Bilingual and ESL Education
Welcome to the Bilingual Education and ESL Programs at Texas A&M University-San Antonio! ¡Bienvenidos al Programa de la Educación Bilingüe/ESL en Texas A&M University-San Antonio!
The bilingual/ESL education faculty facilitates their students’ advancement in the study of theories, research, and effective pedagogical approaches in the fields of bilingual, dual language, and ESL education. The faculty in the program has extensive knowledge in bilingual and ESL education and is actively involved in teaching, developing curriculum, service-learning partnerships, engaging in research initiatives, and participating in internal and external activities that support the University’s commitment to leadership in our communities and the global world. The bilingual/ESL Education program is excited to offer the following programs on addressing English Learners’ needs in the classroom for future bilingual, dual language, and ESL educators.
Mission
The mission of the Bilingual Program is committed to preparing and inspiring critically conscious Bilingual and ESL professionals to achieve academic success, bilingual and bi-literate academic proficiency, and multicultural competency through critical reflection, experiential learning, and research-based practices.
Vision
The Bilingual Program promotes a learning environment for faculty and students to engage in exemplary teaching, praxis, and research. The program grows culturally sustaining educators who advocate for students, families, and communities by honoring and respecting culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
Other program: ASAP2TEACH
ASAP2TEACH: Aspiring Students to Advance Professionally to Teach (ASAP2TEACH) and serve English learners, parents and communities: Funded by Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Program Office of Postsecondary Education, Department of Education
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Bilingual Education Students – ASAP2TEACH will certify 60 bilingual pre-service teachers over a period of four years. These are students enrolled at A&M-SA who aspire to complete their degrees in education and obtain teaching certifications in bilingual education or English as a Second Language (ESL).
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In-Service Teachers – ASAP2TEACH will certify 30 in-service teachers with a Microcredential certificate for English as a Second Language (ESL) certification over a period of four years. These are in-service teachers, currently with an initial teacher certification and working as a teacher of record in a school and who desire to improve knowledge, skills, and abilities and obtain teaching certification in ESL.
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Paraprofessionals – ASAP2TEACH will improve the classroom teaching abilities of 15 paraprofessionals, who are also considered in this project as pre-service teachers, by 25% over a period of four years. These are paraprofessional or teaching assistants working at local schools who are currently without initial teacher certification. Paraprofessionals will work towards obtaining their teaching certifications in Bilingual Education or ESL.
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High and Middle School Students – ASAP2TEACH will improve the awareness of the bilingual education teaching profession of 120 high and middle school students by 50% over a period of four years. These are high and middle school students who will join the junior Bilingual Education Student Organization (BESITOS) at their schools. They will participate in activities to develop their awareness about the education profession and teaching of English Learners.