How to Become a Bilingual Teacher
A bilingual teacher is a teacher who has obtained a bilingual certification or license. They have completed a bachelor's degree in bilingual education from an accredited teacher education program.
Bilingual teachers plan lessons to meet curriculum goals and objectives in order provide education opportunities to all students. In particular, they work with students who do not speak English or are limited in their knowledge of English.
There are several routes to become a bilingual teacher. Many states provide alternative ways to obtain training and certification or licensure.
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Things You'll Need
- Ability to speak two languages
- Teaching certificate
- Bilingual certification
Instructions
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Traditional Route
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Start early to learn a language in order to be fluent in the language and knowledgeable of the culture. During high school, take all of the language classes available. Volunteer to tutor.
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Choose an accredited university with a bilingual education program that issues a certification for licensure upon graduation.
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If possible, study abroad one semester so you can be immersed in the language and culture.
Get involved in the language clubs and activities on campus. Tutor students to acquire teaching experience. -
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Take the bilingual proficiency examination if it is required prior to student teaching.
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Upon completion of all college requirements, submit the documentation required for licensing and obtain license in order to start teaching. Licensure is generally granted by each State Board of Education.
Alternative Route: With A Bachelor's Degree and Without
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Make use of a bachelor's degree that's not in education by completing a post baccalaureate bilingual education program. (This meets the bilingual licensure requirements.)
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Enter an alternative accelerated teaching program to become a certified or licensed bilingual teacher. This type of program places you into a short, but intensive, teacher training session that allows you to start teaching quickly. You teach while completing a master's degree in bilingual education.
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Teacher With a Bachelor's Degree In Another Area: Complete additonal course work and training to become a certified bilingual teacher. Take a bilingual proficiency examination or complete coursework the state requires for bilingual certification or licensure.
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Alternative Route: No Bachelor's Degree: Enter an internship for people who are bilingual but don't have a bachelor's degree. In some states, you can work as a bilingual teacher while completing your bachelor's degree in bilingual education.
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Tips & Warnings
Each state has its own individualized standards and requirements for bilingual certification/licensure. In general state requirements include either a completion of language course work or a language test in order to show proficiency. Private, preschool, and vocational schools may not require licensure. This means that in some cases you can be a bilingual teacher without having a bilingual certification/license.
