BA in Spanish / EdM in Spanish Adolescence Education

This program prepares students to become confident, well-trained Spanish educators with strong language expertise and real classroom experience. Graduates leave UB ready to enter the teaching profession with both advanced academic preparation and professional training.

You will be prepared to:

• Teach Spanish in grades 7–12 with a grades 1–6 extension
• Bring culture, literature and language learning into engaging classroom experiences
• Use evidence-based teaching strategies that support diverse learners
• Enter the profession with a full year of teaching residency experience

Students begin with Spanish coursework that builds language mastery before transitioning into advanced education coursework and teaching practice.

The BA / EdM pathway allows students to complete both degrees in five years through an integrated program of language study and education training.

Students first focus on Spanish language, literature and cultural study while completing foundational education courses. In later years, students transition into graduate-level education coursework and supervised teaching experiences.

This structure allows students to develop deep subject knowledge while gradually building the skills needed to become effective teachers.

• Accelerated five-year pathway to a BA in Spanish and EdM in Spanish Adolescence Education 
• Coursework in both the Department of Romance Languages and Literatures and the Department of Learning and Instruction 
• Clinical teaching experiences embedded throughout the program 
• A full one-year teaching residency during the final year 
• Mentorship from experienced teachers and faculty 

Degrees: Bachelor’s degree and master of education (EdM) 
Time to complete: Five years 
Format:  On campus with some online coursework 
Certification: New York State Spanish teacher certification 
Grade levels: 7–12 with grades 1–6 extension

Students in the UB Teach Spanish program learn language and teaching the way educators practice it: through communication, collaboration and real classroom experience.

Throughout the program, students will:

• Study Spanish language, literature and cultural traditions
• Learn how adolescents acquire language and develop literacy skills
• Practice lesson planning and instructional design
• Gain classroom experience in Western New York schools
• Build confidence co-teaching with experienced educators

During the final year, students complete a full-year teaching residency, working alongside a mentor teacher while leading instruction in real classrooms.

The Spanish major builds gradually from language development into advanced cultural and literary study. Students begin at the level that matches their experience and progress toward more specialized coursework. 

Students typically explore areas such as: 

• Spanish and Spanish American literature 
• Linguistics and language structure 
• Cultural history and theory 
• Film and cultural production 
• Advanced writing and translation 

As students move into upper-level courses, they deepen their ability to interpret texts, analyze cultural contexts and conduct independent research. 

Graduates of the BA in Spanish / EdM Spanish Adolescence Education program are prepared for careers in education and language-related fields.

Common paths include:

• Spanish teacher (grades 7–12)
• World language curriculum specialist
• Language education coordinator
• Cultural or international education programs

Graduates are especially well prepared for teaching positions in New York State schools.

If you are passionate about Spanish language and culture and want to inspire future learners, the UB Teach Spanish program offers a clear pathway to becoming a certified teacher.