The mission of the World Languages (Spanish and French) certification programs is to prepare candidates for a successful future as educators who motivate and inspire their students. This program integrates state and national standards for the teaching and learning of world languages into all levels of instruction. Spanish major candidates design a variety of ongoing assessments in language and culture that address all three modes of communication: interpersonal, presentational, and interpretive. Candidates also learn to create linguistically and culturally rich learning environments appropriate to and supportive of students of all levels, backgrounds, and needs while becoming lifelong learners who continually seek opportunities to enhance their pedagogical, cultural, and linguistic competencies. A Spanish education major will finish this program having attained high levels of proficiency in Spanish and a deep understanding of cultural perspectives, products, and practices.
The purpose of educator preparation programs at University of the Cumberlands is to prepare candidates in the use of research-based pedagogical practice, enabling them to address the diverse needs of P-12 students throughout Kentucky and beyond. Candidates learn to apply content knowledge in a manner consistent with state and national expectations. Through the program, candidates learn to exemplify the dispositions of communication, critical/creative thinking, and professionalism.
To accomplish this purpose, the School of Education implements rigorous coursework aligned to state/national standards. The School also prescribes field/clinical experiences aligned to coursework, creating meaningful connections between educational theory and practice. Finally, Spanish teacher degree candidates are required to demonstrate proficiency in knowledge, skills, and dispositions at various formative and summative checkpoints throughout the program.