Becoming a Spanish Teacher

Becoming A Spanish Teacher

In the work force, people often choose a career, based on wages, earnings and company benefits. It is important that a person selects a career that is ideal and worth devoting their life to. Teaching a foreign language such as Spanish would be an ideal career for me. After a thorough researching process, I found many interesting details, facts and, other information through the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. It is apparent that becoming a teacher is one of the most popular career choices.
In the United States, foreign language teachers are in high demand. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, “foreign language teachers, play an important role in many high schools in the nation, as they require a foreign language to graduate.” With the Spanish- speaking neighboring country Mexico, and Cuba being only ninety miles off the coast of Florida, the Spanish language is growing rapidly in United States. During my interview with former Ocean Lakes High School Spanish teacher, Valerie Smith, she stated that, “becoming a Spanish teacher requires triple the work of any normal subject teacher.” Like many foreign language teachers, Spanish teachers are among a group of people whose language skills can be used for other careers (www.bls.gov 1).
Like most other professions, being a Spanish teacher requires a degree. “Public school teachers must be licensed and have a bachelor’s degree,”(www.bls.gov 1) or higher. Private school teachers typically do not need to be licensed, however, they may still need a bachelor’s degree (www.bls.gov 1). Each year during a student’s college career to become a teacher, there are important steps they must take to complete, the licensure program. From state to state, the requirements vary, as well as amount of hours requested (www.bls.gov 1).
“Teaching foreign language can change a persons life, as it can open many doors in the future”, said Valerie Smith during our interview. She also stated that, it is important to love what you do, and to be committed to your students no matter the circumstances or students. As a growing Spanish student, I am, loving Spanish more and more as I advance my knowledge. There are a plethora of reasons why I am passionate about becoming a Spanish teacher in the future. I have managed to master many of the grammatical conjugations, tenses, and speed. With these skills, I have been able to interact with native-speakers and take part activities that involved Spanish conversation, such as traveling to Spanish-speaking countries. After realizing my talents with this language, I decided that it would be an honor to teach others what I have learned over the years.
With all professions, there are pros and cons that come along with them. The methods and techniques there are to teach this language are phenomenal. Each person has his or her own way they can teach students. Unlike mathematics, a teacher doesn’t have to stick to the text when teaching. I will be able to base my method of teaching off of the method of a previous instructor of mine, or come with a completely different way for my students to learn Spanish. During my journey, to become a Spanish teacher, I’m sure I will encounter many more positive things about being a Spanish teacher.
There are many negative things that are attached to this profession as well. Being a passionate, committed teacher can be challenging. “Many beginning teachers – especially those employed in poor, urban schools – decide to leave teaching (www.bls.gov 1).” This is probably because they lack dedication and the absence of passion. In the state of Virginia and entry level teacher with a bachelor’s degree receives a decent pay. Although there are cons, I am willing to work through the hard times to fulfill my dream.
When I reach the point of where I need to make tough decisions, I will think about the work from the time I began speaking Spanish to the time I graduated. I will make sure that I choose the best place to work and educate children in the best way possible. The former Ocean Lakes High School teacher, Smith also said, that if you have doubt, remember what you have worked for. To be in this profession is an honor and it takes a true, zealous, person to go through with dedicating their life to mold the minds of the children in the world.
After, conducting an interview with a former Spanish and French teacher I learned that expectations are not important and that I should just start with an open mind. There are many steps other than graduating with a degree and license in this field. Using out of school sources and people to teach you, things about the language that the book doesn’t. It is important to know as much as possible to give your students the best teaching material out there.
Finally, during my years of college, I plan to well prepare myself for the career of my dreams. I will stay committed throughout the time I spend in and outside of the classroom. “Seeing students develop new skills and gain knowledge can be very rewarding.” (www.bls.gov1). Each day, I hope to leave my job happy that I was able to make a difference in someone’s life.