Our Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Teacher Education program focuses on providing you with the linguistic proficiency and cultural competence needed to become effective Spanish educators in K-12 schools. With a focus on language acquisition, cultural immersion, and communicative competence, our program prepares you to engage students in the study of Spanish language and culture in meaningful and relevant ways. Apply this knowledge to create engaging and effective language learning experiences for students.
What is a Spanish Teacher Education degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Spanish Teacher Education?
In our program, you'll enhance linguistic skills, refine classroom expertise, and learn effective strategies for teaching Spanish as a second language. Benefit from our supportive learning environment, where faculty are dedicated to your success. Gain the foundational knowledge to become a skilled and compassionate teacher highly sought after by employers.
Study abroad
Engage in with native speakers, participate in cultural activities, and deepen your understanding of Spanish language and culture.
Hands-on learning
You’ll experience hands-on learning through 100+ hours of field experience and 1 semester of student teaching.
Path to licensure
Students who complete our Spanish Teacher Education program will be recommended for a license to teach in Iowa agencies and schools.
Iowa and beyond
Don’t plan to become a teacher in Iowa? Whether you want to work in Illinois or another state, our faculty will guide you toward obtaining your teaching license.
ESL endorsement
Add a focus on English as a Second Language (K-12) to your degree in any approved Secondary education major.
Become bilingual
The majority of your Spanish courses are taught entirely in Spanish ensuring you master the written and oral language.
What you’ll learn in your Spanish Teacher Education program
You’ll become fluent in Spanish and gain the tools to understand Hispanic culture. You’ll also explore education courses where you’ll build an understanding of learner development, learning differences, and learning environments. When you’re done, you’ll be prepared to become a fully licensed teacher in the State of Iowa.
- Understanding of teaching expectations and responsibilities
- Exploration of the impact of diversity on learning
- Understanding of Hispanic linguistics
- Mastery of learner strategies and formal instruction of the Spanish language
- Linguistic and cultural immersion through study abroad
Explore Spanish Teacher Education courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits, including 39 gen ed credits, 31 credits in Spanish, and 53-66 Education credits.
- You will also complete 140 hours of pre-student teaching field experiences at two different school sites, 1 semester of student teaching, 1 capstone course, and 1 study abroad course.
Sample courses
| Class code | Class title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDUC 205 | Introduction to the Teaching Profession | 2 credits |
| EDUC 300 | The Pluralistic Classroom | 3 credits |
| SPAN 312 | Spanish Electives Abroad | 3-12 credits |
| SPAN 317 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 credits |
| SPAN 317 | Introduction to Hispanic Linguistics | 3 credits |
| SPAN 340 | Spanish Second Language Acquisition | 5 credits |
How much does a BA in Spanish Teacher Education cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,917 | $37,833 |
| Housing** | $4,140 | $8,280 |
| Food*** | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,947 | $51,893 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognition provide the assurance we meet standards for quality faculty, curriculum, leaner services, and fiscal stability.
St. Ambrose University’s Spanish Teacher Education program is approved by the Iowa Department of Education.
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How does SAU support Spanish Teacher Education students?
St. Ambrose University’s Spanish Teacher Education faculty are a collective of experienced professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge, diverse perspectives, and an unwavering passion for teaching to the classroom. Their dedication to creating bilingual and bicultural students is the cornerstone of the program's success.
Spanish teacher education faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career Services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land the job or internship that will launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Spanish Teacher Education?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free education at St. Ambrose University is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Loans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
You may be able to transfer previous college credit to cover up to 25% of your degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Outside scholarships
We accept scholarships from outside sources, and there are tons of options out there. Start by searching for scholarships with criteria that match your specific talents or background. Need help? Here are a few websites to begin researching your options: Fastweb, College Board Scholarship Search, Scholarships.com, Peterson's Award Database, Scholly (app download)
Tuition-free education
"I always wanted to go to college but finances were an issue. With the Ambrose Advantage, I don't have to worry. My tuition is paid and I'm getting a good education."
-Alexis Stovall, Davenport, Iowa
What’s on campus for Spanish Teacher Education students?
Join an international organization of student teachers in student teaching programs–Phi Delta Kappa. Members engage in service projects and participate in regional conferences.
Work with the SAU and Quad Cities Latino communities by joining Latino Unidos. In this club, you’ll help increase awareness about the Latino community and culture. Students also participate in traditional celebrations like Día de los Muertos, Cinco de Mayo, and Hispanic Heritage Month.
High-achieving Spanish students can become members of Chi Ph, the SAU Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, a National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society (Sociedad Nacional Honoraria Hispánica).
Explore diversity and self-discovery on campus
"The liberal arts aspect is amazing, and there are so many different and diverse student clubs and organizations you can explore. St. Ambrose is a great place to find out who you are."
-Murphy Garcia '19, BA in Book Arts, Art History, and Spanish
What are the general admission requirements for a BA in Spanish Teacher Education?
Here are the admissions requirements for our Spanish Teacher Education program.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What are the School of Education admission requirements for a BA in Spanish Teacher Education?
We have special requirements for admittance to the School of Education.
- You must complete 40 field hours in EDUC 205 or provide verification through EDUC 207
- You must provide two professional rating forms (EDUC 205 or 207 instructor, and cooperating teacher's evaluation) which show you earned an average rating of at least Developing (3) in the three separate dispositional categories and recommended by both course instructor and cooperating teacher
- You must receive a grade of "B" or above in EDUC 205 or EDUC 207
- You must complete the application for admission to teacher education program form (including statement of fraud section and necessary signatures)
- You must complete EDUC 282 and EDUC 284 with at least a B average
What can I do with a Spanish Teacher Education degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Spanish Teacher Education program could achieve.
Potential Job Titles
- Spanish teacher
- Translator
- Tutor
- Curriculum developer
- Online instructor
- International school teacher
Potential employment settings
- 8-12 Schools
- Learning centers
- Tutoring companies
Top Traits of a Spanish teacher
- Teaching
- Bilingualism
- Cultural proficiency
- Critical thinking
- Adaptability
- Communication
Industry Facts
- Secondary school teachers in Iowa earned a median wage of $60,480 in 2022. This category excludes teachers working in special education and career/technical education.
- Education Administrators, kindergarten through secondary, in Iowa earned a median income of $101,210 in 2022.
For more information on Spanish teacher employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
