Spanish K-12 Licensure

Become a confident, culturally responsive Spanish educator.

Western’s K-12 Spanish Licensure program prepares you to become a confident and culturally responsive Spanish educator. Through immersive language courses, in-depth study of Hispanic cultures, and best practices in language instruction, you’ll gain the skills needed to teach Spanish to students at all grade levels. You’ll also collaborate with the Education Department to complete a full-year student teaching internship and be fully prepared to receive your secondary licensure from the Colorado Department of Education.

This comprehensive program emphasizes language fluency, global awareness, and inclusive teaching methods—equipping you to make a lasting impact in diverse classrooms. Whether you’re teaching grammar and vocabulary or leading discussions about culture and identity, you’ll be ready to foster meaningful learning experiences. With small class sizes, supportive faculty, and opportunities to engage with local schools, Western sets you on a clear path to becoming an effective and inspiring Spanish teacher.

Spanish K-12 Licensure Requirements

Emphasis

Licensure

A major emphasis dives deeper into a specific interest within your major. It allows you to focus on a particular area of study, replacing the need for a separate minor. By tailoring your coursework, a major emphasis equips you with specialized knowledge and skills to better prepare you for career opportunities or advanced studies in your chosen field.

Program Requirements Degree Plan

A licensure complements a degree and is awarded by entities other than Western. Often awarded by the state for teaching, it is a public and professional assurance that state teaching standards are met and the student is prepared to teach.

Licensure Requirements

Scholarships

Scholarships by Department

Start with the General Application—it will match you with eligible scholarships. You’ll be notified if any department-specific materials are needed.

General Application

 

General Western Scholarships

Western Colorado University offers merit—and need-based scholarships, recognizing achievement, financial need, and special talents.

Explore Scholarships

1

Top Skills

Communication
Cultural Competence
Interpersonal Skills
Listening Skills
Research
Writing

2

Career Pathways

Cultural Exchange Coordinator
Interpreter/Translator
Linguist
Media Correspondent
Public Relations Specialist
United Nations Worker

Education Department

Department Chair

• Brooke Hanks

• Senior Lecturer

Administrative Assistant

• Marilyn Krill

• Executive Assistant for Graduate Education Programs

Contact Information

970.943.2030

mkrill@western.edu

Contact Location

Western Colorado University
Crawford Hall 101
1 Western Way
Gunnison, CO 81231