The bilingual specialization prepares educators to work effectively in a bilingual setting and provide leadership in curriculum and instruction in their schools. The program focuses on instructional methods and materials for teaching language and content to English language learners, the importance of culture in addressing learning needs, testing and evaluation, and developing curriculum for English language learners.

From the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: English as a New Language Standards:

1. Knowledge of Students. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners draw on their knowledge of human development as mediated by language and culture and their relationships with students to understand their students' knowledge, skills, interests, aspirations, and values.
2. Knowledge of Language and Language Development. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners are models of language proficiency in the languages in which they are expected to teach. In addition, they draw on their knowledge of language and language development to understand the process by which students acquire both their primary and new languages, to develop instructional strategies that promote language development, and to modify the curriculum as necessary to accommodate the needs of new language learners.
3. Knowledge of Culture and Diversity. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners are knowledgeable about and sensitive to the dynamics of culture in general, and to their students' cultures in particular, which enables them to understand their students and structure a successful academic experience for them.
4. Knowledge of Subject Matter. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners draw on a comprehensive command of subject matter, of language(s) of instruction, and their relationship to each other to establish goals, design curricula and instruction, and facilitate student learning. They do so in a manner that builds on students’ linguistic and cultural diversity.
5. Meaningful Learning. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners use a variety of approaches that allow students to confront, explore, and understand important and challenging concepts, topics, and issues in meaningful ways.
6. Multiple Paths to Knowledge. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners provide multiple paths to help students develop language proficiency, learn the central concepts in each pertinent discipline, and build knowledge and strengthen understanding of the disciplines. They effectively use the language(s) of instruction to enhance subject-matter learning.
7. Instructional Resources. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners: select, adapt, create, and use rich and varied resources.
8. Learning Environment. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners establish a caring, inclusive, safe, and linguistically and culturally rich community of learning where students take intellectual risks and work both independently and collaboratively.
9. Assessment. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners employ a variety of assessment methods to obtain useful information about student learning and development and to assist students in reflecting on their own progress.
10. Reflective Practice. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners analyze, evaluate, and strengthen the effectiveness and quality of their practice.
11. Linkages with Families. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners create linkages with families that enhance the educational experience of their students.
12. Professional Leadership. Accomplished teachers of linguistically and culturally diverse learners contribute to the growth and development of their colleagues, their school, and the advancement of knowledge in their field.

Curriculum and Instruction graduates receive a Master's Degree in Education (M.Ed.) Curriculum & Instruction with a Bilingual Specialization. Additional teaching opportunities may be available with state endorsement.*

*Check with your state department for certification requirements and program approval.

Please note that licensure and certification requirements for educators vary from state to state. Educators interested in pursuing their graduate education through American College of Education should check with their respective state Department of Education for determining the certification requirements of their state.