Dec 09, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalogue 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalogue Archived Catalogue

Spanish Specialization, M.A.T.


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Graduate Coordinator:  Dr. Amanda Boomershine

The Spanish Specialization of the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is designed for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and who seek to obtain a K-12 teaching license in Spanish. Graduates will possess the knowledge and skills necessary to work in professional and leadership positions within public and private school settings. Upon completion of the program, candidates will be prepared to become certified Spanish teachers in North Carolina.

The degree is comprised of 33 credit hours. The program consists of a core of professional studies that develops the instructional decision-making of K-12 teachers and a specialization (Spanish) designed to enhance knowledge of Spanish language and culture and promote inquiry into areas that will enhance instructional practices. The program supports the Watson College of Education’s conceptual framework of developing knowledgeable and proficient education professionals dedicated to improving schools and society.

Program Objectives:


Upon completion of the MAT with specialization in Spanish, the student should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate a breadth and depth of knowledge in the field of Spanish language and culture.
  2. Plan and implement instruction for effective language learning.
  3. Use technology to enhance the academic achievement of Spanish language learners.
  4. Evaluate instructional procedures and practices.
  5. Adapt instruction to the learning and developmental needs of individuals, including students with special needs and those from culturally diverse backgrounds.
  6. Incorporate findings from educational literature into school and classroom strategies to improve student learning.
  7. Demonstrate effective leadership within the school environment.
  8. Reflect on professional goals and plan for professional development.

Admission Requirements:


  1. Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from a regionally accredited college or university completed before graduate study begins. Undergraduate overall GPA of 3.0 or better is recommended. 
  2. Official copies of transcripts of all college, university or community college work (undergraduate and graduate).  A WES.org course-by-course evaluation is required for all foreign transcripts.  The only exception is short term study abroad credit that is transcripted by a regionally accredited US institution. 
  3. Three recommendations by individuals in relevant academic or professional fields.
  4. A letter of interest (in English) describing commitment to the teaching profession, prior experiences working with World Language learners, prior experiences in schools, and philosophy of teaching and learning.
  5. Two recorded speaking samples, one in English and one in Spanish, in which the applicant introduces her/himself, describes a person she/he admires, or describes a trip she/he took. (The speaking samples should be uploaded with the other materials.)
  6. A 500-word writing sample in Spanish in which the applicant states and defends an opinion.
  7. Application and supplemental documents must be submitted by the published deadline.

    Applicants seeking admission must hold a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from a regionally accredited college or university with an overall 3.00 GPA or its equivalent (determined by a personal interview with the faculty or an officially recognized test procedure, such as an “intermediate high” rating on the ACTFL proficiency scale). Admissions decisions are based upon the examination of several factors, and where other indicators of success warrant, individuals who fall below the established criteria may still be considered for admission.

Degree Requirements (33 total credit hours)


Internship (6 credit hours):


Exit Requirement:


Candidates are required to complete a teaching portfolio, which is part of the curriculum for the Internship Course.  The portfolio is to be based on program objectives and state/national standards for World Language teachers and is approved by the State Department of Education.

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