Program Overview
The Post-Baccalaureate Certificate (PBC) in Dual Language Education (DLE) prepares educators to teach and lead in DLE Pk-12 schools, which include bilingual and language immersion programs. DLE programs are expanding nationally and in local school districts, but we know there are limited options for educators to receive additional credentials that address the specific instructional needs of DLE educators. DLE teachers are typically certified in other areas, usually Elementary Education and/or World Languages. These credentials, however, do not always address the specialized characteristics and pedagogies associated with DLE programs, especially in the areas of research and scholarship regarding language acquisition and multilingualism. Ensuring educational equity for language minority learners, improving home-school connections, and fostering home language maintenance, multilingualism and biliteracy are critical for DLE educators.
Courses in this program can be taken one semester/session at a time, consecutively. There are no prerequisites and coursework does not build upon a specific course. Students enter into the program in the fall semester and complete one 3-credit course at a time.
Accredidation
The National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation Standards (NDLETPS) aim to provide guidance for states using six standards critical to the success of DLE teacher preparation programs. UMD coursework is designed to meet the National Dual Language Education Teacher Preparation Standards in the following areas:
- Bilingualism and Biliteracy
- Sociocultural Competence/ Critical consciousness
- Instruction and Pedagogies
- Authentic Assessment
- Professionalism, Advocacy and Agency
- Program Design and Curricular Leadership
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
- Plan differentiated lessons that integrate best practices for DLE both for language minoritized and language majority students.
- Design units and lessons that align with Dual Language Standards.
- Explain and apply theories and research in bilingualism and second language acquisition relevant to dual language education.
- Assess bilingual language skills and communicative competencies using multiple sources of information.
- Collaborate with counterpart-teachers in partner language to successfully bridge materials and learning practices.
- Support language and content learning, understand language and literacy objectives.
- Demonstrate critical consciousness, awareness of language ideologies and the intersection of race, class, gender and other socio-cultural factors that shape language learning.
- Reflect on their role as a language policy maker in their own context.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website (in-person program | online program).
- Applicants must have an earned Bachelor's undergraduate degree to be eligible for program application
- Completed application and application fee
- Statement of purpose
Focus on why you want to be in this specific program (i.e., what the program will offer you), why you would be a good candidate for the program (i.e., what you would offer the program), and what your ultimate goals are as it pertains to the Dual Language Education field. - Current resume
- Transcripts for all universities attended
Required for each institution attended (9 credits or more). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for admission purposes only; official transcripts must be provided upon acceptance to the program. - Letters of recommendation (optional)
If you would like to include one or more letters for your application, you will need to provide the name and email address of each person who will write a letter of recommendation for you.
Financial Resources
Financial Resources
The Sullivan Family Charitable Foundation provides merit-based scholarships for students enrolled in the University of Maryland College of Education's Dual Language Education Post-Baccalaureate Certificate program.
- The scholarship is awarded annually, as funds are available.
- Awardees will receive 50% tuition (~ $5,000)
- Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
- Application Process: Complete this scholarship application. You will receive a copy with your responses in the email you provide. If you have any questions, please email us at anperez@umd.edu.
Contact
Contact
