus specifically on Spanish education, you can continue past the bachelor’s level to meet the qualifications needed for becoming a licensed teacher.
5. Prepare to apply for jobs
To begin applying for jobs, you’ll need to create a well-organized and professional resume or curriculum vitae that highlights your certification, experience, applicable skills and educational achievements. Include keywords used in the job description along with a cover letter. You should also gather your references and be prepared to ask for letters of recommendation.
Familiarize yourself with educational job boards and the school districts accessible to your area.
Salary and job outlook for Spanish teachers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment rate for Spanish teachers at the high and middle school levels is expected to rise by 4% from 2019 to 2029. The BLS also claims that many schools lack a sufficient number of foreign language teachers, which causes the increase in the rate of employment opportunities. According to the BLS, job opportunities in urban areas increase faster than in rural areas.
The national average salary for Spanish teachers in the U.S. is $46,146 per year according to Indeed Salaries. There are many factors that contribute to a Spanish teacher’s salary beyond just experience and locations; for example, teachers with master’s degrees earn more than those with bachelor’s degrees. Tertiary learning institutions and public schools also tend to pay better than public schools.