What Qualifications Do I Need To Become A Spanish Teacher?

Question

What Qualifications Do I Need To Become A Spanish Teacher?

5 Answers

Answer Question

Answer 1

The qualifications you need to teach Spanish will vary according to where you wish to teach; not just at what level, but through what medium and in what country. You will need to research requirements according to these variables, i.e. Private lessons, teaching online, teaching children/adults, teaching public school or college level.

For online tutorials, it can be enough that you are fluent or a native Spanish speaker, without the need for formal certification. If you are interested in seeing how this might work, check out two or three websites such as:

www.verbalplanet.com/teach-spanish.asp

www.worldwideworkathome.com/teaching.html

www.buddyschool.com

Success as a teacher with many of the online sites will depend on receiving positive student reviews. Acquiring students without a rating may be difficult initially, but tutors with a list of good reviews can command higher fees as that positive feedback accrues.

As a private tutor you could advertise to assist students through a recognized curriculum like Rosetta Stone, Pimsleur or another of the popular language programs. This type of teaching wouldn’t necessarily require credentials other than your native fluency and knowledge of Spanish or Latin culture.

Both online teaching and working as a private instructor have the advantage of allowing you to set your own hours to accommodate family, work and other commitments. Working from home is also seen by many as a desirable option; you have fewer expenses, no commute, no "work wardrobe”, no time clock, no boss.

In more formal settings such as teaching within the school system, qualifications to teach Spanish will include advanced certification such as a bachelor’s degree in Spanish education. Again, this may vary according to what country you intend to teach in.

Probably the best approach would be to contact the educational institutions you are hoping to work for, and determine their specific prerequisites, to ensure any training you undertake is in compliance with general standards for this level of teaching.

Answer 2

As long as you're great at Spanish you don't have much to worry about. But you do need a few more qualifiactions, (unfortunately).
1- you need to be fluent in speaking both Spanish and English
2- you have to love teaching
3-you have to be expressive and animated
4. 2- 5 years of teaching experience preferably with elementary students
5.have a cleared TB test
6. You must enjoy creating a playful fun learning environment, while commanding respect and discipline
7-you must understand and deliver age appropriate instructions

Hope this helped you.
Wish you the best.
Gracias

Answer 3

I'm currently in college for Spanish Education....
In addition to being tested for TB, you also have to be fingerprinted, and have background checks done...whatever college you go to for your bachelors degree will guide you through it....don't worry. Just stay on-top of things, because they wont do it for you, but they'll help you if you ask.
You also have to pass an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)...my college requires you be at the Advance-Low level to graduate and become a spanish teacher...... "Fluent" is a very broad term... People often neglect the different levels of the OPI exam. Usually if you keep your grades up in your program, study abroad, and speak the language as much as possible...you wont have a problem. :)
Also, you'll need to take the Praxis exams....
Good luck!!!! Its a really awesome journey,

Answer 4

2-5 years of teaching experience preferably with elementary students

Answer 5

It is not hard to become a Spanish teacher. The number one thing you need is the ability to speak Spanish fluently and to know about and understand the different cultures of the Hispanic and Spanish world.

You also will need a Bachelor's degree in foreign language education. In addition to knowing the language, you will also have to know how to teach it and understand how one learns a foreign language. You will also have to know how to work with diverse groups of students as well.

Once you get your college degree in foreign language education, many states and countries will require you to have certification in Spanish. The certification will verify that you know the language and culture well enough to teach it to other people.

The best thing to do is to check the requirements at the college where you want to attend and study Spanish. Each state or country has its own requirements.

Above all, you have to love Spanish and teaching. Teaching Spanish is fun, and how you view the language and culture will truly show through your teaching. Good luck!