On November 22, 2017, Governor Baker signed into law the Language Opportunity for Our Kids Act (LOOK Act). The new law, among other things, aims to provide districts with more flexibility as to the language acquisition programs they choose to meet the needs of English Learners (ELs), while maintaining accountability for timely and effective English language acquisition. The law directed the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to establish licensure endorsements for various language acquisition program types (for example, Two-Way Immersion Programs) in order to improve the teaching and learning of ELs. For an overview of the LOOK Act, please see Language Opportunity: Massachusetts Language Opportunity Coalition . To access the March 16, 2018 Memo to the Board. For the complete text of the LOOK Act, please refer Bill H.4032: An Act relative to language opportunity for our kids. On June 26, 2018, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education promulgated regulations establishing the Bilingual Education Endorsement.
An educational program that involves teaching academic content in two languages, English and another language. Program types determine the varying amounts of each language used in instruction. Bilingual education programs include dual language education or two-way immersion and transitional bilingual education programs, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71A, § 2, and any other bilingual program types that may be approved by the Department.
Notwithstanding 603 CMR 7.15(9) (a): A core academic teacher assigned to provide instruction in a language other than English to an English learner in a bilingual setting, must be properly qualified in the field and grade level of the assignment, and hold the Bilingual Education Endorsement.
A core academic teacher responsible for the instructional component provided in English must hold the Bilingual Education Endorsement or the SEI Endorsement.
A principal, assistant principal, or supervisor/director who supervises or evaluates a core academic teacher assigned to provide instruction to an English learner in a bilingual education setting, such as dual language education or two-way immersion program, or transitional bilingual education program, must hold the Bilingual Education Endorsement or the SEI Endorsement.
A valid Transitional Bilingual Education license or Transitional Bilingual Learning endorsement issued by the Department shall be deemed the equivalent of the Bilingual Education Endorsement.
Individuals who apply and satisfy the requirements noted within 603 CMR 7.14 (3) earn the Bilingual Education Endorsement. You may view requirements for the Bilingual Education Endorsement at Licensure Requirements Tool.
You can locate course providers by going to our "Find a Preparation Program" page. On that page, for Select Field, choose Endorsements and then for the next Select Field, choose Bilingual Education (do not choose Bilingual Education associated with any specific foreign language). For Select Level, choose level depends on prereq license. For Select Program, choose Endorsement, then click on Search. You can learn about additional requirements to earn this endorsement by using our Licensure Requirements Tool.
You can find information about the Bilingual Education Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL) at www.mtel.nesinc.com. You can also learn about additional requirements to earn this endorsement by using out Licensure Requirements Tool.
There is a $25.00 application fee for this endorsement. The quickest and easiest way to apply for a Massachusetts educator credential is via our Educator Licensure And Renewal (ELAR) portal. First-time users of the ELAR portal will need to create a profile prior to submitting an electronic application via ELAR.
The Bilingual Education Endorsement shall be valid for five calendar years. Teachers, principals, assistant principals, and supervisor directors required to hold the Bilingual Education Endorsement must keep the endorsement valid.
The Bilingual Education Endorsement is valid for five calendar years and may be renewed for successive five-year terms upon successful completion of 15 professional development points (PDPs) in the content area related to the Subject Matter Knowledge of the Bilingual Education Endorsement. Individuals may also apply these 15 PDPs toward renewing a Primary license.
The Subject Matter Knowledge of the Bilingual Education Endorsement may be found at 603 CMR 7.14: Endorsements.
There is a $25.00 application fee for this endorsement, even if it is your first/only license/endorsement application.
Please note: The quickest and easiest way to apply for a Massachusetts license and/or endorsement is via our Educator Licensure And Renewal (ELAR) portal. First-time users of the ELAR portal will need to create a profile prior to submitting an electronic application via ELAR.
Bilingual Education Endorsement FAQs
Last Updated: April 12, 2024
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, MA 02149
Voice: (781) 338-3000 TTY: (800) 439-2370
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