ARE YOU BILINGUAL?
Although the ESOL endorsement does not require candidates to be proficient in a language other than English, we encourage all of our candidates to explore other languages, including taking World Languages courses. Personal experience with learning another language provides valuable background knowledge for working with approximately 20% of Oregon K-12 students who speak a language other than English at home.
If you are pre-service teacher candidate who is already highly proficient in a language other than English, we encourage you to consider teaching for a bilingual program. In Oregon, you can find K-12 bilingual programs in Spanish, Russian, French, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese. As their advantages are becoming better known, dual language programs are rapidly expanding, especially Spanish-English programs. At the same time, there is a critical shortage of bilingual teachers both in Oregon and nationwide.
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For more information about the state of dual language programs in the state of Oregon, visit Oregon Department of Education’s website.
Dual Language Education
Our Dual Language Education Program is available via Ecampus online-only courses. Two of the courses will be taught bilingually in English and Spanish, requiring advanced fluency in Spanish.
Bilingual Specialization
As of January 2016, TSPC has discontinued the ESOL/Bilingual endorsement and created a new Bilingual specialization in its place, found under OAR 584-225-0050. This means candidates can earn the following:
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the ESOL endorsement on its own, OR
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the ESOL endorsement plus the Bilingual specialization, OR
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the Bilingual specialization on its own
The Bilingual specialization is not connected to any coursework. It is simply an indicator on your teaching license of advanced proficiency in a language other than English.
There is only one way to earn the Bilingual specialization: earning an Advanced Mid or higher proficiency level on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI or OPIc). During the licensure application/renewal process, “The candidate must submit the original copy of the Official ACTFL Certificate with the Advance Mid or Higher score for the appropriate language with their application for the Bilingual Specialization.” (TSPC Program Review and Standards Handbook, adopted January 27, 2017; referenced in OAR 584-225-0050)
Specializations are never required by law. They are offered in areas TSPC recognizes as "added value" for educators. More information about TSPC's Dual Language Specialization.
Contact
ESOL/Dual Language Endorsement Lead
[email protected]