When you study education in college with a concentration in bilingual education, you might picture yourself teaching kids in a classroom later, but the teaching jobs in bilingual education go beyond ordinary classroom instructors. While you can teach students in elementary, junior high or even high school, you can also work as a substitute, as an immersion teacher or even as a corporate instructor. Your education and training will help you work with students who speak two languages and those who have difficulties with the English language.
School Teacher
Many of the teaching jobs in bilingual education available today are in local schools. Elementary bilingual teachers often work with recent immigrants who are still in the process of learning the language and those struggling to pick up English. You may also work as a foreign language teacher. Many colleges now require that incoming freshmen take at least two years of a foreign language class. You’ll teach them the language, give them assignments and test them on their knowledge of that language. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary school teachers earn a median salary of more than $54,000 a year. High school teachers can earn even more.
Immersion Teacher
Experts often recommend that those hoping to learn a foreign language completely immerse themselves in that language. As an immersion teacher, you’ll encourage your students to learn a foreign language in a shorter period of time. These teachers speak a foreign language and use different methods to get students to use that same language. Immersion programs are great for students getting ready to study abroad for a semester and professionals moving overseas for work. You’ll teach them basic phrases and simple sentences that they’ll need to use in that country.
Substitute Teacher
The animated cartoon series “King of the Hill” featured a substitute teacher by the name of Peggy Hill who often took over for Spanish teachers who couldn’t come into work. Many schools have a higher need for substitute teachers than they do full time teachers, but you’ll often need to have a bachelor’s degree and a clean background that is free from any felony charges. Substitute teachers may work for just a few hours in the morning or the afternoon, for a few days while a teacher is sick or for an entire semester. Working as a sub can also help you get a full time job with that school later.
Corporate Instructor
Available teaching jobs in bilingual education that you find today may include some positions as corporate instructors. Larger corporations and companies often need people who can speak both English and a second language to help them with clients living overseas. You may use Skype and other chat programs to give foreigners English lessons before they move to the United States for a job. Corporations also hire bilingual teachers to work with recent immigrants and help them learn how to communicate with others both at work and at home.
Related Resource: Jobs in Educational Research
Bilingual educators can communicate effectively in both English and a second language like French or Spanish. Whether you get an education degree with a concentration in bilingual education, or you study a foreign language in college, there are some great jobs out there. The teaching jobs in bilingual education available today include positions working in schools and for major corporations.
