Advanced Certificate in Teaching Emerging Bilingual Learners for Classroom Teachers K-12

If you’re a licensed teacher in the state of New York, you know that emergent bilingual learners (EBLs) face unique challenges in the classroom. Though nearly 25% of New York City residents — and nearly 14% of residents throughout the state — speak Spanish at home, there aren’t enough bilingual teachers to give EBLs the quality education they deserve.

With an Advanced Certificate in Teaching Emerging Bilingual Learners from the King Graduate School, you can be part of the movement to change that. With our comprehensive 15-credit program, you can enhance your professional development — and your employability — by learning how best to support EBLs and their families. Upon completion of the program, you’ll be ready to earn your Bilingual Teaching Extension from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) in the grade bands of your current teaching license. 

Bilingual classes and dual-language immersion (DLI) programs aren’t just proven to help EBLs succeed academically; they can improve learning outcomes for native English speakers as well. With an advanced certificate in teaching bilingual learners, you can be the kind of teacher every student needs.

Why Earn an Advanced Certificate in Bilingual Education?

Nationwide, fewer than 20% of EBLs are in classrooms that fully support emerging bilingualism. Despite having one of the highest concentrations of Spanish speakers in the country, New York State schools are no exception to this unfortunate trend. 

Nearly one in eleven New York State public school students are EBLs, and yet the state has suffered from a shortage of certified bilingual teachers for decades. The shortfall has even prompted the New York State Senate to introduce a bill designed to attract and retain teachers with Bilingual Certification in high-need areas. 

Bilingual students everywhere need more support. They deserve it. They need people like you — bilingual educators who can not only show them their potential, but help them to realize it. 

Candidates applying to Monroe’s Advanced Bilingual Extension program must:

1. Have already earned their Initial or Professional Teaching Certificate in any grade band from the New York State Education Department (NYSED) 
2. Completed master’s level study in classroom instruction

Applicants must also demonstrate their proficiency in both English and Spanish via an evaluation of their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Candidates must also provide: 

• A completed application for admission
• A personal statement (up to 1,000 words) describing their interest in bilingual education and how working in this environment relates to their professional goals
• A current professional résumé
• A current teaching license
• Transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended 
• Two (2) letters of reference attesting to their character and positive disposition, as well as their ability to advocate for students and their families

Applicants must also participate in an interview with the program head.

Learn more about how to apply to Monroe University.

How Much Does the Advanced Bilingual Extension Certificate Cost? 

Eligible students may be able to apply for tuition reimbursement scholarships specific to bilingual education. Our dedicated financial aid counselors can show you how. 

What Can I Do Once I Earn My Advanced Bilingual Teacher Certification?

Earning your New York State bilingual extension certification will allow you to teach in bilingual and DLI classrooms across the state. You can become the teacher EBLs need to help them thrive — both in and out of the classroom.

View factsheet.