Spanish

Spanish is the most widely taught language in U.S. public schools, and the demand for qualified Spanish educators continues to grow. As a Spanish Education major, and earning a P-12 certification, this will give you flexibility to teach students from early childhood through high school. This program empowers you to share your passion for language and culture while preparing you for a rewarding career in education. Whether you’re leading a classroom or shaping bilingual programs, you’ll make a lasting impact in communities where Spanish is essential.

The Sigma Delta Pi society (SDP) is composed of students who are interested in furthering their knowledge of the Hispanic language and cultures and who meet the academic criteria specified below. GC, a longtime member of this national society, continues to initiate new members each Spring using the traditional initiation ceremony.

Our chapter, Gamma Sigma, sponsors various cultural events throughout the academic year. Members of the Honor Society will also be invited to departmental receptions for speakers, cultural events, and other activities suggested by members.

The national honor society also offers various scholarships and benefits to its members, and Georgetown College students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities. Click here for more information.

Annual initiation of members into SDP usually occurs in April. Interested students must meet eligibility requirements and attend the initiation ceremony to become active members. Pins and certificates are distributed, and a small reception follows for new members, their friends, and family.

The initial membership fee covers a lifetime membership in SDP, along with a certificate and a special lapel pin. You’ll also have the chance to take part in all SDP-sponsored activities. If you’re interested, please reach out to the Georgetown College Chapter Adviser, Dr. Silvia Encinas.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

  • Completion of at least 18 semester credit hours in Spanish at the college level, or the equivalent.
  • An overall grade point average of 3.2 or higher in all college-level courses, including at least three semesters of coursework.
  • A grade point average of 3.00 (or B) in all college-level Spanish courses.
  • At least one semester of a literature or culture course at the 300 level. (A student may be admitted to active membership while still enrolled in this course if all requirements have been met and the instructor certifies that the student’s work is of A or B quality.)
  • Graduate students admitted to a degree-granting program may be elected to membership upon completion of two graduate courses in Spanish, with an average that, if continued, will make them eligible for a graduate degree.
  • Sigma Delta Pi does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability.
  • CANDIDATES DO NOT HAVE TO BE SPANISH MAJORS OR MINORS.

Program Requirements

Degree Options

Major: 36 Total Credit Hours
Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Minor: 18 Total Credit Hours

Careers

Student Testimonials

“I chose Spanish Education because I could inspire students while mastering a world language, and I could make a lasting difference in diverse communities. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching your students grow, and the chance to travel abroad with them to Spanish-speaking countries only makes it better. I teach at the high school I graduated from, and I’m proud to invest in my students here as my teachers and professors did for me!” — Kristen O’Neil ’16

Through coursework and immersion programs, the Spanish major increases cultural awareness and the ability to adapt to new environments – both of which are critical in my role at an international organization.” — Jordan Sanderson ‘13

“Studying Spanish at GC was one of the best decisions of my life, both personally and professionally. Language study opens a world of people, places, cultures, and ideas. And if you’re interested in that sort of thing, it might even help you get a job! — Adam Glover ’07

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Student teaching in P-12 classrooms, language tutoring programs, study abroad with a pedagogical focus, service learning in bilingual communities, education workshops, and conferences.

Faculty & Contact

Connect with the faculty who teach and mentor Spanish students.

SILVIA-ENCINAS-CABALLERO

Silvia Encinas-Caballero

Assistant Professor of Spanish

B.A., Universidad de Cordoba
M.A., Uinversity of Kentucky
Ph.D. University of Kentucky
abraham-head-shot

Abraham Prades

Associate Professor of Spanish

B.A., Universidad Complutense de Madrid
M.A., University of Kentucky
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Hugo Salas Headshot

Hugo Salas

Visiting Assistant Professor of Spanish

B.S., Universidad de Buenos Aires
M.A., University of Pennsylvania
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

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