MAE - Spanish
The MAE - Master of Arts in Education degree, with a specialty in Spanish Education, is a rigorous, innovative program. Its thrust is visionary and oriented toward the future growth and development of students and the entire field of education. As the basic Spanish teaching certification program offered at Truman, students first complete a BA - bachelor of arts degree - before admission into the MAE. The BA is traditionally completed in four years, and the MAE program in one additional academic year, plus either one or two summers.
Why teach a foreign language?
Teachers of foreign languages have the opportunity of exposing their students to a different language and culture, and opening their minds to many of the wonders in the world outside of the United States. Below is a list of some of the great rewards of being a foreign language teacher:
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Foreign language teachers enhance the cultural awareness of their students, who become more aware of the value of their own culture while learning to appreciate other cultures.
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Foreign language teachers help their students learn not only the grammar of the language studied, but also the grammar of their native language.
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Foreign language study provides the learner with access to the great art and literature of that culture.
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Foreign language skills are highly sought after in many industries as the world becomes a smaller place through increased travel and improved communication. Business and industry need people who have advanced communication skills in a foreign language. As a teacher, you are preparing your students to enter the workforce with better training.
(The above were taken from Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century, a publication of The National Standards in Foreign Language Education Project, 1998, pgs. 11-12.) -
Teaching a foreign language requires great creativity and gives you (the teacher) a lot of flexibility in your classroom. In short, it can be very fun!
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Foreign language teachers are in great demand throughout the US. In some states, teachers earn higher salaries because of their ability to communicate and teach in a second language.
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As a foreign language teacher, you have the opportunity to participate in student clubs, travel abroad, and you may be able to work with native speakers of your language.
Why is a teaching certificate from Truman State University different?
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You earn a Master's degree which generally leads to better pay.
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You become more knowledgeable in the field you teach, making you a better teacher.
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You develop a strong literary and cultural base in your language.
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You are trained through extensive classroom experiences in addition to traditional coursework.
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Over the last 5 years, 100% of MAE graduates in foreign languages have been employed.
Following are some testimonials of former Truman State Foreign Language MAE students who are now working as teachers.
"I believe that choosing the MAE program to become a
foreign language teacher was a wise choice on my part. Because of the
extensive coursework in my major field, Spanish, I feel extremely
competent and confident about my ability to both communicate and teach
the language. At the same time, the education courses that I completed
as requirements of the program have given me the necessary preparation
to enter the field of public education as a professional. I realize that
some aspiring teachers are unsure about the idea of pursuing a Master's
degree, as they worry that their demand for a higher salary would make
them undesirable to school districts, and not very competitive on the
job market. Nonetheless, in my experience, school districts are mostly
interested in finding well prepared, competent teachers. This is what
the MAE foreign language program has been producing for years." -Marzia
Corni-Benson, Class of ‘99
BA Spanish LSP Worksheets and Advising Guides
Undergraduate Preparatory Procedures
DESE Foreign Language Teacher Competencies
If you would like to receive information on the Masters of Arts in Education at Truman, visit the Graduate Office home page and fill out the form. Under Graduate Program Interest, select "Education".
If you have any questions or want more information the Spanish Education
program, please contact Dr. Carol Marshall at the address below: