Preparing Bilingual and English Learner Teachers in Two Innovative Federally Funded Programs: Lessons Learned

• In Event: Innovative Recruitment and Preparation Strategies in Teacher Education

Abstract

As the number of English learners (ELs) increases, so does the need to prepare teachers who can address the needs and strengths of ELs. This paper reports findings and lessons learned from two five-year, federally funded innovative teacher education programs designed to increase the number of bilingual and EL teachers. One program is an alternative route, Grow Your Own pre-service program designed for experienced EL paraprofessionals to obtain a bachelor’s degree with teaching certification. The second program is an in-service online program embedded in a TESOL graduate certificate. Currently in their fourth years of implementation, both programs support strong partnerships with local school districts, embrace culturally responsive pedagogy, and focus on family and community engagement.

Authors

• Gisela Ernst-Slavit, Washington State University - Vancouver

• Andrea B. Hellman, Missouri State University

• Sarah Newcomer, Washington State University - Tri-Cities

• Judith A. Morrison, Washington State University

• Steven Morrison, Washington State University

• Lindsay K Lightner, Washington State University

• Kira Joy Carbonneau, Washington State University - Pullman

• Ximena Uribe-Zarain, Missouri State University

• Yuliya Ardasheva, Washington State University - Tri-Cities