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Program in Bilingual and ESL Certification

 

Bilingual/ESL education is an academic field and professional activity that requires specialized training.  It includes language and literacy development, second language acquisition theory and methods, native language instruction and culturally responsive pedagogy.  Students will learn about the latest research on exemplary practices in bilingual an ESL education, the use of technology and working with students from different linguistic, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Bilingual and ESL Education

 

Bilingual education is generally defined as the use of both the child's native language (e.g. Spanish) and English as media of instruction in all or part of the school curriculum.  Two certificate tracks are available for students interested in bilingual education:  Grades EC-4 and 4-8 Bilingual (Spanish - English) Generalist.

 

English as a second language (ESL) is a special system of instruction that enables children who are not proficient in English to acquire both interpersonal skills and academic proficiency in spoken and written English.  Two certificate tracks are offered for students interested in ESL education: Grades EC-4 and 4-8 ESL Generalist.

 

Examples of Program Competencies

State-approved competencies are at the heart of the UNT Bilingual/ESL Teacher Education Program.  They encompass critical areas of teaching linguistically and culturally diverse students:

• Knowledge of and respect for the cultural and language needs of children learning English as a second language.
    
• Cross-cultural skills necessary to interact effectively with children and parents from various ethnically diverse communities.
     
• Ability to align teaching and learning with Texas curriculum and assessment standards for elementary and secondary schools.
    
• Competency in designing instruction that enables all linguistically diverse students to be actively engaged and successful learners.
   

For more information and eligibility requirements, contact:

• Your education program advisor in Matthews Hall Room 105
  940-565-2736
  SAO@coe.unt.edu
   
   
• The Bilingual or ESL Certification office,
  Matthews Hall 206E              
  940-565-2933,
  Rossana.Boyd@unt.edu
   
   
• UNT Dallas Campus students contact
  Sarah Conrad
  Teacher Education Advisor and Academic Counselor
  972-780-3657

Help Meet the Challenge of Language and Cultural Diversity in Today's Schools!

Teach in Bilingual/ESL Education