Bilingual Education
Extension Certificate
- Bilingual Education Extension Certificate
- Online
At Monroe University, we pride ourselves on training teachers who can meet the unique educational needs of our surrounding communities. In New York City and Westchester County, that means being able to serve a large Spanish-speaking population. (In New York City alone, nearly 25% of residents speak Spanish at home; in Westchester, nearly 20%.)
That’s why we designed our Bilingual Education Extension for students seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood Education or Early Childhood Education from our School of Education. Both bilingual students and English language learners (ELLs) deserve exceptional teachers. Our goal is to give you the skills you need to become one.
If you’ve already earned your initial licensure from the New York State Education Department, the bilingual extension program is open to you as well. Whether you’re looking to work in a bilingual classroom setting or provide in-home language support for bilingual families, our program will prepare you to take the Bilingual Education Assessment (BEA) exam — so you can take the next big step in your teaching career.
Find Out About Our On Campus Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education Degrees.
Why a Certificate in Education Extension?
The New York State Education Department requires that all teachers working in bilingual classrooms — classrooms in which teachers use two languages for instruction — possess a bilingual extension certificate. Passing the BEA exam shows the state (and your employers) that you’re ready to meet both the linguistic and cultural needs of bilingual learners.
New York State has one the highest percentages of Spanish speakers in the country. That means there’s always a need for Spanish-speaking bilingual teachers. Yet historically, demand has always exceeded supply. For at least 30 years, New York State has experienced a shortfall of certified bilingual education teachers.
Where there’s need, there’s also opportunity — not just for you, but for the students whose lives you can change. If you’re an aspiring teacher who’s fluent in Spanish, earning your Bilingual Certification can help you create a truly inclusive classroom — one where everyone feels understood.
Online Curriculum
As you work toward your Bilingual Extension Certificate, you’ll cover all of the coursework (and fieldwork) required by the NYS Education Department. Some courses are taught primarily in English; some in Spanish; and some in both.
Classes in English include:
- Teaching English Language Learners and Multicultural Issues
- Teaching Bilingual Learners*
- Bilingual Literacy and Linguistics Practicum
- Assessment and Evaluation for Bilingual Students
In Spanish:
- Bilingual Curriculum Development
In both Spanish and English:
- Bilingual Content Instruction in Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science
You can do it all from the comfort of your own home, too — and on a schedule that works with your busy life. Using state-of-the-art learning technologies, we’ve made it possible for you to complete the Bilingual Extension online.
Students who are earning their initial New York State certification will also take a number of required seminars and workshops, including:
- A three-hour online seminar in Child Abuse Prevention and Identification
- A two-hour seminar in Violence Prevention and Intervention
- Workshops in preparation for New York State certification exams: Multi-Subject Content Specialty Tests in Early Childhood Education, Educating All Students, and the edTPA
- A six-hour seminar in Dignity for all Students (DASA)
*For teachers with one year of paid, bilingual instruction, this requirement may be waived.
How Long Does It Take to Complete the Bilingual Extension Program?
The Bilingual Education Extension certificate is designed as a 15 credit online program (including required field experiences).
Students currently enrolled in Monroe’s Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education programs can complete their Bilingual Education Certification in just two (2) years. Candidates who have already earned their initial teacher certification from New York State may be able to complete the program in just one (1) semester full-time — that’s only 15 weeks.
Teaching English Language Learners And Multicultural Issues
Teaching English language learners (ELLs) takes more than bilingual fluency. It requires a real understanding of how our brains acquire language in the first place, as well as of the multicultural issues that can have an impact on overall learning. In this course, Bilingual Extension candidates will learn various research-based strategies for assessment, placement, and instruction of diverse bilingual learners (including gifted students and students with disabilities). The course also requires twenty (20) hours of field experience in bilingual classrooms.
Admission Requirements
Candidates applying to Monroe’s Bilingual Extension program must have completed, or be working toward, a New York State initial or professional certificate in either:
- Early childhood education (Birth-Grade 2), or
- Childhood education (Grades 1-6).
In addition, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in both English and Spanish, via on-site evaluation of their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.* International applicants who speak English as a second language may refer to Monroe University’s policy for admission here.
Candidates must also provide:
- A college transcript (waived for Monroe University graduates)**
- Two letters of recommendation
- A résumé
- A copy of your state's teaching certification (if applicable)
- A personal statement (up to 1,000 words) describing your interest in bilingual education and how working in this environment relates to your professional goals.
Applicants must also participate in an interview with the program head.
*Applicants who have passed the BEA exam may waive this requirement.
**Applicants must have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their undergraduate coursework.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition for Monroe’s Bilingual Extension program is lower than you might think. Eligible students may also be able to apply for tuition reimbursement scholarships specific to bilingual education. Our dedicated financial aid counselors can show you how.
Your Future Bilingual Education Career
Once you receive your NYS Bilingual Extension Certificate, you’ll be more than ready to meet the demands of 21st-century urban learners.
You’ll be qualified to teach in bilingual classrooms across New York State. You’ll also be able to provide personalized instruction to emergent bilingual learners, including those with special needs — and you’ll be in a position to act as a true advocate for bilingual children and their families.
Discover What You Can Achieve
You know why bilingual education is important. All you have to do is look around your community. New York needs more teachers who can help all students reach their full potential.
At Monroe’s School of Education, you can do something about it.
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