B.A. in Secondary Education | Spanish Education (PK-12)

Inspire a Lifelong Love of Learning

The Spanish Education program at Saint Xavier University prepares candidates to teach in Pre-K-grade 12 in Illinois schools. Completion of the program leads to a bachelor's degree and prepares candidates to pursue an Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an endorsement in Spanish.

Why Earn Your B.S. in Secondary Education?

The education profession is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling careers. Teachers serve as the cornerstone of a student's educational journey through their development as they become critical thinkers and problem solvers.

Girl with laptop in class

About the Program

The Spanish (Pre-K-grade 12) Secondary Education program offers a comprehensive foundation in the Spanish language while preparing you to teach students across all grade levels, from preschool to high school. Aligned with NCATE/ACTFL and Illinois Content Standards for Educators, this program equips you with the language proficiency, cultural understanding, and pedagogical expertise needed to inspire the next generation of bilingual learners. Whether you're teaching early language development or advanced high school students, you'll graduate ready to make a meaningful impact in diverse classrooms, helping students connect with the global world through the power of language.

In the Spanish (Pre-K-grade 12) Secondary Education program, you'll experience hands-on, high-impact practices that prepare you to teach with confidence and cultural insight. With mentorship from experienced educators, classroom observation, and real-time teaching practice, you'll gain the skills needed to engage diverse learners and inspire a lifelong love for the Spanish language.

The Spanish Secondary Education program equips students with advanced proficiency in Spanish and a deep understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures, preparing them to effectively teach language and literature across Pre-K-grade 12 classrooms. Through the development of pedagogical skills, classroom management strategies, and assessment techniques, candidates are trained to create engaging, standards-aligned lessons that support diverse learners. To graduate, students must complete all program requirements, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, and successfully meet state certification standards, including the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) test.

At the undergraduate level, Saint Xavier University is one of the seven largest providers of teachers in Illinois. Saint Xavier University's Education Division has a long and successful history of preparing students for careers in teaching with a curriculum that guides teacher candidates to become scholars, lifelong learners, leaders, and reflective practitioners. Rooted in the values of the Sisters of Mercy, our mission emphasizes compassion, service, and social justice. As a student in our Education Division, you'll be inspired to integrate these values into your teaching practice, making a meaningful impact on your students and community. You'll learn to educate with empathy, advocate for equity, and lead with a heart committed to service.

SXU offers a variety of education endorsements designed to expand the expertise of teacher candidates and practicing educators. Endorsements are aligned with Illinois state standards, ensuring that educators are well-prepared to meet the needs of students in diverse classroom settings.