Bilingual Education — Endorsement

Department of Elementary Education, Woodring College of Education

32 credits

NOTE: The Bilingual Endorsement is only for those who are already P-12 teachers or in a P-12 teacher education program and who are working toward or already bilingual.

Introduction

This program leads to an additional endorsement in Bilingual Education; when accompanied by a professional teacher education program and a first endorsement in another content area. Also required is a cultural studies course taught in the language of that culture or demonstration of equivalent experience. Expected proficiency is equivalent to a major in the language other than English, and oral proficiency at the ACTFL mid-advanced level. Each required course must be completed with a grade of B- (2.7) or better. A passing score on the Bilingual WEST-E and an assessment in the non-English language of instruction is required by the state.

Why Consider an Endorsement in Bilingual Education?

Teachers with the endorsement in Bilingual Education from Western Washington University possess in-depth understandings of the role of cultural and linguistic diversity in each student’s education and the demonstrated ability to use research-based instruction when teaching in English and also in a non-English target language. The numbers of bilingual schools continue to grow across the United States as research documents the benefits of quality programs. Our program includes study of a variety of models for bilingual education, including two-way, dual, one-way, and early exit models. In addition, current issues related to bilingual education are explored. Teachers who earn the bilingual endorsement can also apply for the English to Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement.

The Bilingual Education endorsement prepares you to:

• Obtain the WA state endorsement for Bilingual Education
• Teach standards-based content in a target language other than English
• Work with families from various cultures
• Serve as a resource for other teachers
• Instruct using effective methods including strategies from the Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD)
• Thrive in culturally and linguistically diverse settings

Contact Information

Dr. Marsha Riddle Buly 360-650-7348 Marsha.RiddleBuly@wwu.edu

Sample Careers

Dual Language Teacher | Bilingual Teacher | ESOL Teacher | Bilingual Coach

Major/Career Resources

www.wwu.edu/careers/students_choosingamajor.shtml

How to Declare (Admission and Declaration Process):

Application and information on the application process for the Bilingual Education Endorsement is available in MH 300. More information on the program and application requirements is available at: wce.wwu.edu/sites/wce.wwu.edu/files/ELED%20-%20Bilingual%20Endorsement%20for%20P-12%20Teachers.pdf.

Grade Requirements

Each required course must be completed with a grade of B- (2.7) or better.