Spanish Education Degree

Explore the Spanish Education Program

If you have a genuine love for the Spanish language and culture, teaching can be a great way to share that passion with others. Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the U.S., and with that comes a high demand for qualified Spanish teachers. As a Spanish teacher, you can play a critical role in helping students develop language skills that are in demand, along with helping students develop cultural awareness and a broader world view.

In the Spanish Education degree program at Wayne State, you’ll study intermediate and advanced Spanish grammar, composition, literature, as well as Spanish civilization and culture. You’ll also learn teaching methodologies and curriculum development for students in grades 6-12. Learning to teach Spanish may also open doors you to participate in study abroad and cultural exchange programs, or even teach in different countries.

With a Spanish Education degree from Wayne State, you’ll be well-prepared to teach Spanish to grades 6-12 and make a positive impact on student’s lives.

View program courses Download program fact sheet (PDF)

Endorsement information
The grade levels and subjects you want to teach are called endorsements, and depending on the type of endorsement, you are required to choose one or more in order to obtain your teaching certificate/license. The Spanish Education program at Wayne State is a subject endorsement, so you must choose another subject endorsement or a field endorsement to pair with this program. Learn more about endorsements.

Fast facts

Degree options: B.A. in World Language/Spanish Education

Endorsement type: Subject endorsement
Learn more about endorsements.

Delivery format: On campus (Wayne)

Program credit hours: 57

Spanish endorsement (30 credit hours)
Education core courses (27 credit hours)

Note: Students must also take 30 credit hours of General Studies courses. A total of 120 credit hours are needed to graduate from WSC. Additional majors or minors can be added to help meet graduation requirements.

Schools: Arts and Humanities, Education and Behavioral Sciences

Departments: Language and Literature; Educational Foundations and Leadership

Prepare for your future

Becoming a teacher

Field experience and clinical practice

As a student pursuing a teaching career in Spanish, you’ll complete field experiences and clinical practice. Some field experiences are embedded within the coursework of WSC’s educator preparation programs. Once you’ve completed the initial field experience requirements, you’ll then complete a semester of clinical practice (student teaching) in a school district chosen with the help of your adviser. During this semester, you’ll work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom experience.

Learn more about clinical practice

Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA)

Student teaching is a requirement for teacher certification in all 50 states and provides you with critical real-life experience before gaining a classroom of your own. Only Wayne State College adds to this experience through the Northeast Nebraska Teacher Academy (NENTA), a program that allows you to substitute teach as a junior and get paid, all while still earning your degree.

Learn more about NENTA

Student learning outcomes

Spanish programs

Demonstrate Spanish language communication skills in a work or social environment
Use the grammatical structure and lexicon of Spanish
Identify key historical events, literary figures, and popular cultural elements that are part of the Hispanic heritage
Demonstrate critical thinking skills in written analyses of Spanish language literary texts
Identify the intersection between Hispanic literatures/films and the discourses of class, ethnicity, human rights, religion, violence, traditions, gender, and sexuality

Education programs

Teacher candidates who successfully complete an education preparation program at Wayne State will be able to:

Create environments that support individual and collaborative learning using knowledge of how students grow and develop, along with individual differences and diverse cultures. (InTASC Standards 1-3)
Plan for instruction by applying content knowledge, a variety of instructional strategies, and multiple methods of assessment to connect concepts for learners in real-world applications. (InTASC Standards 4-8)
Engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to reflect on and adapt practice to meet the needs of each learner. (InTASC Standard 9)
Seek leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with stakeholders, and to advance the profession. (InTASC Standard 10)

View InTASC Standards for Educator Preparation

Topics covered

Spanish topics covered

Grammar and structure of the Spanish language
Aural understanding and conversation skills in Spanish
Advanced grammar, reading, and writing in Spanish
Historical, political, geographical, and economic study of Spain or Spanish America Spanish civilization or culture
Hispanic groups of the U.S.
Spanish and Latin American literature

Education topics covered

Developing curriculum for grades 6-12
Teaching as a profession
Human learning processes and behavior
Instructional design methodologies, implementation, and evaluation
Educational collaboration and equitable learning opportunities
Classroom management

Admission to Wayne State College does not guarantee entry into its educator preparation programs. Students planning to pursue professional education must undergo a background check along with meeting other requirements (benchmarks) and advance through three levels of preparation required to become a teacher.

Level One - Preparing for Teacher Candidacy
In this level, students apply for educator preparation and complete some of the preliminary coursework of the program. Students will need to pass an initial background check as well. View all Level One benchmarks.

Level Two - Preparing for Clinical Practice
In Level Two, students will prepare for student teaching by passing the required courses, meeting evidence to show their readiness, and pass a complete background check. View all Level Two benchmarks.

Level Three - Clinical Practice
Level Three is the final level and includes the successful completion of clinical practice and meeting the degree requirements for graduation from Wayne State. Students will also register to take the Praxis Exam. Passing the Praxis Exam is not a graduation requirement; however, it is required to earn a teaching license for the state in which you want to teach. View all Level Three benchmarks.

Benchmarks and Levels of Educator Preparation

Teacher certification

After successfully completing a teacher education program at Wayne State, you’ll submit your application to become a licensed teacher in Nebraska.

Initial Teacher Certification

State licensure disclosure

Wayne State's Spanish Education program is designed to prepare students for teacher licensure or certification in Nebraska. It has not been determined if these programs meet requirements for all other states.

If you are planning to pursue professional licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements before beginning an academic program.

Spanish Education Licensure Disclosure for all States About State Authorization and Licensure

Graduates with a degree in Spanish Education teach in schools using the skills they learned while at Wayne State College.

Jobs of recent graduates:

K-12 ESL Teacher – Schuyler Public Schools (Schuyler, Neb.)
Spanish Teacher – Elgin Public Schools (Elgin, Neb.)
Spanish Teacher – Kuemper Catholic School (Auburn, Iowa)
Special Education Teacher – Grand Island Public Schools (Grand Island)

job or grad school placement rate
within six months of graduation
Data based on most recent
employment outcomes survey

Cost of attendance

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

- College Affordability Guide, 2024

Wayne State is considered the most affordable four-year college or university in Nebraska. With same rates for in- and out-of-state students, our tuition guarantee, and our generous scholarship packages, it is clear to see how WSC earned the title. In fact, the average remaining annual cost of attendance for 2024-25 is $2,268 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

Spanish endorsement courses (30 credit hours)

Credits: 3
Description: Grammar review and advanced presentation of the structure of the language, stressing aural understanding, conversation skills, reading and writing.
Prerequisite: One year of college Spanish, or equivalent knowledge
Credits: 3
Description: Continuation of SPA 210 Intermediate Spanish I
Prerequisite: SPA 210 Intermediate Spanish I, or equivalent knowledge
Credits: 3
Description: A course designed to introduce advanced study of grammatical structure and a practical application of grammar in composition.
Prerequisite: SPA 210 Intermediate Spanish I, SPA 220 Intermediate Spanish II, or instructor permission
Take one of the following courses:
- SPA 301 Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3 credits) - A survey of literary movements in Spanish and Latin American literature: readings in drama, fiction, and poetry; grammar review.
- SPA 302 Spanish-American Civilization (3 credits) - A historical, political, philosophical, geographical, and economic study of Spanish America.
- SPA 303 Hispanics in the United States (3 credits) - This course is a survey of various aspects of the Hispanic experience in the United States today. Students will focus on three major Hispanic groups: Mexican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Puerto Ricans.
Take one of the following courses:
- SPA 316 Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3 credits) - A survey of literary movements in Spanish and Latin American literature: readings in drama, fiction, and poetry; grammar review.
- SPA 317 Spanish Literature (3 credits) - A survey of Spanish Literature from medieval times to the present.
- SPA 333 Survey of Spanish American Literature (3 credits) - A survey of Spanish-American literature from colonial times to the present.
Select one of the following courses:
- SPA 335 Special Topics in Spanish Literature (3 credits) - Detailed study of a particular aspect of an author, movement, genre, historical, period, or topic of general relevance in Spanish literature.
- SPA 337 Special Topics in Spanish-American Literature (3 credits) - Detailed study of a particular aspect of an author, genre, historical period, or topic of general relevance in Spanish-American literature.
Choose 12 credit hours from the following courses. At least nine (9) of the 12 credit hours must be SPA prefix courses:
- CNA 467 Intercultural Communication (3 credits) - A course aimed at developing a thorough understanding of communication and culture, in both global and community settings, and the way members of diverse cultures and subcultures utilize unique systems, symbols and media representation to communicate among themselves and other groups. Emphasis on media representation of minority groups and U.S. sponsored health/public welfare campaigns in developing nations will enable students to critically assess the communication process in a cultural context.
- ENG 270 Critical Approaches to Literature (3 credits) - Study of a variety of analytical and interpretive approaches to the study of literature in print and non-print media. This course provides an introduction to the English major in which the English program goals are communicated.
- ENG 384 World Literature (by advisement, 3 credits) - This course examines works from literary canons and traditions world-wide. This course may treat a common theme across various cultures; focus on a particular time period, culture, or genre; or compare and contrast texts from two or more countries.
- GEO 370 Geography of Latin America (3 credits) - A regional survey of Latin America in terms of its physical environment, history, culture, economic development, political systems, and demographic trends.
- HIS 423 History of Spain, 1469-Present (3 credits) - This course is a discussion-oriented seminar on the history of Spain and its empire, focusing particularly on how the experience of Spain both reflects and departs from the general European experience. The intersection of religion, politics, and culture will be considered, especially as they relate to regional, national, and ethnic identity. The course will also introduce students to a variety of recent trends in the study of Spanish history.
- SPA 301 Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3 credits) - A survey of literary movements in Spanish and Latin American literature: readings in drama, fiction, and poetry; grammar review.
- SPA 302 Spanish-American Civilization (3 credits) - A historical, political, philosophical, geographical, and economic study of Spanish America.
- SPA 303 Hispanics in the United States (3 credits) - This course is a survey of various aspects of the Hispanic experience in the United States today. Students will focus on three major Hispanic groups: Mexican Americans, Cuban Americans, and Puerto Ricans.
- SPA 304 Spanish for Business (3 credits) - A course designed to improve students’ knowledge of business concepts and documents, Spanish business terminology and correspondence. Prerequisite:SPA 210 Intermediate Spanish I.
- SPA 306 Spanish for Health Professionals (3 credits) - Some knowledge of Spanish helpful. A course designed to teach vocabulary and concepts for communicating with Spanish-speaking clientele in a variety of healthcare settings. Useful for those studying to become doctors, dentists, pharmacists, physical therapists, or other health professionals.
- SPA 307 Conversation and Composition (3 credits) - Practice in speaking, understanding, and writing Spanish. Activities are designed to develop oral and written skills necessary for upper-level coursework. Prerequisite: SPA 210 Intermediate Spanish I or equivalent.
- SPA 315 Spanish Translation (3 credits) - A general study of translation in Spanish with intensive translating practice in several professional areas.
- SPA 316 Introduction to Hispanic Literature (3 credits) - A survey of literary movements in Spanish and Latin American literature: readings in drama, fiction, and poetry; grammar review.
- SPA 317 Spanish Literature (3 credits) - A survey of Spanish Literature from medieval times to the present.
- SPA 333 Survey of Spanish American Literature (3 credits) - A survey of Spanish-American literature from colonial times to the present.
- SPA 335 Special Topics in Spanish Literature (3 credits) - Detailed study of a particular aspect of an author, movement, genre, historical, period, or topic of general relevance in Spanish literature.
- SPA 337 Special Topics in Spanish American Literature (3 credits) - Detailed study of a particular aspect of an author, genre, historical period, or topic of general relevance in Spanish American literature.
- SPA 340/440/540 Special Topics (2-3 credits) - Detailed study of a particular aspect of the language, an author, movement, genre, historical period, or topic of general relevance in the Spanish cultures. Graduate credit may be granted after fulfillment of special course requirements. When the course is scheduled with a General Studies number, the lectures and readings will be in English. This course may be repeated once at each level covering a different topic with permission of instructor.

Educator preparation core (27 credit hours)

Credits: 3

Description: Students are introduced to teaching as a profession through the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of educational systems. Students will explore various aspects of education, as well as their beliefs and values about teaching and learning through the exploration of professional knowledge, practice, and values. This course may include a field experience.
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for students in Level 1 of WSC’s educator preparation programs who are progressing into Level 2. Students will receive valuable information including, but not limited to, admission, program progression, degree and certification requirements, the use of portfolio software, professional dispositions for success, etc.

Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 3
Description: Students construct a conceptual basis for understanding the growth and development of learners. Theories of physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development are explored in order to better understand the importance of the nurturing role of the teacher in human development and learning. Students begin to understand the human learning process and individual differences in how learners think and behave based on their unique characteristics. Students study theoretical models and the integration of models for planning and facilitating effective and differentiated experiences for diversified learners. This course will include field experience.
Prerequisite: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education
Corequisite: EDU 245 Preparing for Level 2: Teacher Candidacy
Credits: 3
Description: Students will practice instructional design methodologies or analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. To explore and learn to recognize their biases, including but not limited to sexism, racism, prejudice, and discrimination, students will develop an awareness of the impact such biases have on their interpersonal relations. Students will be challenged to reflect on how they can relate more effectively to other individuals and groups in a pluralistic society in order to promote equitable approaches to instructional design. This course fulfills the human relations component established by the Nebraska Department of Education. This course may include a field experience.
Prerequisites: EDU 150 Introduction to Professional Education and EDU 250 Human Development and Cognition must be taken concurrently or prior to this course.
Credits: 2
Description: This course outlines the essentials of the reading processes and skills necessary for secondary students to become proficient learners of content, the incorporation of reading instruction into content delivery, and examination of the Nebraska Language Arts standards. The course also provides candidates with a solid foundation in educational assessment.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
This course must be taken to meet the requirement for 3 semester hours of professional education coursework in pedagogical content knowledge.
Credits: 3
Description: This course examines the essential knowledge, skills, dispositions, and innovative applications of content needed for effective teaching in the 21st century. Specific content-area topics include instructional planning for differentiated instruction; effective strategies, techniques, materials, and assessment methods; reading and writing in the content area; classroom management; and the relationship of the content area to standards-based curriculum. To be taken concurrently with EDU 414 Content Area Practicum Experience.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)
Credits: 1
Description: This 80-clock hour minimum content specific clinical experience (60 hours in classroom plus 20 hours in activities related to teaching) is designed to induct students into classroom teaching and develop an awareness of the many roles of a professional educator. Under the mentorship of a practicing K-12 educator, students will assist/co-teach/teach. Students will also actively participate in school-related activities commonly encountered by professional educators.
Prerequisites: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks), and successful completion or concurrent enrollment in EDU 409 Content Area Methods and Materials
Credits: 0
Description: This course is designed for graduate students in Level 2 of WSC’s educator preparation program who are progressing into Level 3 and those completing clinical practice to change endorsement levels. Two virtual sessions will be held at the beginning of each academic session for graduate teacher candidates planning to student teach in the following semester. Graduate teacher candidates will attend one of the two virtual sessions to receive valuable information including, but not limited to, how to apply for Clinical Practice, an overview of Clinical Practice requirements, rules regarding placement choices and department approval requirements.

Dual-listed: EDU 545
Notes: Graded S/NC
Credits: 12
Description: A semester course of full-day learning experiences in a secondary setting under the supervision of a cooperating 7-12 classroom teacher, a supervisor from the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences, and a faculty member from the appropriate content area. On-campus seminars will be offered periodically throughout the semester. This is the culminating experience of the secondary pre-service educator preparation program. Students in the Career Scholars Program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester. Graded S/NC.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Clinical Practice (successful completion of Level 2 Benchmarks)
Notes: Graded S/NC. Students in the Growing Together residency program will enroll for 3 credit hours in their first semester and 12 credit hours in their second semester (this course may be repeated by residency students only). All other students will enroll in 6 or 12 credit hours in one semester
Credits: 3
Description: The course will explore applications of methods and strategies within elementary and secondary settings to provide equitable learning opportunities within least restrictive learning environments for all students. An emphasis is placed on communication and collaboration among professionals and families to ensure the needs of all students are met.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1Benchmarks)
Credits: 3
Description: Understanding social and emotional development of all learners while considering Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Emphasis on implications for the inclusive learning environment; promotion of social competence; awareness of prosocial skills; and effective utilization of responsive relationships. Completing the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process and developing the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) product to meet the needs of secondary learners.
Prerequisite: Acceptance to Educator Preparation (successful completion of Level 1 Benchmarks)

Popular pairings

Many students at Wayne State will add an extra endorsement to make themselves more marketable and expand their teaching abilities. Students who recently majored in Spanish Education at Wayne State also paired this program with one or more of the following endorsements