Characteristics of successful Spanish language teachers of Hispanic students as identified by administrators and teachers of languages other than English in secondary schools in selected school districts in Texas

The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of Spanish language teachers who are successful with Hispanic students. In order to obtain the data needed, principals, Languages Other Than English coordinators and/or other teachers were asked to identify successful teachers in their school/district. Several criteria were included in the study's introductory letters in order to facilitate the identification of the sample teachers. The identified teachers were then sent a 40-item questionnaire that solicited the needed information.; The data acquired provided information about teacher education, ethnicity, experience, school social interactions, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, use of the Spanish language, and personal regard for student expectations. Data were analyzed by using tables and graphs that showed cumulative percentages.; An extensive review of the literature was made. The review focused on Hispanic dropout rates and learning styles, instruction and assessment, curricula, successful teacher characteristics, parent involvement, and high expectations for students.; The study showed that: (1) Successful Spanish language teachers show similar characteristics: in personal education; instructional and assessment strategies; and professional relationships with peers, students, and parents. (2) Successful Spanish language teachers believe that high expectations are essential for student success. (3) Successful Spanish language teachers are involved in school related activities after the regular eight-hour workday. (4) Successful Spanish language teachers consistently use the target language in the classroom. (5) Successful Spanish language teachers are continuing their education through staff development or university level studies.; Implications from the study include: (1) Identified similar characteristics of successful teachers of Hispanic students must be made available to all teachers of Hispanic students in order for them to emulate what has proved to be successful. (2) Educators must provide on-going staff development that trains teachers on methods that have been tried and tested by successful teachers in the same content area.