In seven states, the need for bilingual education teachers is especially dire, according to EdSurge. Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Texas and Wisconsin have reported bilingual teacher shortages during the 2023-24 academic year, according to federal data. Another 18 states and the District of Columbia have been struggling to find enough people who teach English as a second language.
California and Texas have the most English learners in public schools — perhaps to be expected given their proximity to Mexico. From 2000 to 2020, Delaware experienced the highest increase in its percentage of English learners, followed by Maryland and Virginia.
A lack of role models, inaccessible and unaffordable higher ed teacher training programs and weak academic language skills among would-be educators are key factors behind the shortage, according to experts.
Here is one case study for education leaders faced with bilingual teacher shortages to consider:
The California Center on Teaching Careers plans to open a rural bilingual teacher residency program in 2025. For an English language learner (EL), role models are important. Having a teacher in the classroom with a similar ethnic background who can relate to and understand some of the barriers that ELs experience can positively impact students and encourage them to continue with their education. These teacher/role models, developed through the residency program, can also serve as an adviser and give guidance. But they must make themselves accessible, easily approachable.
For bilingual students who are a product of the “English only” school era, a career path as a bilingual educator is a chance to reframe their dual language abilities as an advantage.
But many bilingual students don’t envision themselves being a bilingual teacher. Emphasizing today’s need for bilingual education can expand on the knowledge and assets that ELs have.
Efforts to expand the number of bilingual teachers is affected by the demand for such educators. The center’s upcoming teacher residency is based in Tulare County, which makes up the southern part of the state’s Central Valley region. About half of its 473,000 residents speak a language other than English at home, according to U.S. Census data, and 67 percent are Hispanic.
The California Center on Teaching Careers bilingual residency program will combine career training classes and practical experience, where student-teachers who take part in the one-year residency will co-teach with a mentor and gradually increase their classroom responsibilities.
This is one way that you can prepare bilingual teachers. Reach out early to potential candidates. The center offers numerous supports to candidates that they might not know exist yet.
EdSurge
