The Growing Need for Bilingual Educators
Demand for qualified bilingual educators is higher than ever—and continues to rise. Across the country, school districts are seeing a steady rise in multilingual learners (MLs), students who bring rich linguistic and cultural diversity to classrooms but may need additional support as they learn academic content in English.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 5 million students in U.S. public schools are English learners—and that number is climbing. Yet many schools struggle to find licensed teachers who are trained to support these students through both language development and content instruction. The result? A nationwide shortage of certified bilingual teachers who are not only fluent in multiple languages but also equipped with the strategies and credentials to lead inclusive, equitable classrooms.
Whether you’re an experienced educator looking to expand your credentials or someone passionate about language, literacy, and inclusion, earning your bilingual education endorsement is a powerful way to make a difference—and build a career rooted in purpose.
But what if you’re balancing full-time teaching, parenting, or other personal responsibilities? That’s where the flexibility of bilingual education endorsement online programs can truly change the game.
Why Pursue a Bilingual Education Endorsement?
In states like New Jersey and many others, teaching in bilingual, dual-language, or English as a Second Language (ESL) classrooms often requires more than a standard teaching license. A bilingual qualification is a specialized graduate endorsement that gives educators the credentials to deliver academic instruction in both English and a second language—ensuring students can learn new content while continuing to develop in their home language.
With a bilingual endorsement, you’ll be able to:
- Deliver instruction that meets students where they are linguistically
- Support educational equity and close achievement gaps
- Earn qualifications for specialized teaching roles
- Access broader job markets—and often higher pay scales
- Empower students and families through culturally responsive teaching
Bilingual educators aren’t just language teachers. They’re community builders, equity champions, and critical contributors to student success.
Is This a Spanish Endorsement?
No. While conversationally some may refer to a bilingual education endorsement as a Spanish endorsement, it is not. This endorsement is for bilingual/bicultural education, which has a much more broad focus than a Spanish endorsement.
Why Is This an Endorsement and Not a Bilingual Teaching Certification?
A certification is a license to teach, while an endorsement specifies the particular subject areas or grade levels a teacher is qualified to teach. Essentially, certification grants the legal permission to teach, whereas endorsements indicate expertise within specific areas. This endorsement amplifies your teaching credentials, but is not a license to teach.
Flexible, Online Pathways That Fit Your Life
We understand that going back to school as a working teacher can feel daunting. Between grading papers, planning lessons, and managing everything life throws your way, enrolling in a graduate-level program might seem impossible.
But if you pursue your bilingual education endorsement online, you can grow your skills on your schedule. These programs are designed for busy professionals who want to advance without disrupting their current responsibilities.
Take Rowan University’s Bilingual/Bicultural Education (BEE) Endorsement program, for example. It offers:
- 100% online, asynchronous coursework – Study anytime, from anywhere
- 12 credits (4 graduate-level courses) – Streamlined, focused learning
- Finish in about a year – While continuing to teach full time
- Affordable tuition – With financial aid and New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP) benefits for NJ educators
It’s education designed to empower.
What You’ll Learn in a Bilingual Endorsement Program
High-quality bilingual education endorsement programs go far beyond theory. They prepare educators to thrive in real-world classrooms where students speak multiple languages and bring unique cultural experiences.
In Rowan’s program, for example, coursework covers:
- Second language acquisition and linguistics
- Instructional strategies for bilingual and bicultural classrooms
- Integrating content and language learning
- Culturally responsive lesson planning and authentic assessment
- Using technology to support multilingual learners
These are the skills school leaders are looking for—especially as classrooms continue to diversify.
For a complete list of courses and official program requirements, please visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
Meets New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE) Requirements
Teachers in New Jersey will be glad to know that Rowan’s Bilingual/Bicultural Graduate Endorsement satisfies the coursework requirements set by the NJ Department of Education for state endorsement.
📝 Important: Final certification is granted by the NJ DOE (or your state’s education department), which may also require teaching experience and licensure. Be sure to check the latest requirements for your situation.
Is a Bilingual Education Endorsement Right for You?
This graduate endorsement is a great fit for:
- Licensed teachers seeking to expand their skill set
- ESL, dual-language, or special education teachers who serve multilingual learners
- Bilingual educators who want official credentials to match their experience
- Career-driven educators who want to grow into leadership, coaching, or specialist roles
You don’t need a background in bilingual education to get started—just a passion for helping students thrive in linguistically diverse classrooms.
Why Choose Rowan University for Your Bilingual Education Endorsement?
Rowan University isn’t just offering an endorsement—it’s offering a pathway to meaningful impact, backed by one of the fastest-growing public research institutions in the country.
When you choose Rowan, you benefit from:
- Flexibility: 100% online, asynchronous coursework that fits your schedule
- Affordability: Competitive tuition, financial aid options, and NJTOP benefits for New Jersey educators
- Quality: A top 100 public research university with a practical, career-focused approach
Rowan’s online programs are designed with working professionals in mind—delivering the flexibility, support, and academic excellence you need to thrive.
With over 110,000 alumni across all 50 states and more than 23,000 students enrolled, Rowan is a proven leader in accessible, high-impact education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Bilingual Education Endorsement
What is a bilingual teacher endorsement?
A bilingual teacher endorsement is an additional credential that qualifies educators to teach academic subjects in both English and another language. It’s essential for teaching in bilingual, dual-language, or multilingual learning environments.
Can I earn a bilingual endorsement online?
Yes! Many institutions, including Rowan University, offer a bilingual endorsement online through fully remote programs designed for working educators. Online formats allow you to complete coursework on your schedule, from anywhere.
How long does it take to earn a bilingual teacher endorsement?
Most bilingual education programs can be completed in about 12 months. Programs typically include 12 graduate credits across four specialized courses.
What is the difference between an endorsement and a bilingual teaching certification?
While laypeople tend to use the word “endorsement” and “certification” interchangeably, they are not the same. A certification allows a teacher to teach, legally. An endorsement is a credential to add to your repertoire of what you bring to a classroom as a teacher.
Can this be a Spanish endorsement?
You can select to focus on Spanish as your language of choice for your bilingual/bicultural education endorsement. This endorsement is more well-rounded and encompassing than simply being able to lead a classroom in one language. However, we recognize that socially some may consider this a Spanish endorsement.
Why Is This an Endorsement and Not a Bilingual Teaching Certification?
A certification is a license to teach, while an endorsement specifies the particular subject areas or grade levels a teacher is qualified to teach. Essentially, certification grants the legal permission to teach, whereas endorsements indicate expertise within specific areas. This endorsement amplifies your teaching credentials, but is not a license to teach.
What will I learn in an online bilingual teacher endorsement program?
You’ll study topics like language acquisition, linguistics, bilingual instructional strategies, culturally responsive teaching, and integrating language and content. These skills are directly applicable to today’s diverse classrooms.
Does New Jersey accept online bilingual endorsement programs?
Yes. Programs like Rowan University’s are designed to meet the New Jersey Department of Education’s coursework requirements for a bilingual teacher endorsement. However, it’s important to verify additional state requirements like licensure and teaching experience.
Who should pursue a bilingual endorsement?
This pathway is ideal for:
- Licensed teachers who work with English language learners
- Educators in ESL, dual-language, or special education settings
- Bilingual teachers seeking to formalize their credentials
- Career-driven teachers looking to expand their impact and qualifications
Make a Lasting Impact—Without Putting Your Life on Hold
The demand for bilingual teachers is growing—and so is your opportunity to lead.
With a bilingual endorsement online, you can support equity in education, empower multilingual learners, and strengthen your credentials—without stepping away from your job or your life.
Rowan University is one of the fastest-growing public research institutions in the country—committed to access, affordability, and real-world outcomes. With more than 110,000 alumni nationwide and deep roots in New Jersey, Rowan is focused on helping educators move forward with purpose.
Inspired to take the next step? Learn more about Rowan’s online Bilingual/Bicultural Education Endorsement or apply today and begin when it works best for you.
Explore Related Programs
If you’re interested in expanding your educational technology skills alongside your bilingual certification, check out Is an Online Educational Technology Certificate Right for You? and 5 Signs You Should Earn a Master’s in Educational Technology.
If you’re considering leadership roles, learn more about How Can I Get My Principal Certification Online? and Is an Online Master’s in Education Administration Right for You?.