Bilingual Authorization Spanish / Bilingual Authorization Mandarin

Return to: Academic Programs Offered at Pacific Oaks College

Program Overview

To support the goal of the statewide initiative California 2030 of growing Bilingual Programs, there is a need to support the growing demand for dual language educators. Dual language immersion programs generally require teachers to have the Bilingual Authorization or other verification which allows them to be certified to teach in a dual language environment. TK-12 pupils enrolled in dual language programs benefit from instruction from bilingual and biliterate teachers.

Basic Program Information

• Total program credits:  9 units
• Length of Program: 3 terms  
• Tuition: $275 per unit                                            
• Delivery Format: Online, Pacific Oaks Ground, Pacific Oaks San Jose                               

Licensure/Certification

The Bilingual Authorization is available post-credential as an add-on for teachers with a valid California Preliminary or Clear Teaching Credential who have met the authorization to teach English language learners. Pacific Oaks College candidates can pursue the Bilingual Authorization concurrently while seeking their Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential.

Practicum Requirements

All Bilingual Authorization candidates will complete 75 hours of supervised practicum in a dual language setting. Concurrent candidates will also complete 8 of their 16 weeks of student teaching in a dual language setting.

Admissions Requirements for Concurrent Pacific Oaks Candidates

• Application and fee
• Transcripts
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Letters of Recommendation 
• Verification of completion of Initial Credential Requirements (Basic Skills, U.S. Constitution, CSETs 101, 214, 103))
• Verify completion of core credential courses
• Screen for language proficiency (CSET III)
• Assess applicant’s application for the program through an interview
• Accept or deny application

Admissions Requirements for Post-Credential Candidates

• Application and fee
• Transcripts
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Letters of Recommendation 
• Verification of completion of Initial Credential Requirements (Valid Preliminary or Clear California Multiple Subject Credential)
• Verification of authorization to teach English Learners
• Screen for language proficiency (CSET III)
• Assess applicant’s application for the program through an interview
• Accept or deny application

Distinctive Academic Program Features

The Bilingual Authorization program is aligned with the college’s core values and mission of preparing students to be culturally intelligent agents of change serving diverse communities. Candidates apply theory and pedagogy learned in courses through 75 hours of hands-on experiences in high-quality dual language settings. Bilingual Authorization candidates will receive ongoing support from expert bilingual education practitioners during their coursework, a highly qualified Mentor Teacher during their fieldwork/clinical practice, and a faculty advisor with expertise in bilingual education.

Prospective Student

The prospective candidate is either a current Multiple Subject Credential candidate at Pacific Oaks or a post-credential candidate with a valid preliminary or clear Multiple Subject Credential. Pacific Oaks credential candidates must complete their Multiple Subjects Credential and the CSET III (Mandarin or Spanish) prior to admission. Prospective candidates are bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin and seeking certification to teach in a dual language TK-12 setting in California.

Career Paths/Outcomes

The Bilingual Authorization is a growing request amongst teacher candidates, district partners, and faculty. There is a need to increase the number of highly qualified bilingual teachers to support the growing number of dual language programs and emergent bilingual students in California schools.  Bilingual Authorization candidates experience increased employability and career opportunities.