Elementary Bilingual Teacher Education
Focusing on the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures, the Bilingual-Bicultural Teacher Education program at Illinois State prepares future teachers for state approval or endorsement to teach in bilingual K-9 elementary classrooms. You will be prepared for a type 03 certification in grades K-9. Graduates of our program are certificated to teach in Spanish/English-bilingual elementary classrooms, English speaking elementary classrooms, and often have a minor in Spanish or TESOL.
The program requirements include all of the same courses as an Elementary Teacher Education major, plus additional course work. The program generally takes a year longer to complete than Elementary Education. It is offered by the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in cooperation with the Departments of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, English, Sociology & Anthropology, and History.
Program features
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Program objectives are the national standards for elementary education designed by Association of Childhood International (ACEI) International, making the program well-aligned with current research and the established needs of schools and new teachers. The program is also aligned with the NCATE/TESOL Standards, Illinois Content Area Standards, English as a New Language and Bilingual Education Standards.
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As a part of the Elementary Education Program, the Bilingual Education Program is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and nationally recognized as a model of standards-based and performance-based teacher education.
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Diversity training is included in every course in the program, so you move well beyond awareness to learn how to actually apply this critical knowledge base.
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Technology skills are embedded directly into our methods courses, so you gain immediate practice using appropriate technology in your teaching.
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Multiple clinical experiences throughout the program prepare you to assume your professional responsibilities. Prior to student teaching, bilingual elementary education candidates will spend more than 155 hours in clinical experiences in K-8 classrooms as a part of their program, including teacher institutes and parent-teacher conferences.
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A year-long Professional Development School internship in bilingual classrooms in Chicago, Elgin, or Wheeling is required. During the internship, students work with cooperating teachers for an entire school year implementing classroom instruction using bilingual methods in English and Spanish.
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A high degree of professional readiness and satisfaction with our program is reported by our graduates. Performance on state certification tests is superior. Many principals and school districts across the state express a preference for our program graduates, telling us they come into classrooms well prepared to assume professional responsibilities.
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Of the teacher candidates who seek employment as bilingual teachers after graduation, 100% have been hired.
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A study abroad program in Taxco, Mexico is offered, during which students live with Mexican families while taking Spanish language courses and observing in local schools. This enables students to improve their Spanish proficiency and experience Mexican culture firsthand.
Requirements to Obtain Approval to Teach Bilingual and ESL through the Illinois State Board of Education
Learn more about obtaining approval through the ISBE.
Have questions?
Ready to become a elementary bilingual teacher?
Visit campus
We encourage you to visit campus, see our facilities, and meet with a representative from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Schedule a visit today!
Apply to Illinois State
Learn about the application process and apply online.
Change your major
Get information on the requirements and how to change your major to a program in C&I.
I have a degree and want to teach
- I already have a bachelor's degree and want to become a teacher.
- I want a Master's degree in education, but I do not have a teacher's certificate. Can I obtain both at the same time?
- Can I be a substitute teacher?
Resources
Get a list of Web sites that are helpful to teachers of English language learners.
Join a student organization
- The Student Association for Bilingual Education (S.A.B.E.) is a registered student organization that reaches out to and advocates for culturally and linguistically diverse students and informs Illinois State University and the surrounding community about issues related to bilingual education.
