The Spanish teaching program at WSU integrates a major in Spanish language with professional teacher education courses from the WSU College of Education that prepare you to pass the Washington state teacher certification exam and run a classroom of your own.

Here's a quick overview of the core courses.

Prerequisites

The professional education course work begins with three prerequisite courses:

• Writing and Research
• Learning and Development
• Initial Practicum Experience

After successfully completing the prerequisites, you can apply to the teacher education program in the College of Education and move on to the professional core.

Professional education core

• Curriculum, Instruction and Content Literacy Methods
• Teaching English Language Learners for Secondary Teachers
• Secondary Methods of Educational Technology
• Adolescence, Community, and School

• Classroom Assessment for Secondary Students
• Advanced Practicum
• Special Education, Transition, and Classroom Management for Secondary General Education Teachers
• Student Teaching

For the full sequence of teacher certification courses, see the Teacher Education Program's web page.

Graduation requirements

See the WSU Catalog for degree requirements and talk with your academic advisor about planning and scheduling your courses. All students must meet requirements as outlined in the catalog in order to graduate.

As a Spanish major on the teaching track, you'll take core courses that cover Spanish language learning with speaking, listening, and writing courses, Spanish or Latin American culture electives, and seminars in Spanish studies.

For the full sequence of teacher certification courses, see the Teacher Education Program's web page.

A variety of state, federal, and university-sponsored programs are available to help students with educational costs.

Washington State University awards millions of dollars in financial aid and scholarships to students every year based on financial need, academic merit, or a combination of the two.

To get all the financial help WSU can provide, start by doing these two things:

• Complete the University’s general scholarship application so you can be eligible for scholarship consideration.
• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so WSU can consider you for aid (scholarships, grants, loans, etc.) based on financial need.

For students in Spanish teaching

WSU offers scholarships specifically for students in Spanish teaching.

• The College of Education awards funds from 13 endowed scholarships to approximately 100 teacher education students every semester. More information about these scholarships.
• Spanish majors are eligible to apply for scholarships through the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). The college awards more than $50,000 to students in its academic programs every year. Visit the CAS website for more scholarship information.
• The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race awards numerous scholarships annually for new students, continuing students, and those pursuing study abroad. Visit the school’s scholarship page for more information.

A strong and broad high school background in humanities, social science, and languages is helpful preparation for advanced foreign language study.

Students should take at least two years of a foreign language in high school, which will also meet a WSU graduation requirement.

Future teachers should care about children, enjoy working with them, and have the desire to make a real difference in the world.

Spanish teachers may teach in public or private schools worldwide. Further study opens up possibilities as a coach, counselor, principal, or other administrative positions in schools.

• Spanish teaching is an excellent complement to other disciplines, including coaching, counseling, becoming a principal, or other administrative positions in schools.
• Study abroad provides students a wide range of opportunities for adventuring, learning, and engaging with the language and culture. 
• The School of Languages, Cultures, and Race offers four different faculty-led study abroad programs for spring and summer. Students can choose to study abroad during spring break in Guatemala or during the summer in Paris, Berlin, or Berlin/Austria. To learn more about these faculty-led study abroad experiences, visit the school's website. 
• Earn course credit while studying abroad in one of 560+ additional education-abroad programs. Visit the Office of International Programs Study Abroad Programs for more information.
• Scholarships are offered annually to new and ongoing students, and for study abroad. Visit the school's scholarship page.
• The school’s Language Learning Resource Center provides the latest in language learning technology, such as access to almost 40 computers, two HD TVs with Blu-Ray DVD players, and the ability to check out other equipment. The center's fully trained staff are ready to provide assistance. 

There are several student clubs and organizations that support future teachers.

• The Student Washington Education Association (SWEA) is a pre-professional organization run by education students for education students. All future teachers are invited to join and participate in SWEA activities.
• Kappa Delta Pi, the teaching student honors society, offers activities and networking opportunities.
• The Alhadeff Future Teachers of Color program offers mentorship and academic support to teaching students from underrepresented groups.