ID
Student teachers in youth Spanish class

Teaching - Spanish and TESOL

Gain the knowledge and skills needed to confidently teach Spanish and English to speakers of other languages with this innovative degree from UW-Eau Claire.

Available as
Major
Description

Gain Skills in Spanish and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

With courses designed to help you reach your full teaching potential, you'll explore various ways to create an inclusive learning environment that recognizes the importance of diverse learners. Learn how to design curriculum and assessment practices related to the cognitive, linguistic, and emotional development of K-12 language students. And gain real-world experience when you travel to a Spanish-speaking destination as part of your extensive education, practicing your language skills, and immersing yourself in another culture.

This growing major leads to licensure to teach Spanish and ESL in K-12 classrooms.

While earning your degree, you'll learn to speak fluent Spanish and engage with languages in a way you never have before. You'll also learn a variety of teaching methods — and develop your own teaching style — so that you can make a positive impact on every student who enters your classroom. 

Degree Types

Program Details

Degree Types
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Degree Level undergraduate
Available asMajor
Program Length 4 years
Campus
Eau Claire
Offered
On Campus
Requires a minor No
Authored on

Licensure Information

Completion of teacher preparation programs at UW-Eau Claire meets licensure requirements in Wisconsin. Our programs may not meet requirements in other states. It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Find contact information on each state licensure office here.

Licensure requirements can change at any time. UW-Eau Claire’s Teacher Education Program Office ensures that our programs meet the requirements for licensure in Wisconsin. If you seek licensure in another state, be aware that their requirements could change at any time.

The United States Department of Education requires institutions to disclose information for programs leading to professional certification or licensure concerning whether each program meets state educational requirements for initial licensure or certification. Please note:

  1. Obtaining a Wisconsin Teaching License PRIOR to applying for a teaching license in another state is usually helpful and strongly recommended.
  2. "Meets requirements" means that a student is eligible for a license with stipulations, typically for 1-3 years, in that state. The stipulations are likely to be specific testing requirements and/or competency through a course or examination. In some instances, additional stipulations might be added.
  3. Licensure grade levels vary from state to state. Students who are eligible for a specific grade range in Wisconsin may be licensed for a narrower grade range in another state. Each state determines grade ranges for licensing differently.
  4. State licensure requirements may change at any time. Licensure questions should be referred to the Teacher Education Program Office (tep@uwec.edu).

Spanish Teaching

The requirements of this program meet requirements in the following states or territories:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa

The requirements of this program do not meet licensure in the following states or territories:

Alaska, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Washington, Washington, D.C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

TESOL

The requirements of this program meet the requirements in the following states and territories:

Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa

The requirements of this program do not meet the requirements in the following states and territories:

Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Washington D. C., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands

Hallmarks
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Skill-Building Curriculum

Experiential learning opportunities throughout the major will help you to gain knowledge of second language acquisition as well as engage in critical reflection related to the teaching and learning of languages. You may even take part in research in the field, investigating teaching practices and forming your own opinion on various teaching techniques.

Martin Kocher in Indonesia
Study-Away Programs

As part of the teaching - Spanish and TESOL curriculum, you'll spend time studying abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. Ranging from six weeks- to semester-long, these immersive experiences lead to new perspectives that can be truly life-changing. 

students in language lab
State-of-the-Art Technology

Explore our facilities beyond the classroom. Our Language Lab and the Roma Hoff Instructional Resource Center are filled with sound and video programs, films, games, and computer software to help you practice what you learn in class.

tutoring English with CIE student
Real-World Applications

Multiple field experiences throughout the major will prepare you well for the next step in your teaching career. Gain real-world experience when you participate in student teaching, a capstone seminar, and studying abroad. Preparation for the materials and competencies required when applying for teaching jobs is also highlighted. 

Facts List

Just
the
facts

10 Languages To Choose From
Whether your goal is to teach, speak fluently, or enhance your career, our programs and course offerings will get you there.
UWEC is a National Leader in Study Abroad Opportunities
Here you can take your studies across the globe!
2023 Open Doors Report of the Institute of International Education
Explore A New Campus
Participate in the National Student Exchange Program and choose from 180 schools, including universities in Canada, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
Outcomes Image
Maisee Yang,TESOL teacher, alumna
What can I do

Where can the teaching - Spanish and TESOL program lead me after graduation?

Spanish and TESOL teaching majors leave UW-Eau Claire ready to educate young minds. Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn the licensure necessary to confidently teach Spanish and ESL in elementary, middle, and high school (K-12) classrooms.

Example Careers

  • Tourism
  • Social Services
  • Government
  • Education
  • Global Higher Education
  • Translation and Interpretation
  • Library or Museum work
  • Consulting/Strategic Communications
  • International Business
  • Health Professions
Courses information
SampleCourses

Develop foundations in both education and Spanish, crafting the skill and methods to educate students confidently. The well-rounded curriculum explores topics like intercultural communication, educational psychology, and world language methods for early and middle childhood. A capstone seminar designed to help students develop competence in instructional planning, instructional delivery, and other collaborative and professional practices — while meeting the needs of a diverse student population — is also required. 

Here are a few courses in Teaching - Spanish and TESOL at UW-Eau Claire.

ES 405

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

Designed to help school teachers and others recognize the language difficulties of non-native speakers and teach effectively the sounds, basic structures, and vocabulary of English. Stresses development and use of practical techniques and materials based on second-language acquisition principles.

ES 408

Methods of Teaching Content-Based EL

EL, bilingual education, and content area teachers learn to modify course materials, instructional strategies and assessments so that English learners can engage in course content while simultaneously developing their new language. Student completes approximately 40 hours of field experience.

ES 437

World Language Methods for Early and Middle Childhood

Principles and practices in teaching world languages in elementary and middle schools. Preparation for teaching in bilingual education programs. This course also includes a 10-hour practicum experience at a local elementary school.

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Meet the Faculty

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Languages Department
Latin American and Latinx Studies Program
Professor - Spanish
Program Director - Latin American and Latinx Studies
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