Teacher training - basic and specialist teacher training - Spain

Initial Training of Teachers

The academic qualifications required to teach are uniform throughout the entire nation, although they do vary according to the various levels of the education system.  In public-sector institutions, teaching staff in higher education, as well as those at lower levels, generally have permanent civil servant status. In public education, first year teachers in a public school will work under the tutorage of experienced teachers. The tutor and trainee teacher will share responsibility for the trainee’s teaching plan.
Three types of teachers can be distinguished, depending on the education level which they teach: the teaching staff of infant education and primary, that of secondary education, and that of higher education.

Pre-primary and primary education teaching staff

Teaching in infant education and in primary education requires a teacher certificate on the corresponding speciality, which is a university grade where they get a speciality: infant education, primary education, music, physical education, foreign language, special education and speech therapy.

LOE states that ''Maestros'' teaching in primary education are allowed to teach in all areas of knowledge of this educational stage and at students’ tutorials. However, they can get a speciality: infant education, primary education, music, physical education, foreign language, special education, and speech therapy. The study programme is focused on both academic and theoretical aspects and on pedagogical practice. The basic training on special education for all students is one core subject and the specific training for the specialist is much wider.

Likewise allowed to participate in the first cycle of Infant education, in addition to maestro degree holders, are other professionals trained in the nursery school or the infant education specialities of vocational training.
For the care of pupils with special needs education, the educational system offers teachers help through teacher’s specialists in special education, speech therapy and qualified professionals

Secondary education teaching staff

Teaching in secondary education requires a post-grade. In addition, it is necessary to have a professional certificate of pedagogical specialisation obtained after doing a course of pedagogical qualification.

Higher education teaching staff

Initial training for higher education teaching staff takes place primarily in university establishments or institutions for first, second or third cycle studies alike.

In-service training

In-service training is the right and obligation of all teachers and the responsibility of the education administrations and schools. In-service training programmes will adapt knowledge and teaching methods to trends in education sciences and specific methodologies, as well as to all the aspects of co-ordination, guidance, tutoring, attention to diversity and organisation aimed at enhancing the quality of education and the functioning of schools.