College of Arts and Sciences
Teaching Spanish for Heritage Language Learners
College of Arts and Sciences
Teaching Spanish for Heritage Language Learners
Empower Heritage Voices — Teach Spanish with Expertise
Elevate your teaching practice with the Graduate Certificate in Teaching Spanish for Heritage Language Learners — a credential designed for educators and professionals dedicated to serving Spanish-speaking communities.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines*
- Total credits: 18
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
This certificate equips you with niche skills that enhance your impact across educational and community roles. Graduates enhance their qualifications in roles such as K–12 teacher, adult education instructor, literacy specialist, language program coordinator, bilingual education specialist, and community college instructor. It’s also ideal for professionals in criminal justice, social work, public health, or nonprofit sectors looking to better serve Spanish-speaking populations. Whether advancing in education, advocacy, or outreach, your expertise will strengthen cultural and linguistic inclusion.
Deepen Spanish Teaching Skills for Heritage Learners
Over 18 credits, you’ll master advanced theories, culturally responsive pedagogy, and assessment strategies tailored specifically to heritage language learners. Learn to address diverse dialects and cultural nuances with confidence and clarity, whether you're teaching in schools, guiding adult learners, or working in community-based contexts. This program does not lead to licensure.
A One-Year Program
In just one year, you get equipped with essential knowledge to serve Spanish-speaking communities.
The certificate requires a student to complete 18 credit hours (a total of six courses) that could be completed in one year and to submit a portfolio. Four courses are mandatory core courses. The remaining two courses can be selected by the student from the list of approved courses. Upon completion of all six courses, students will be guided as they prepare and submit an online reflective portfolio.
Take classes like:
- SPAN 594 - Theory and Methodology of Spanish Pedagogy
- SPAN 503- Critical Language Awareness in Teaching SHL
- SPAN 502 - Sentipensar Pedagogy: Anzaldúa and Other Theorists
- SPAN 558 - Bilinguismo
- Completed bachelor’s degree in Spanish or related field; completed bachelor’s degree from Spain or Latin America
- Proof of bilingual proficiency; ACTFL OPI/ Praxis/State Level Bilingual Exam/Individual statement.
- The application requires a fee and the following documents: Letter of Interest, CV/Transcripts, Language Proficiency Statement and Self-Evaluation.
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.