Bilingual Authorization Spanish / Bilingual Authorization Mandarin

Return to: Academic Programs Offered at Pacific Oaks College

Program Overview

To support the goals of the California 2030 statewide initiative to expand bilingual programs, there is an increasing need for qualified dual-language educators. Dual- language immersion programs typically require teachers to hold a Bilingual Authorization or equivalent certification that permits instruction in a bilingual setting. TK-12 students enrolled in dual-language programs benefit significantly from instruction provided by teachers who are both bilingual and biliterate.

Basic Program Information

• Total program credits: 9
• Length of Program: 3 terms                                         
• Location: Online, Pasadena 

Program Admissions Requirements: Program-Specific Admissions Requirements can be found here: Admissions Policies 

Tuition and Fees: Tuition and Fees for the College and individual programs can be found here: Financial Aid and Student Accounts Policies                           

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

Bilingual Authorization is an increasingly sought-after credential among teacher candidates, district partners, and faculty. There is a growing need to increase the number of highly qualified bilingual educators to support the expansion of dual-language programs and the rising population of emergent bilingual students in California schools. Candidates who earn the Bilingual Authorization benefit from enhanced employability and expanded career opportunities.