Learn more about teaching Bilingual Education in Spanish (Grades 1-6) – NYC Teaching Collaborative - Support Center

What is Bilingual Education in Spanish (Grades 1-6)?

The dual language program in the NYC public schools  teaches students in two languages: English and their home language such as Spanish, Chinese, French and others. The home language and English are used equally. The goal of this program is for students to be able to read, write, and speak in both English and their home language. The bilingual teachers in the NYC public schools empower more than 150,000 students with critical English language skills to succeed across subjects.

The only home language that is currently supported by the NYC Department of Education's alternative certification programs is Spanish.

Meet Diana, Bilingual Education in Spanish Teacher (Grades 1-6) & NYCTC Ambassador

What brought me to the NYC Teaching Collaborative:

My name is Diana Giraldo and I have been a teacher in New York thanks to the program. I am currently working on my master's in Bilingual education, grades 1 to 6. I was a teacher already in Colombia, but my dream was to become a teacher in New York. I came to visit three years ago and by searching on the internet I found out about NYCTC. I immediately applied and went back to Colombia. I came and gave my demo class and went back to Colombia. Then, I got that email that made me cry with happiness. I was selected for the program. I had two months to be here in New York. I quit my previous teaching job right away. It was hard to say goodbye to my students, but they knew it was my dream. The principal left the door open for me, just in case I ever wanted to go back. I had spent six years in the school and I had a great experience there. I started in January with my coach at the same school I was hired. That was an amazing time, learning from my excellent coach and having the experience of teaching in the Bronx. I felt comfortable from the beginning. The classes taught me about classroom management and giving class instructions. I will love to share my experiences with future NYCTC candidates.

I work in the Bronx in District 12.

My certification area is Bilingual Education in Spanish (Grades 1-6)

I am finishing up my degree in Bilingual Childhood Education from City College.

What my class schedule looks like:

What my classroom looks like:

Why the Teaching Collaborative is the right choice for all teachers: NYCTC has been a great experience because I can always count on support. My coach is still there for me whenever I need her. She has been a great support through this year as well as my NYCTC fellow Partner Teachers. I did not have to worry about my university tuition because the program took care of it. Once I was hired, it was deducted from our checks I applied from another country, and now I am here completing the dream of my life which was to become a teacher in New York City.

Eligibility Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in any subject area

AND

Must pass a written and oral exam demonstrating fluency in Spanish

This exam is administered by our university partners.

Candidates who receive offers to NYC Department of Education alternative certification programs will have their transcripts evaluated by their university (after enrollment) to determine if they have a sufficient mix of liberal arts coursework to meet New York State requirements; some candidates may be required to take additional coursework to earn their Initial Certification. This coursework will be at their own expense . Universities typically evaluate transcripts for liberal arts credits across the following disciplines: Artistic Expression, English, Foreign Language, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science/History. 

Certification and Testing Requirements

You will receive certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) with a Bilingual Extension. At the start of your master's degree coursework, you must pass a written and oral exam demonstrating your fluency in Spanish. This exam is administered by your university. More information will be available once you receive your university assignment.

While you complete your master’s degree coursework, you will work in your full-time NYC DOE school position under a Transitional B certificate issued by New York State. The Transitional B certificate is valid for up to three years on the condition that you remain in good standing in your NYC DOE alternative certification program.

You must take and pass  the two certification exams listed below in order to be eligible for certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) with a Bilingual Extension.

You must take and pass the Bilingual Education Assessment in order to earn your Bilingual Extension. Your university will provide guidance on when to register for this exam.

Educating All Students (EAS) (201)

- EAS Exam Preparation Materials

Content Specialty Test (CST): Multi Subject: Teachers of Childhood (Grades 1-6)

- Part 1: Literacy and English Language Arts (221)

- Part 2: Mathematics (222)

- Part 3: Arts and Sciences (245)

- CST Exam Preparation Materials

Where Can I Secure a Job?

There are two ways Bilingual Education candidates can secure roles in the NYC DOE.

1. You can search for a Bilingual Education Grades 1-6 position that is at a Bilingual Program school.

2. You can search for a Bilingual Education Grades 1-6 position at a non-Bilingual program school.

The position you accept must be coded as a Bilingual Education position.

Definitions of Bilingual & English as a New Language Classrooms

Classroom Type	Classroom Education Goals
Dual Language (DL)	Serves both English Language Learners (ELLs) and English-proficient students, who function as role models for each other and whose interactions support skill development in both languages. Designed to continue developing the student’s home language, as well as English language skills. Students receive half of their instruction in English and half of their instruction in the target (or non-English) language. The goal of this program is for students to be able to read, write, and speak in both English and in their home language.
Transitional Bilingual Education (TBE)	Serves only English Language Learners (ELLs). Designed to support students in developing English language skills over time. Students begin to transfer skills in their home language to English by spending instructional time primarily in their home language before steadily transitioning to English. In the beginning stages of English language development, about 60 percent of instructional time will take place in the student’s native language and 40 percent in English. As students develop fluency in English, instructional time in English increases.
English as a New Language *Candidates is this certification area are NOT eligible to teach in ENL classrooms.	The English as a New Language (ENL) program used to be called English as a Second Language (ESL). It provides instruction in English with support in the students’ home language so that they can learn to read, write, and speak English. Students from many different language backgrounds are taught together, and English may be the only common language among them. The goal of the program is to provide instruction in English with supports in the student's home language until they become English proficient.

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