If you speak two or more languages and enjoy helping young people learn, you should consider a career as a bilingual teacher. Texas has seen a 50% increase in the need for bilingual teachers, with only 20% of that need being met. Texas Teachers specializes in helping college graduates become bilingual teachers. All you need is a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA or higher to get started.
Students across the state are waiting for someone like you to answer the call and become a bilingual teacher. Are you ready to make a difference?
apply nowIn the United States, it’s estimate that more than a quarter of students are immigrants or the children of immigrants. In 2018, 67.3 million U.S. residents spoke a language other than English at their home. This statistic alone helps to emphasize the importance behind the reasons to become a bilingual teacher. The influx of immigrants into the United States hasn’t gone unnoticed, wrestling in investments in bilingual education programs.
Having bilingual teachers in the classroom not only helps students feel more comfortable and at ease, but it also helps to integrate them more easily and efficiently into the school system. While they may be learning in their native language, they will be focusing on subjects that help to develop and strengthen their English skills. This means that those who are learning English are able to continue education in other subject areas without running into a learning roadblock due to the lack of literacy and background knowledge.
Bilingual teachers are in charge teaching students in a foreign language. This means that they teach in another language outside of English. These languages could be Spanish, German, American Sign Language, and many more. Bilingual teachers can work over a variety of grades, including, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, and high school. Bilingual education is very similar to a regular education. The responsibilities of a bilingual teacher consists of the following:
In general, bilingual teachers earn the same amount in pay as other teachers. The median annual wage for high school teachers is around $61,820 , and for kindergarten and elementary school teachers it’s around $60,900. Additionally, the employment of high school teachers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030 and 7 percent for elementary and kindergarten teachers. Teachers in bilingual education are also likely to grow in demand because of the influx of non-English-speaking students in K-12 schools. As you complete you bilingual teacher certification and look to apply for jobs, there are a variety of job titles you should be aware of. For example, bilingual educator, English Language Learner (ELL) teacher, English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) Teacher, teacher of English as a Second Language (TESOL), and teacher of Foreign Languages (TEFL). These are all titles that bilingual teachers may take when accepting a job.
apply nowThe Texas Teachers program is approved by the state of Texas to certify teachers in all bilingual areas. All you need is a bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA to get started. We will need a completed application and official transcripts to admit you into the program.
Step 1: Training
After submitting an application and enrolling in our program, you will complete engaging online training and teacher observations to prepare you for the classroom..
Step 2: Testing
As required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), you will take and pass three exams to become eligible to teach in a bilingual classroom. The TExES exams are administered by Pearson.
Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (TExES test 190)
Bilingual Supplemental (TExEs test 164)
Core Subjects Grades EC-6 (TExES test 391)
In order to help our teacher candidates succeed, we have created test prep modules designed specifically for the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT) and the Core Subjects exams. After you apply, your Program Advisor will be in contact with the test preparation details and any additional resources.
Step 3: Teaching
You will teach for one year, with full pay and full benefits, under the guidance of a Field Supervisor. Your Field Supervisor is an experienced educator, assigned to you by Texas Teachers to observe you in the classroom and provide support throughout this first year teaching.
Upon successful completion of your internship year and program requirements, you will become a fully certified bilingual teacher.
There’s never been a better time to become a bilingual teacher. Your skills are in high demand, and students need your help. Texas Teachers can help you get there.
apply nowIn response to the growing bilingual population, bilingual teachers have an increasingly valuable role in the Texas education system. Children of recent immigrants to the US may speak a language other than English at home and need to learn how to speak English alongside their other subjects in school. As a bilingual teacher of English Language Learners (ELLs), you will make sure your students learn the subject matter while helping them become fluent in English.
Bilingual teachers can expect to work school days: mornings and afternoons five days a week, nine to ten months of the year. You’ll enjoy an optimal work-life balance with extended winter, spring, and summer vacations.
Below is a list of skills that are required for those individuals working to obtain their bilingual teacher certification.
ESL teachers are not required to speak a second language but Bilingual teachers are required. Many school districts are in need of teachers who are able to host students in their classrooms who are English Language Learners (ELLs) or Bilingual. In an (ESL) classroom, the majority of students would speak English well, while a few may need extra help. Some school districts are beginning to require the ESL Supplemental (TExES test 154) to be passed in addition to a content exam (at any level) as a prerequisite to employment. It is definitely helpful to have this exam passed to increase your marketability to districts when it comes time to get hired.