Teaching Spanish
INSPIRE LANGUAGE LEARNING. CELEBRATE CULTURE. CONNECT COMMUNITIES.
At Lehman College, our Spanish Teacher Education M.A. program prepares future educators to inspire students through language, literature, and cultural understanding.
Designed for candidates pursuing New York State initial teacher certification in Spanish for grades 7–12, the program combines advanced study in Hispanic linguistics, Spanish language and culture, and effective teaching practices with classroom-based professional preparation.
Through two graduate pathways, students develop the knowledge and teaching skills needed to create engaging learning experiences and foster meaningful connections across languages and cultures.
EXPLORE OUR SPANISH TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM
The Spanish Teacher Education M.A. prepares candidates for New York State initial teacher certification in Spanish, grades 7–12. The program offers two sequences based on applicants' previous academic preparation, combining advanced studies in Spanish language, literature, and culture with professional teacher preparation.
Designed for candidates with a Spanish major (or equivalent) pursuing initial New York State teacher certification in Spanish, grades 7–12.
38–39 credits
Designed for candidates with an Education Minor (or equivalent) pursuing initial New York State teacher certification in Spanish, grades 7–12.
32–33 credits
FIND YOUR SPANISH TEACHING PATHWAY
The Spanish Teacher Education M.A. offers two pathways for candidates seeking New York State initial teacher certification in Spanish, grades 7–12. Your pathway depends on your previous academic preparation, including whether you have completed the Middle and High School Education Minor.
Explore the sequences below to learn more about the requirements and identify the option that aligns with your academic background.
Who is this pathway for?
Candidates with an undergraduate Spanish major (or equivalent) seeking New York State initial teacher certification in Spanish, grades 7–12.
What does the program include?
The sequence combines educational foundations, methods of teaching Spanish, advanced study in Spanish linguistics and Hispanic and Latin American cultures, electives, and student teaching or a teaching internship with an accompanying seminar.
Important: Applicants must meet the program's Spanish language proficiency and academic admission requirements.
Who is this pathway for?
Candidates who have completed the 12-credit Middle and High School Education Minor (or equivalent) and seek New York State initial teacher certification in Spanish, grades 7–12.
What does the program include?
The sequence includes Spanish teaching methods, second-language learning, academic literacy, advanced study of Hispanic linguistics and culture, electives, and student teaching or a teaching internship with an accompanying seminar.
Important: Candidates must have completed the Education Minor with a minimum 3.0 GPA and consult the MHSE/Spanish Teaching adviser to determine sequence eligibility.
NOT SURE WHICH PATHWAY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Our Spanish Teacher Education faculty are here to help you explore your options. Eligibility for Sequence 1 or Sequence 2 depends on your academic background, previous coursework, Spanish language proficiency, and preparation in education.
We encourage prospective students to consult with a program adviser before applying to determine the appropriate sequence and review admission and certification requirements.
Contact: adam.yuro@lehman.cuny.edu
WHY CHOOSE LEHMAN?
Lehman College's Spanish Teacher Education M.A. combines advanced study in Spanish language and culture with professional teacher preparation. Through specialized coursework and classroom-based experiences, future educators develop the knowledge and skills to inspire language learning and foster cultural understanding.
Language, Literature & Culture
Deepen your understanding of Hispanic linguistics, Spanish language, and Latin American cultures while developing the expertise to engage students in meaningful language learning.
Connect advanced academic study with Spanish teaching methods, instructional planning, and supervised teaching experiences that prepare you for secondary classrooms.
A Pathway to Teacher Certification
Pursue New York State initial certification in Spanish, grades 7–12, through a graduate pathway aligned with your previous academic preparation.
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To be eligible for fall admission, complete the application by April 15 (with supporting documentation by May 15).
To be eligible for spring admission, complete the application by November 15 (with supporting documentation by December 15).
Apply here.
CUNY offers highly competitive tuition rates here.
Graduation is the official completion of your program and conferral of an academic credential. To graduate, students must apply for graduation using CUNYFirst the semester before the semester of their planned graduation and complete any outstanding requirements by the stated deadlines. Always check the academic calendar here.
The MA Teaching Spanish program leads to New York State certification in grades 7-12 Teaching Spanish. Students should visit the certification webpage here for more information and contact information.
New York State requires a minimum of 100 field hours of observations and participation before entering the final semester of student/internship teaching. The field hours will be attached to most of the courses as you move through the program. Candidates must arrange for background checks and fingerprinting before beginning the program.
In the semester before the last semester of the program, candidates will apply for student or internship teaching. The application deadline for a fall placement is April 1. The application deadline for a spring placement is November 1.
Please visit The Clinical Practice & Partnership webpage for information related to fingerprinting, field hours, and student/internship teaching.
Internship Certificate
New York State allows master’s program candidates in an Initial Certification program (SST-MA) to seek fulltime employment as a teacher-of-record after completing at least one-half of the credits in the program. If you are interested, talk to the adviser about entering the profession while completing the second half of the program.
Types of Certifications
Students are recommended for both initial and professional certification in SST-MA and for the professional certification in SSTPRF-MA:
- The Initial Certificate is the entry-level teaching certificate and is valid for five years. Students who graduate from a Lehman College master’s degree certification program without prior certification will be recommended for initial certification.
- The Professional Certificate is an advanced certificate. Once teachers have completed three years of full-time, paid teaching experience including one year of mentored teaching, they can apply for professional certification.
Meet the Team
Adjunct Lecturer and Co-Coordinator, Graduate Program in Spanish Teacher Education, Undergraduate Program , Middle & High School Education
Professor, Graduate Program in Foreign Language, Middle & High School Education
