Spanish is America's second-language: immigrants from Central and South America are the United States' largest minority group. Because of this, an increasing number of people need competent Spanish to work with this population, and most of them need Spanish teachers. A strong knowledge of Spanish, understanding of Spanish cultures and a certificate in education are all useful tools to have before you teach people to speak Spanish.
Instructions
1. Decide what type of teaching you're interested in. Teaching Spanish as a private tutor has limited educational requirements and depend on the needs of your clients, whereas teaching Spanish at the college level requires, minimally, a master's degree in Spanish and possibly in Education.
2. Learn Spanish thoroughly before teaching people to speak the language. Learning the language formally by obtaining a Bachelors degree or higher in Spanish, is preferable to illustrate competence in writing, reading and speaking. If you decide to tutor Spanish or give private lessons as a freelancer, a formal degree is not required, but fluency and knowledge of grammar would be desired.
3. Educate yourself on Spanish-speaking cultures. To gain a full understanding of Spanish and be able to teach it at the best possible quality, you cannot separate the language from its cultures. Travel to Spanish-speaking countries like Mexico, Spain or Argentina, volunteer in Spanish-speaking neighborhoods in your area and listen to or watch Spanish radio and TV stations.
4. Join an organization for Spanish teachers to find work and stay informed in the Spanish teaching community. The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) offers resources to Spanish teachers, from lesson plans to job openings. See the link in the Resources section below for more information.
5. Search for Spanish teaching jobs. Teacher Jobs and Bilingual America are two organizations that provide job listings for Spanish teachers.
Tags: Spanish teachers, Spanish teaching, understanding Spanish