Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Spanish

Salem State University’s Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish prepares students to work at either the elementary or secondary level. Our program is unique because it runs through the world languages department and is taught entirely by full-time professors. The rigorous Spanish course package is entirely in Spanish and offers a solidly balanced preparation. The program is especially beneficial for initial-level students, but our MAT program addresses all coursework needed for the professional and initial licenses. All courses are offered online.

Apply Now
Program Requirements

Program Overview

The MAT in Spanish is designed for people who are seeking either initial or professional licensure to teach Spanish in elementary or secondary schools. 

Our program is an excellent way to create a base for a career as a Spanish teacher at a time when the profession is engaging in an exciting shift to teaching for proficiency. Not only does it have a track that meets your initial licensure needs, but it also fulfills the educational requirements for professional licensure. In other words, it is a “two-for-one” program that sets you on the long-term path as a successful professional Spanish teacher. 

Program Features 

  • Multiple licensure options: We offer four licensure tracks: initial level elementary Spanish (grades PreK-6), initial level secondary Spanish (grades 5-12), advanced level for the professional license in elementary Spanish (grades Pre-K-6) and professional level secondary Spanish (grades 5-12).   

  • Courses taught in Spanish: Strong package of Spanish courses taught entirely in Spanish by full professors. Program offers a two-semester methods course sequence that is focused on planning, teaching and programming Spanish for proficiency. It is taught in Spanish which is a unique learning opportunity for our students. 

  • Online modality: All courses are offered online; mostly synchronously through zoom at or after 4:30 pm in fall, spring and summer semesters. 

  • Opportunity: Our program includes a Spanish and Hispanic Culture, Literature and linguistics courses and a research project in Spanish. The research project is a unique opportunity to work closely with faculty and to present in a formal environment such as the MAFLA (Massachusetts Foreign Language Association) Conference. Our program has involved our students in MAFLA through student internships, board service, conference presentations and Newsletter articles. 

  • Variety of practicum locations: A strong partnership with more than 50 area schools throughout Greater Boston and the North Shore and beyond, offering excellent field work opportunities. Educators already working in the classroom may be able to complete their practicum at their place of employment. 

  • Faculty: Offered through Salem States World Languages and Cultures Program, The MAT and Spanish program is unique as the instruction is conducted entirely by full-time professors. Beyond the classroom, faculty are actively engaged in field specific research and are published authors and conference presenters. All share a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to student success. 

  • Graduate assistantships: Opportunities to apply for graduate assistantships, grants, and scholarships. 

Explore Pathways to a Career as a Spanish Educator

MAT Spanish Initial Licensure

Program Start: Fall, spring, summer 

Course Formats: Evening online, synchronous, hybrid and asynchronous courses. All courses are online, except the practicum. 

Length of Program: Approximately 2 1/2 years. This timeline assumes two courses per semester and one/two in the summer. Our offerings are focused on students who are teaching, offering maximum flexibility for working professionals. 

Curriculum

Our 36.5-39.5 credit curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to begin teaching on day one. The curriculum for our full suite of MAT programs includes three core courses in education, four core courses within your content specialization, two teaching methods courses within your content specialization, a Spanish research monograph and a semester-long supervised practicum and seminar in the field teaching. 

Sample Courses

  • EDC 782 - Methods of Teaching Spanish I 

  • SPN 750 - Introduction to Spanish Linguistics and Sociolinguistics 

  • SPN 711 - Seminar in Latin American and US Latino Cultures 

Initial Licensure students must have completed three education core courses, both method courses and six credits of Spanish content courses, AND must have taken and received at least an Advanced Low score on the ACTFL Oral proficiency Interview (OPIc) prior to applying for practicum. The six credits in Spanish cannot include SPN 900, the MAT Research Monograph. 

Licensure 

We offer the opportunity to progress from your preliminary license through your professional license within one program. As soon as you pass your MTELs (state teacher tests), you can apply for your provisional license and begin your career as a classroom teacher. Once you have completed your core classes and student teaching, you will be endorsed for your initial license. Upon completing your MAT and finishing at least three years of teaching under your initial license you will be eligible for your professional license. This means that graduates of our program are able to complete all licensure requirements without needing to pursue additional coursework. 

Upon completing this program, Salem State can endorse your initial license application for initial level elementary Spanish (P-6) or initial level secondary Spanish (5-12). 

Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

MAT Spanish, Advanced Standing

Program Start: Fall, spring, summer 

Course Formats: Evening online synchronous, hybrid and asynchronous courses. All courses are online. 

Length of Program: Approximately 2 1/2 years. This timeline assumes two courses per semester and one/two in the summer. Our offerings are focused on students who are teaching, offering maximum flexibility for working professionals. 

Curriculum 

Our 36 credit curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence needed to begin teaching on day one. The curriculum  includes four courses in education, six core courses in Spanish, and 2 research courses. 

Sample Courses

  • SPN 750 - Introduction to Spanish Linguistics and Sociolinguistics 

  • SPN 711 - Seminar in Latin American and US Latino Cultures 

  • SPN 761 - Research in Teaching Spanish (Pre K-6) 

Licensure 

Upon completing your MAT and finishing at least three years of teaching under your initial license you will be eligible for your professional level elementary Spanish (P-6) or professional level secondary Spanish (5-12) license. This means that graduates of our program are able to complete all licensure requirements without needing to pursue additional coursework. 

Please be aware that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may change licensure requirements. Students are advised to contact the state for specific, current licensure requirements. Students may access that information at the Department for Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

Careers

There is always a need for good teachers. Current trends and projections show a relatively stable demand for teachers. Massachusetts teacher standards have a strong national reputation and many who hold teaching licenses in Massachusetts have the knowledge and skills needed to successfully obtain licensure in other states. 

Spanish is a “high-need subject area” in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There are many open positions regularly advertised on School Spring, particularly at the secondary-school level.  This is reflected by the fact that currently 100% of our enrolled students –i.e. who have not even finished the program- are employed as Spanish teachers. 

Back to top