In 2009, Spanish, a Romance language, was the second most widely spoken language in the world, trailing only Mandarin Chinese. As a result, it is a language in which a large number of students must be educated as native speakers, as well as a language in which non-native speakers would like to learn. The path to becoming a Spanish teacher differs depending on the type of students you want to teach, but fluency in the language is required in all cases. To teach native students, you may need to know Standard Spanish or a dialect specific to the region or people you’re teaching, such as Mexican Spanish or Ladino. In order to become a Spanish teacher for native speakers, you may only need to be fluent in one language or dialect.
The situation is a little different if you want to teach Spanish to non-native speakers. Several factors come into play, such as the age of the students you want to teach, their native language, and whether or not you want to be associated with any special programs. Another important consideration is whether you want to teach in a school or offer private tutoring.
If you want to work as a private tutor, you can get certified in any way you want and teach your students using whatever methods or approaches you want. For example, you could assist people in becoming prepared for a trip to a Spanish-speaking country by teaching them how to speak and understand the local dialect, including slang. Grammar, syntax, writing style, and spelling instruction may or may not be required. In a private school, you may have more flexibility in this area. The freedom will transfer to a university setting, but academic training requirements will almost certainly require you to have earned a doctorate or equivalent in Spanish.
Specific qualifications, experience, and examinations may be required in schools where teacher certification or licensure is required, which may include at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Spanish and possibly a teaching degree. These may include not only your knowledge of Spanish, but also your knowledge of the students’ native language, as well as your pedagogy and child development training tailored to the students’ age group, such as elementary or middle school. You’d probably be expected to teach students reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to students with a variety of learning styles and possibly learning disabilities.
You will need to meet additional requirements if you want to teach Spanish in a specific type of Spanish program, such as a bilingual education program, the College Board’s Advanced Placement Spanish program, or helping British students prepare for A Level exams in Spanish. In this case, you will require specific training in the program with which you wish to be associated.