Bilingual Teaching Credential Programs (Elementary and Middle/High School)
Multiple and Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credentials
We prepare the next generation of in-demand, bilingual teachers for grades K-12. The credential authorizes the holder to teach in bilingual or general education classrooms.
Program Overview
Our program integrates a cohort model and provides a curriculum that addresses the needs of ethnically and linguistically diverse learners. Approximately 50% of the total program is devoted to student teaching. You can complete your professional coursework and student teaching in two semesters.
Program Highlights
1st Program of Its Kind
We are the first statewide online/hybrid bilingual credential program.
Largest Program in CA
We have the largest graduating class of Bilingual teacher educators in the state of CA.
Model Bilingual Program
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) identified DLE as the Model Bilingual Program for updating CA Bilingual Teacher Education Standards.
1st Cohort of DL Partners
We graduated the first cohort of Dual Language Partners in the State, consisting of non-bilingual educators who understand bilingual education.
Types of Credentials
Elementary School Teaching
The Multiple Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach all subjects in a self-contained classroom, such as the classrooms in most elementary schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.
Learn more about the bilingual multiple subject credential, program structure, required courses and more:
Elementary School Bilingual Teaching Credential
Online Multiple Subject Bilingual Credential
The multiple subject bilingual credential program can be done fully online if you are accepted into the Future Educators Support program with the Butte County Office of Education. Prerequisites and course sequence are the same as for the face-to-face version of the program, but the course sequence is adapted, as needed, for students choosing a 4-semester, part-time credential program option. The student teaching format for the online program is hybrid; that is, both online and in-person.
Middle/High School Teaching
The Single Subject Teaching Credential authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes, such as those in most middle schools and high schools, in grades preschool, K–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults.
Learn more about the bilingual single subject credential, program structure, required courses and more:
Middle/High School Bilingual Teaching Credential
Bilingual Added Authorization
If you already hold a preliminary or clear California teaching credential (multiple or single subject) and want to deepen your expertise in dual language programming, legal requirements, theory, curriculum, and pedagogy, consider the Bilingual Added Authorization Program.
Test Support: Prepare and take your exams for free!
In partnership with the Butte County & San Diego County Offices of Education, we offer test preparation courses and support to those aspiring to become teachers.
Begin Your Credential with an Immersive Cross-Border Experience
ED 450: Transborder Education Experience (2 units) is a four-day immersive course for bilingual teacher candidates held in and around Tijuana and Tecate.
Through site visits and collaboration with Mexican educators, students explore education and immigration issues from a social justice perspective. The course encourages reflection, cross-cultural understanding, and prepares candidates to teach with empathy and global awareness. It also helps build strong cohort connections from the start of the credential program.
English Partner Teachers
Do I Need to Be Bilingual?
No. You can complete the program as a Dual Language (DL) partner. DL partners are teachers who understand bilingual education pedagogy and program models but teach only in English. In DL immersion programs, English Partner Teachers provide monolingual instruction in English at all grade levels and are not required to speak the partner language.
Next Steps
Interested in a preliminary credential program?
Attend an Info Session
Get helpful tips on applying to our preliminary credential programs. You can also watch a pre-recorded Virtual Info Session.
