Students can certainly earn a bilingual education degree online. There are a number of variations on this educational path depending on a student’s career goals. It is even possible to become a bilingual educator with a degree in another subject. Students who are interested in this career path should become familiar with the options available to them.
Bilingual Education Degrees
Bilingual education simply means the teaching of a subject in two different languages. The exact nature of this can vary based on the makeup of the student body and the goals of the classes taught. Most schools do not offer degrees specifically in bilingual education although simply double majoring in education and the language of the student’s choice is sufficient to prepare for these positions. Some schools do offer specific degrees in this subject and students can simply earn a bilingual education degree online from them. Language and education lend themselves well to being taught online and many schools offer both of these subjects. Bilingual education is only going to become more popular as more people recognize the value of being able to speak a foreign language fluently.
Variations In Bilingual Education
According to the Houston Chronicle, some classes aim to teach native English speakers a second language while others aim to teach English to speakers of other languages. English as a second language (ESL) is characterized by teaching any academic subject to students for whom English is a second language. It is a rapidly growing area of education due to the increase of non-native English speakers in the United States and is thus one of the most in-demand types of teachers. For these professionals, fluency in another language is very valuable to help transition students to learning in English. Another option to become a bilingual educator is to obtain a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate. This can be obtained after getting a bachelor’s degree and paves the way for graduates to teach English abroad.
Teaching Bilingual Education With Another Degree
It is entirely possible to become a bilingual educator without a specific degree in the subject. In most states, people who want to become K-12 teachers can simply obtain a teaching certificate after earning a bachelor’s degree in any subject. For those interested in becoming bilingual educators, this is usually a degree in a foreign language although it can be any subject, particularly if the student is bilingual to begin with. However, having a specific degree in education and the subject a student wants to teach can improve job prospects.
Earning A Degree In Bilingual Education Online
The best practices for and advantages of earning a bilingual education degree online are similar to earning any other degree online. It affords more flexibility for students who work or who wish to get a degree from a specific school located elsewhere. Students in pursuit of an online bilingual education degree need to be self-disciplined and use outside resources to conduct further language study. The student teaching component, which nearly all states require to get certified as a teacher, usually must be done in-person. Online programs typically help match their students up with student teaching programs in their area so they can complete this requirement.
Related Resource: Top 20 Best Master’s in English Language Learning Online
There are different types of bilingual education for aspiring teachers to explore and choose from. This is an exciting and in-demand career for anyone with a passion for language, other cultures and working with students. Prospective students who want to jump right in can consider the option to earn a bilingual education degree online.
