Q: When is the start date?

A: The tentative start date for Cohort 3 (Spring 2024) is April 2, and for Cohort 4a (Summer 2024) is June 24.

Q: Can this be done if I am working full time in CA/TX? 

A: Yes! The courses for this project are organized and designed to allow educators working full time to participate, and all courses are remote.

Q: How much time are the evening courses estimated to take? What time are the classes? Do you offer classes during the day? 

A: Evening courses will be held virtually once a week with the potential for some classes to be asynchronous.

Q: Do I need to be fluent in Spanish to participate?

A: This project welcomes participants with a range of proficiencies in Spanish, but it is important to note that most of the coursework is conducted in Spanish and all participants will need to eventually pass the required Spanish Language exam(s) before earning their Bilingual Authorization from the state.

Q: I already have my ESL Supplemental certification. Can I still participate?

A: Yes! The bilingual credential is a separate credential, so anyone with the ESL Supplemental certificate may still participate.

Q: How much does it cost? Who pays for it?

A: The project is FULLY FUNDED by the U.S. Department of Education Office of English Language Acquisition and funding covers the cost of four courses ($4,000) and provides a $1,000 stipend to participants. In other words, it is completely free to participate in this program and you will receive a $1,000 stipend.

Q: Is this for the ESL certification on my Texas Certificate? I am not a bilingual teacher, but I do teach emergent bilingual students.

A: This project supports educators in adding their bilingual authorization/certification to their existing credential, which is a separate credential form the ESL Supplemental certificate in Texas.

Q: How long will the program last? 

A: The program lasts around 1 year to complete. The four courses will take place over 2024 and early 2025.

Q: What credits are offered?

A: Participants will earn credits for the following courses: Bilingual Foundations (3 credits), Bilingual Methods (3 credits), Latinx Language & Culture (3 credits), and Bilingual Seminar (3 credits).