In response to the growing need for qualified language teachers, Syracuse University is offering a bachelor’s degree in Spanish Education. The program meets the academic requirements for initial New York State certification to teach Spanish in grades 7-12.

The degree is offered dually by the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (LLL) in The College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Teaching and Leadership in the School of Education (SoE). For more information, contact Zachary Schuster, SoE’s undergraduate admissions recruiter, at 315-443-4269 or zmschust@syr.edu.

“With more than 45 million Spanish speakers in the United States, the demand for foreign language teachers, particularly at the secondary education level, has never been greater,” says Gail Bulman, associate professor of Spanish and chair of LLL. “Our goal is to prepare teacher candidates who grasp the intricacies of the Spanish language, as well as its literatures and cultures."

Marie Sarno, program specialist in SoE’s teaching and leadership department, says the program speaks to the experiential aspects of modern teacher training.

"Students benefit from close attention to language competency; the opportunity to study abroad and immerse themselves in a foreign language and culture; faculty expertise in education theory and methods; and multiple field experiences at local schools, beginning early in the program," she says.

The program emphasizes Spanish language, structure, literature, and culture, as practiced in Europe and in North and South America. By combining a full Spanish major with a sequence of professional education courses (including five different “experiences” in local schools), the program gives students everything they need to teach required and elective courses in state-approved foreign language curricula.

Students also have the option to spend a semester at an SU Abroad center in Santiago (Chile) or Madrid (Spain).  

“Our program lies at the nexus of the liberal arts and professional studies,” Bulman says. “By combining theoretical training with practical application, we make our students more well-rounded and attractive to prospective employers.” 

In addition to classroom teaching, the program has applications for careers in healthcare, broadcast journalism, communications, public service, and international business.

"Our goal is to prepare candidates who will be highly qualified and effective teachers, as well as leaders in their field," Sarno says.