Bilingual Education on the Rise: Will the Teachers Be There?

• In Event: Teachers in Areas of Critical Shortage

Abstract

A growing body of evidence supports the benefits of bilingualism. To meet rising demand many states are expanding bilingual education offerings. This explosive growth, however, has strained districts' abilities to recruit and retain effective bilingual teachers.

Our analysis uses a human capital and compensating differentials framework. We use data from the Schools and Staffing Survey to analyze differences in compensation and working conditions of bilingual relative to mainstream (non-bilingual) teachers. We examine whether these differences could further exacerbate the shortage of bilingual teachers that some states are currently experiencing (i.e. California). Results will allow a better understanding of the demands of teaching in bilingual programs and how these could affect teaching quality. 

Authors

• Lucrecia Santibanez, Claremont Graduate University

• Thomas F. Luschei, Claremont Graduate University