Program Overview

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Teaching Spanish at Rutgers-Camden is designed to empower Spanish educators with innovative teaching methods and a clear path to success. The program is led by Dr. Próspero N. García, who has a passion for teaching and learning. He has a PhD in Spanish Applied Linguistics and Pedagogy and has worked at various institutions, including Smith College and Amherst College.

Program Details

• The program offers content credits in Spanish and the possibility of obtaining a teacher license upon completion.
• It is one of the few MAT programs in the country that offers this combination.
• The program is designed for in-service and pre-service teachers of Spanish.
• It includes action research projects, cutting-edge pedagogical innovations, and mentorship.

Research Areas

• Second language (L2) development
• L2 evaluation and assessment
• Technology-enhanced language learning
• Teacher training
• Bilingual education from a Neo-Vygotskian sociocultural theory of mind perspective
• The role of Sociocultural Theory in Spanish L2 education
• The implementation of Dynamic Assessment to promote L2 teacher’s conceptual development
• The role of Conscious Conceptual Manipulation in the development of grammatical categories
• The implementation of concept-based instruction (CBI) in the heritage and second language classrooms
• The role of emotion and agency in the development and internalization of scientific concepts

Program Goals

• To prepare exceptional educators
• To redefine what’s possible in the classroom
• To provide students with invaluable professional development and networking opportunities
• To continue developing students’ involvement in research
• To solidify relationships with districts and professional organizations in the area
• To provide professional development opportunities to teachers across New Jersey

Future Plans

• Offering a new ESL/Bilingual endorsement stand-alone program
• Becoming Alternative Route Providers
• Continuing to help certified and prospective Spanish and ESL teachers become the best possible versions of themselves

Admission Criteria

• Transcripts
• Standardized Test Scores
• English Proficiency Requirements
• Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Writing Samples

Tuition and Fees

• Information available upon request

Academic Diversity

• Rutgers Graduate School-Camden offers 20+ graduate certificates, master’s, and doctoral programs across various disciplines
• Programs include biology, data science, creative writing, and psychology

Community Involvement

• The program encourages community involvement and provides opportunities for students to engage with former students, attend events, and support current students.