Teachers make a positive difference in the lives of children every day. For those wondering how to further impact students’ lives, their communities and the world, an advanced degree in education may be the right choice for you.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Educational Leadership online program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) is for teachers dedicated to preparing bilingual students for success in the modern global community. Graduates will be prepared to synthesize and analyze current research in the field, utilize evidence-based practices and assessments, engage in critical thinking and evaluate bilingual pedagogy.
What Is Bilingual Education, and Why Is It Important?
Research shows the number of children who speak an additional language other than English at home in the United States has increased since 1979. In 2019, about 12 million school-age children spoke another language.
To teach bilingual children most effectively, bilingual education in the classroom is a must. Bilingual education is the practice of teaching school subjects in two different languages. This education is commonly broken down into three different types:
- Transitional bilingual education
- Dual language immersion bilingual education
- Developmental bilingual education
Bilingual education is important because it advocates for educational equity for bilingual students. Rather than viewing English language learners (ELL) as a problem, bilingual education embraces diversity and views children as bilingual leaders of the future with diverse experiences and strengths.
How Enriching Bilingual Education Positively Impacts Schools
Enriching bilingual education programs impact schools in a myriad of positive ways:
Creates a more welcoming atmosphere. Often, students and their family members who do not speak English as a first language can easily feel isolated and different from others at school or in the community. The inability to communicate effectively with English-speaking students and teachers can lead to a lack of socialization, increased difficulty learning new subjects and confusion.
Offering bilingual education in schools conveys to students and their family members that they’re welcome just as they are. There will always be support to help teach English as a second language and other school subjects.
Cultivates enhanced mental skills. For students and their family members, bilingual education provides better educational opportunities so no student is left behind or pushed forward without accomplishing the proper educational milestones.
According to this Education Corner article, “Proponents of bilingual education believe that when non-English speaking students are educated in both their native language and English, their ability to learn and speak English is greatly enhanced; they learn English in a more efficient manner and they’re able to continue learning core subjects (math, history, science, etc.) as they transition to speaking English.”
People who speak two or more languages significantly outperform those who don’t in certain mental tasks, such as focusing on important information. This benefit of bilingualism has been measured in both children and adults.
Prepares students for future career opportunities. A main goal of education is to prepare students for their future career endeavors an. Current research illustrates an increase in bilingual/multilingual jobs and the in-demand skills necessary for future careers:
- Nine out of 10 employers rely on employees who can speak languages other than English.
- Fifty six percent reported that their demand for bi/multilingual speakers would increase in the next five years.
Earn Your Master’s Degree Online at Texas A&M International University
The Master of Science in Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Educational Leadership online program at TAMIU not only teaches graduates to effectively implement bilingual education programs in schools but also to be leaders. Degree candidates learn how to:
- Examine education policies
- Assess student learning with a focus on students with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- Develop leadership skills in order to best communicate with families, communities and colleagues
Working educators may complete this flexible, online program in as few as 12 months and can begin making a positive bilingual education impact in schools.
Learn more about Texas A&M International University’s online Master of Science in Bilingual Education with a Specialization in Educational Leadership program.
