Pacific Oaks College Launches New Bilingual Authorization Programs in Spanish and Mandarin

Pacific Oaks College is proud to introduce its new Bilingual Authorization programs in Spanish and Mandarin at its Pasadena and San Jose campuses as well as online, officially launching in January 2022.

“California is home to the nation’s largest population of children learning English in addition to their home language. Access to quality dual language programs is paramount in our state’s efforts to achieve educational equity,” says Dr. Jack Paduntin, president of Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School. “Bilingual Authorization programs are a growing request among teacher candidates, district partners, and faculty. Pacific Oaks understands the strong need to increase the number of highly qualified bilingual teachers to support the growing number of dual language programs and emergent bilingual students in California schools.”

The Bilingual Authorization program is aligned with the college’s core values and mission of preparing students to be culturally intelligent agents of change serving diverse communities. Candidates apply theory and pedagogy learned in courses through 75 hours of hands-on experiences in high-quality dual language settings. Bilingual Authorization candidates will receive ongoing support from expert bilingual education practitioners during their coursework, a highly qualified Mentor Teacher during their fieldwork and clinical practice, and a faculty adviser with expertise in bilingual education.

The Bilingual Authorization is available post-credential as an add-on for teachers with a valid California Preliminary or Clear Teaching Credential who have met the authorization to teach English language learners. Pacific Oaks candidates can pursue the Bilingual Authorization concurrently while seeking their Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential. Admissions into either pathway will require verification of language fluency (reading, writing, and speaking) through successful completion of the CSET: World Languages Subtest III in Spanish or Mandarin.

All Bilingual Authorization candidates will complete 75 hours of supervised practicum in a dual language setting. Concurrent candidates will also complete eight of their 16 weeks of student teaching in a dual language setting. For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact admissions@pacificoaks.edu.

About Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School

Founded in 1945, Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School is composed of two educational entities. Pacific Oaks College is a nonprofit, regionally accredited higher education institution offering bachelor’s and master’s programs in human development, marriage and family therapy, education, early childhood education, teacher preparation, social work, community psychology, business administration, and organizational leadership and management. Pacific Oaks Children’s School provides nonprofit early childhood education programs for children ages 6 months through 5 years and has pioneered achievements in the areas of anti-bias education, emergent curriculum, and peaceful conflict resolution.

Pacific Oaks College & Children’s School is part of TCS Education System, an integrated nonprofit system that works collaboratively to advance institutional sustainability, student success, and community impact.