Learn more about teaching Students with Disabilities - Bilingual Extension in Spanish (Grades 1-6) – NYC Teaching Collaborative - Support Center

What is Students with Disabilities - Bilingual Extension in Spanish?

Bilingual Special Education is a specialized program for students who require an Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) or Special Class (SC) with a language of instruction other than English. These programs are intended to support English Language Learners (ELLs) who benefit from culturally and linguistically responsive instruction that addresses cognitive, academic and linguistic needs.

The dual language program teaches students in two languages: English and their home language, such as Spanish, Chinese, or French, among 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. Our bilingual teachers 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.

Eligibility Requirements

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 as a Students with Disabilities (SWD) Generalist (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 Students with Disabilities (SWD) Generalist (Grades 1-6).

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 Special Education candidates can secure roles in the NYC DOE.

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

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

The position you accept must be coded as a Bilingual Special Education position. You may NOT take a position as a Special Education generalist.

Definitions of Bilingual & English as a New Language Classrooms:

Classroom Type
Dual Language (DL)	Serves both 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 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 in this subject 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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