Become a Spanish Teacher in Kentucky

<h2 id="section---CareerInfo">Career Info</h2> <p>Spanish teachers in Kentucky are responsible for teaching their students to speak, read, and write in Spanish. Depending on the district and the teacher's area of specialty, Spanish teachers may work with students of all grade levels (PreK-12), helping them achieve core competencies based on the Kentucky Standard for World Language Proficiency. Requirements to become a Spanish teacher in the state include completing a state-approved degree program and passing subject area exams. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education/Experience Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree (minimum) and completion of approved teaching preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> Praxis Core and Spanish: World Language tests</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Period </td><td> 5 years</td></tr> <tr><td> Certification Renewal Requirements </td><td> Completion of appropriate number of continuing education units or 15 graduate hours; verification of either 3 years of teaching experience or completion of appropriate courses</td></tr> <tr><td> Kentucky Annual Mean Wage (2018) </td><td> $54,510 (kindergarten); $53,830 (elementary); $54,620 (middle school); $56,200 (secondary)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Nationwide Job Outlook (2016-2026) </td><td> 8% (kindergarten); 7% (elementary school); 8% (middle school); 8% (high school)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>To become a Spanish teacher in Kentucky, you must complete a 4-year teacher preparation program that has been approved by Kentucky's Education Professional Standard Board. The approved teacher preparation program must include a student teaching component. This course of study could be undertaken through a bachelor's degree program in Spanish education or a double major in Spanish and secondary education. Both program types combine instruction in Spanish language and culture with coursework in teaching methods. You can visit the EPSB website for a list of schools that offer approved programs. </p> <p>Once you've finished the program, you will need a recommendation from the college or university where you completed it that provides details such as what degree you received, when you completed the program, what your area of focus was, and so on. This is required for everyone applying for a Kentucky teaching license. </p> <h3 id="section---TestingRequirements">Testing Requirements</h3> <p>Before you can be certified to teach Spanish in Kentucky, you'll also need to successfully pass several Praxis exams. The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam tests your competencies in reading, writing, and math and is generally required for admission to a teacher preparation program. </p> <p>You must also take the Principles of Learning and Teaching exam for Grades K-6, 5-9, or 7-12, depending on the grade level you want to teach. This exam will measure your understanding of pedagogy and professional teaching standards, while the Spanish: World Language test will assess your proficiency in Spanish. You can visit the ETS Praxis website to find out more about Kentucky's required state tests and to register for your tests. </p> <h3 id="section---CertificationRequirements">Certification Requirements</h3> <p>Spanish teachers in Kentucky need the Elementary/Middle/Secondary School (Primary through Grade 12) Base Teaching Certificate (with a specialization in foreign language). To earn this certification, you must complete the educational and exam requirements described above. Additionally, you will need to submit the CA-1 application, along with official transcripts of all your university or college coursework. </p> <h3 id="section---RenewingYourCertification">Renewing Your Certification</h3> <p>The initial teaching certificate is good for a period of 5 years, during which time you must complete a Kentucky Teacher Internship Program. To renew your certificate for another 5 years, you must fill out a CA-2 application and complete either half of your Continuing Education Option (CEO) requirements or 15 graduate credit hours. You must also provide an official transcript showing all coursework you've completed in the 5-year period or provide verification that you've taught for at least 3 years and pay the certification renewal fee ($85).</p>