Education

"The Spanish Teaching Major allows me to combine two of my greatest passions, Spanish and Education, into one single vocation. The information and knowledge I gain from classes in one department can easily be transferred and connected to what I am learning in the other. By rigorously within the Spanish department while simultaneously learning about the methodologies and strategies of teachers, I will not only be knowledgeable of the Spanish language and culture but also the educational practices needed to successfully teach my students."
-Kate Eggers (Spanish Teaching Major)

Laura Flicek "Having taken multiple courses from both the Spanish and Education departments has allowed me to immensely improve my Spanish speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills, and has increased my knowledge of how languages should be taught in order to maximize student success. The Education department has a variety of connections that are useful for Spanish majors, such as strong relationships with Park Spanish Immersion School, as well as an IB school in Spain. The Spanish department has made similar efforts in enhancing an Education major’s teaching experience by offering a Teaching Foreign Languages class that includes twelve hours of observation and teaching four original lessons to entry level Spanish classes at Gustavus. In addition, I was given the opportunity to teach English to Hispanic immigrants in Saint Peter through my Spanish American Culture class. I truly have developed a passion for bilingualism throughout my years at Gustavus. By teaching at a Spanish immersion school, I believe that my students will develop a global perspective at a young age and the linguistic ability to touch the hearts of Spanish speakers within their community and around the world."
-Laura Flicek (Spanish Major and Elementary Education Major)

Spanish Teaching Major

The Spanish Section works in connection with the Education Department to prepare students for the teaching profession and certification by the state.

Admission to the Spanish Teaching major is by application and interview in the Department of Education, normally during the sophomore year.

Spanish Teaching majors must complete all Spanish major requirements (9 courses graded C or better), MLC-357, the Spanish Senor Portfolio, and all courses required for licensure, including student teaching (see Education Department).

The Minnesota Board of Teaching requires that all Spanish Teaching candidates achieve an oral proficiency level of Intermediate High on the ACTFL proficiency scale. In order to achieve this level, most students need to study in a Spanish-speaking country for a minimum of one semester.

All Spanish Teaching students must complete an official Oral Proficiency Interview prior to student teaching. Students who do not obtain Intermediate High or higher will not be allowed to student teach. In order to submit an official oral proficiency reading, students can contact the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL) directly trough their website to schedule an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI).

If you are interested in the Spanish Teaching Major at Gustavus, please contact Professor Maria Isabel Kalbermatten.