defining bilingual education

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What Is Bilingual Education? [+ Career Guide]

What Is Bilingual Education?

How does bilingual education work, types of bilingual education, the importance of bilingual education, benefits of bilingual teachers in schools, bilingual education careers, how to become a bilingual educator.

Bilingual education is the delivery of academic material in two languages, one of which is usually the students’ native language. Students of all ages enroll in schools and learning environments where the primary language is different from their native language; in order to keep these students on the same academic timeline as their peers, schools may offer a bilingual education program that makes course content more accessible while students learn a new language.

Most bilingual or dual language education in the United States is delivered in Spanish and English , but Mandarin Chinese, French, German and Vietnamese dual language programs are gaining traction. The U.S. has never declared an official language, but since 78.5 percent of the population speaks English at home, it is considered the unofficial “native” tongue. As such, most bilingual education programs in the U.S. focus on helping students develop proficiency in English . This is why bilingual students in America are often referred to as English Language Learners (ELL), or simply English Learners (EL).

There are several different types of bilingual education programs, the format of which varies depending on the end goal.

Bilingual education programs were first introduced in the U.S. in the mid-17th century , as a way to help Polish immigrants assimilate to the American manufacturing industry. Today, dual language programs are predominantly used for a similar purpose, though the goals have expanded to helping non-English speakers excel academically and even teaching native English speakers a new language.

In grade schools, bilingual education programs incorporate both the students’ native language (the partner language) and English in varying proportions :

50/50: English and the partner language are used equally throughout the class, schoolday, semester or program length. This model is common for children at the elementary school level, beginning in kindergarten or first grade and potentially continuing into middle and high school if needed. Most children who enter 50/50 bilingual programs before 7 years of age are much more likely to become proficient in the new language than older students, if enrolled in the program consistently.

90/10: This format is used by both non-English speakers and native English-speaking students to learn a new language. Eighty to 90 percent of the course content is delivered either in English or the partner language, with some classes offered entirely in the partner language.

100 percent immersion: Second language immersion programs use a partner language (typically not English) for all communications, both in and outside the classroom.

Dual language programs are often found in U.S. schools located in neighborhoods with large immigrant or non-English speaking populations, while immersion programs are typically found in schools with a majority English-speaking student body.

Bilingual education programs differ according to the ultimate goal. Do students need to become proficient in English to communicate with their teachers and peers, or do they wish to learn a new language for academic enrichment or expanded career opportunities? Do they want to maintain fluency in both their native language and English? There are programs available for all of these language learners.

See the chart below for a breakdown of the different types of bilingual education programs, using English and Spanish as example languages. Also included are immersion and heritage language programs, which provide slightly different opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment.

As you can see, bilingual education can be classified in multiple ways; for example, a student can be enrolled in a dual language, one-way, transitional, early exit program.

Above all, bilingual education affords all students the opportunity to earn an education, no matter what language they speak. Being able to access their native language for support ensures that non-English speakers can progress academically alongside their English-speaking peers.

In addition to educational equity, dual language programs can foster:

• Multilingualism and multiliteracy
• More effective communication skills
• Enhanced awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity
• Greater connection to a community of peers
• Higher levels of academic achievement
• Increased cognitive function
• Broader cultural representation and equity in schools
• Diverse opportunities for students to thrive in a global job market
• Greater cultural empathy
• An expanded sense of cultural identity

The best way to support bilingual learners is to have bilingual teachers in schools, especially schools in areas with high populations of non-English speakers. When teachers can be a resource to learners in multiple languages, they may observe the following in their students:

• Improved academic performance
• Better communication skills
• Increased ability to think creatively, recognize patterns and solve problems
• Enhanced linguistic and cultural awareness
• Greater ability to apply fundamental concepts to novel situations
• Improved social skills
• Greater confidence, self esteem and a more positive outlook

When a bilingual student successfully graduates with proficiency or fluency in English, they may have access to a greater range of job opportunities in the U.S. and beyond.

Students who benefit from dual language education programs may find that they wish to become bilingual educators themselves. Fortunately, bilingual or multilingual teachers are in high demand , as learning environments across the country become increasingly more multicultural and inclusive . Now more than ever, American students need teachers who can teach the whole child, addressing not only their academic needs but their social, emotional and cultural needs .

Since demand is high, there are often financial benefits to becoming a bilingual teacher. According to Zippia , the average annual salary for a bilingual teacher is $51,770, while the average starting salary for a teacher in the U.S. is $41,955. Some schools will even offer stipends or bonuses to teachers who can add bilingual instruction to their educator skill set.

Possible careers for bilingual teachers who have earned a Bachelor’s degree or Master of Education include*:

• Job description: Instructs non-native English speakers in the fundamentals of the English language.
• Salary: $52,701
• Job description: Serves as a classroom aid to students whose native language is not English, relaying course content and instructions if and when the student lacks understanding due to a language barrier.
• Salary: $36,519
• Job description: Teaches a new language to students primarily for academic enrichment purposes.
• Salary: $53,918
• Job description: Designs educational curriculums, introduces improvements to teaching methods, develops educational programs and events and/or coordinates educational services for multilingual students.
• Salary: $49,139
• Job description: Develops educational programs and curricula that accounts for students who currently or will speak multiple languages.
• Salary: $54,176
• Job description: Serves as additional classroom support to multilingual students with special needs, including academic, physical, personal and social-emotional needs.
• Salary: $31,394
• Job description: Provides instruction in a specialized subject in multiple languages. Requires in-depth knowledge of the applicable subject, in addition to bilingual fluency.
• Salary: $41,000–$64,000+

Of course, most of these professions exist without a bilingual element, but employers will often advertise open positions with an explicit bilingual requirement.

*All salaries are national averages generated by Zippia.com as of November 2022.

If you are not already bilingual, start learning and practicing as soon as you can, even if you don’t yet have the proper degree qualifications to become a licensed teacher.

To become any kind of educator in a public school, you will need a master’s degree or, at the very least, a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in education. A degree in a second language is also ideal preparation. You will also need to become licensed to teach (at least in public schools) in your preferred state, and possibly hold a certification in teaching in a second language . In certain cases, such as in high-need areas or amid teacher shortages, there are alternative routes to teaching certification that don’t require a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education.

If you are ready to earn your master’s degree, you’ll need to decide which type of education degree will help you achieve your goals. A Master of Education (MEd) is typically designed for current educators to expand their pedagogical skill sets in and beyond the classroom , such as in school leadership or curriculum design. A Master of Arts (MA) provides new or aspiring teachers with practical skills they can use in the classroom. Both degrees offer specializations , including some with ESL instruction, and both can incorporate a field work element. For this component, aspiring bilingual educators can request placement in a school with a high population of non-native English speakers or a robust dual language program.

Once you earn your degree, become licensed to teach (if you are not already) and start your job search, be sure to include bilingual proficiency and instruction on your teaching resume. As previously stated, bilingual professionals are in high demand in nearly all industries, so highlighting this skill set will catch any potential employer’s eye.

As you explore teaching opportunities, be sure to take advantage of professional organizations and networks that support bilingual educators:

• National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) : A non-profit membership organization dedicated to pursuing educational equity and academic excellence for bilingual/multilingual students. NABE works to influence, support and create policies, programs, research, pedagogy and professional development that serves both multilingual students and bilingual/dual language education professionals.
• TESOL (formerly Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages): The largest international association of professionals dedicated to advancing the quality of ESL education. Before non-native English speakers can teach English, they must earn their TESOL certificate .

The most valuable resource for entering bilingual education is other educators ! Find fellow professionals who work in a bilingual setting and ask them how they got to where they are. You may also wish to connect with faculty at a university that offers education degrees to determine the right path forward.

Ready to take that step? Download the free guide below to see why an MEd might be the ideal move.

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In This Article Expand or collapse the "in this article" section Bilingual Education and Bilingualism

Introduction, general overviews.

• Defining Bilingualism
• Bilingualism and Cognition
• Defining Bilingual Education
• Effectiveness of Bilingual Education Programs
• Translanguaging as a Pedagogical Issue
• Politics of Language and Bilingual Education

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Bilingual Education and Bilingualism by Stephen May , Lincoln I. Dam LAST REVIEWED: 15 July 2024 LAST MODIFIED: 26 August 2014 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199756810-0109

This article presents a selection of the key literature on bilingualism and bilingual education and gives readers access to the international research on the multiplicity of topics that make up these fields. While the term “bilingualism” is consistently used throughout this article, it should also be taken as incorporating multilingualism. The question of what constitutes bilingualism has been the subject of much debate, with definitions ranging from minimal to maximal competency in more than one language. Similarly, the links between bilingualism and education have also been widely debated. Prior to the 1960s, for example, research on bilingual students in schools attributed bilingualism with detrimental effects on thinking. From this, early researchers often claimed that bilingual education had few, if any, benefits. In contrast, the consensus of research since the 1960s strongly suggests the opposite, highlighting the cognitive benefits of bilingualism and, relatedly, that bilingual education is an effective approach for language learning when it is designed and implemented appropriately. A comprehensive review of the literature on bilingual education also suggests that it is a highly political issue on many levels. For instance, some have noted that bilingual education policies are seldom actually assessed on the basis of educational research and theory alone, but are instead shaped and determined by external influences such as political ideology. Added to this are the challenges associated with assessment measures for students undertaking bilingual education. Not only is testing a political act, but bilingual institutions and programs are confronted with significant complexities. These include how best to examine student learning and capabilities in ways that take aspects of their bilingual and cultural backgrounds into consideration while simultaneously meeting the requirements of often-monolingual assessment schemes. The themes presented here are but a sample of the topics that are considered vital to the progression of research encompassing bilingualism and bilingual education.

While there is an abundance of literature on bilingualism and bilingual education, two introductory texts stand out. These two texts were selected for their clarity, usefulness, and endurance in the field, as well as for the academic credentials and the long-standing reputations of their authors. Written as an entry-level reader from a cross-disciplinary assessment of the field, Baker 2011 (now in its fifth edition) thoroughly reviews all of the pressing issues and underlying concepts in bilingual education and bilingualism, at both individual and societal levels. Baker 2011 also takes a balanced approach to the efficacy of bilingual education, highlighting both its significant accomplishments, as well as the ongoing challenges bilingual education programs face, particularly in relation to their pedagogical and assessment practices. Undergraduate students, especially those new to the field, will find Baker 2011 thoughtfully and accessibly structured. Those with specific interests in the frameworks, principles, and practice of bilingual education should also refer to García 2009 . Unlike Baker 2011 , García 2009 takes a more technical approach to the topic, spending less time defending bilingual education and more time expounding and elaborating on it. The text is written from a bilingual practitioner’s perspective and comprises chapters on bilingual education policy, practice, pedagogy, and the assessment of bilinguals, with particular (although not exclusive) reference to the US context. García 2009 offers readers a thorough examination of the different types and frameworks of bilingual education, as well as their theoretical foundations, objectives, and pedagogical practices. García 2009 also provides an invaluable chapter on the notion of “translanguaging,” which highlights the often complex and hybrid language use of bilinguals (pp. 42–72), an emerging field of research in the field. Following from this, García argues for the need to mirror the translanguaging characteristics of bilinguals in bilingual education. For an accessible article-length overview of key research underpinning bilingual education, see also May 2008 . For older but still highly useful contributions, see Baker and Prys Jones 1998 and Cummins 2000 . The latter is of particular significance, given the author’s long-standing influence on the field and the summary and updating of his key arguments with respect to bilingualism and bilingual education in the text. Issues of the appropriate assessment of bilingual students also feature prominently (see also Assessment ).

Baker, Colin. 2011. Foundations of bilingual education and bilingualism . Bristol, UK: Multilingual Matters.

This revised and updated best-selling textbook (now in its fifth edition) provides readers with a comprehensive introduction to bilingual education and bilingualism. It covers all of the critical issues related to bilingualism and also offers useful summaries, recommended further reading and study activities that supplement each chapter.

Baker, Colin, and Sylvia Prys Jones. 1998. Encyclopedia of bilingualism and bilingual education . Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters.

This comprehensive 500,000-word encyclopedia comprises four key sections: individual bilingualism, languages in society, languages in contact in the world, and bilingual education. Each section offers numerous textboxes, photographs, and graphics for those who are new to the area. Cross-referencing also allows the reader to access other information in the encyclopedia, while “Further Reading” sections at the end of each topic and a bibliography at the end of the encyclopedia lead the reader to information elsewhere.

Cummins, Jim. 2000. Language, pedagogy and power: Bilingual children in the crossfire . Clevedon, UK: Multilingual Matters.

This volume reviews the research and theory relating to instruction and assessment of bilingual pupils, focusing not only on issues of language learning and teaching but also on how wider power relations affect patterns of teacher-pupil interaction in the classroom.

García, Ofelia. 2009. Bilingual education in the 21st century: A global perspective . Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.

This valuable contribution to the literature provides a comprehensive examination of the principles and practice of bilingual education. It is written from a practitioner’s perspective, strongly endorsing bilingual education and informing readers on how best to implement it.

May, Stephen. 2008. Bilingual/immersion education: What the research tells us. In Bilingual education: The Encyclopedia of Language and Education . 2d ed. Vol. 5. Edited by J. Cummins and N. Hornberger, 19–34. New York: Springer.

This article-length overview of key research underpinning bilingual education is an excellent introduction to the field. May outlines what research has to say about the most effective bilingual education approaches; however, he also highlights how this research is regularly ignored, particularly by opponents of bilingual education in wider public and policy debates.

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Bilingual Education: What the Research Tells Us

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This chapter explores key research findings about bilingual education and the related efficacy of various approaches to teaching bilingual students. Its principal focus is on the research to date on the most common forms of bilingual education. This research consistently supports the efficacy of bilingual education, particularly when it is predicated on additive bilingual principles. Even so, ongoing public opposition to bilingual education, often highly misinformed, remains strong. The chapter also examines recent research around the notions of “dynamic bilingualism” and “translanguaging,” along with their pedagogical implications for existing bilingual programs.

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Key Concepts in Bilingual Education

Research Perspectives on Bilingualism and Bilingual Education

Not all Indigenous communities accept heritage bilingual programs as an appropriate overarching term – as evident, most clearly, in the rejection of the term by many First Nations peoples in Canada (Cummins, personal communication).

This diagram was developed in conjunction with my colleague, Richard Hill and is loosely based on an earlier diagram by Hornberger ( 1991 ). It was previously published in May ( 2010 ).

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May, S. (2016). Bilingual Education: What the Research Tells Us. In: Garcia, O., Lin, A., May, S. (eds) Bilingual and Multilingual Education. Encyclopedia of Language and Education. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02324-3_4-1

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bilingual education

Definition of bilingual education

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Bilingual education refers to instructional programs that use two languages for teaching academic content, allowing students to develop proficiency in both languages. This approach not only supports language development but also aims to enhance academic achievement and cultural understanding among students from diverse linguistic backgrounds.

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5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

• Bilingual education can take various forms, including dual-language programs, transitional bilingual education, and maintenance bilingual education, each serving different goals and populations.
• Research shows that bilingual education can lead to cognitive advantages, such as improved problem-solving skills and greater cognitive flexibility among students.
• Bilingual programs often face challenges, such as limited resources, varying public support, and policies that favor English-only instruction over multilingual education.
• Successful bilingual education programs prioritize cultural relevance and respect for students' linguistic backgrounds, creating a more inclusive learning environment.
• In many countries, bilingual education plays a vital role in preserving indigenous languages and cultures by integrating them into the school curriculum.

Review Questions

• Bilingual education fosters language proficiency by providing instruction in both a student's native language and a second language, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively in both. This dual focus not only aids language development but also helps students grasp academic content more deeply by making connections between languages. As students engage with material in both languages, they develop critical thinking skills and better prepare themselves for future educational opportunities.
• Bilingual education plays a crucial role in language revitalization by formally incorporating minority languages into the school curriculum, helping to maintain linguistic diversity. By teaching students in their heritage languages alongside the dominant language, these programs encourage pride in cultural identity and promote intergenerational transmission of language. This approach not only supports the survival of endangered languages but also empowers communities to preserve their unique cultural heritage in a globalized world.
• The effectiveness of bilingual education policies hinges on their implementation and societal support. Well-structured programs can promote equitable access to quality education for marginalized groups by addressing linguistic barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. However, policies that lack adequate resources or prioritization may inadvertently perpetuate inequalities. Evaluating these policies requires examining their outcomes on student achievement and engagement, ensuring they fulfill their promise of equal educational opportunities for all learners.

Related terms

English as a Second Language (ESL) : A program designed to teach English to non-native speakers, focusing on improving their language skills to help them succeed in an English-speaking environment.

Translanguaging : An instructional strategy that encourages bilingual learners to use all their language resources flexibly, blending their languages for better understanding and communication.

Language immersion : An educational approach where students are fully immersed in a second language environment, promoting natural language acquisition through everyday experiences.

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• Ethnic Studies
• Foundations of Education
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• Indigenous Issues Across the Americas
• Introduction to Chicanx and Latinx Studies
• Introduction to Education
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• Language and Cognition
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What is Bilingual Education? & Its Benefits

By Teach Educator

Published on: July 1, 2024

Bilingual Education

Bilingual Education is an educational approach that aims to provide instruction in two languages, typically the native language of the students and another language, such as English, in order to help students become proficient in both languages. This approach is used in various educational settings around the world and is designed to benefit students who come from linguistically diverse backgrounds.

There are several different models of bilingual education, including:

• Transitional Bilingual Education: In this model, students are initially taught in their native language while gradually transitioning to instruction in the second language (e.g., English). The goal is for students to become proficient in both languages over time.
• Dual Language or Two-Way Immersion Programs: These programs typically involve a mix of students from different language backgrounds. Instruction is provided in both languages, and the goal is for all students to become bilingual and bi-literate. This approach promotes cross-cultural understanding and language proficiency in both languages.
• Maintenance of Bilingual Education: This model is often used in communities where there is a significant population of students who speak a particular language as their first language. The goal is to maintain and strengthen the students’ proficiency in their native language while also teaching them a second language.
• Content-Based Bilingual Education: In this approach, students are taught academic content in both languages. For example, mathematics may be taught in one language, while science is taught in the other. This approach is designed to help students develop proficiency in both languages while also learning subject matter content.

Benefits of Bilingual Education

Bilingual education offers a range of benefits to students and society as a whole. Here are some of the key advantages:

Bilingual Proficiency: The most obvious benefit is that students who receive bilingual education become proficient in two languages. This opens up a wider range of communication and employment opportunities, as they can interact with and understand people from different linguistic backgrounds.

Cognitive Benefits: Bilingual education has been associated with cognitive advantages, including improved problem-solving skills, greater mental flexibility, and enhanced creativity. Learning and switching between two languages can exercise and strengthen the brain.

Academic Achievement: Research has shown that students in bilingual programs often perform as well as or even better than their monolingual peers on standardized tests. They may also excel in specific subjects due to their language proficiency.

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity: Bilingual education can foster cultural awareness and sensitivity. When students learn a second language, they also gain insight into the culture and traditions associated with that language. This can lead to a more open-minded and globally aware society.

Career Opportunities: In an increasingly globalized world, bilingualism is a valuable skill in the job market. Many employers seek bilingual or multilingual candidates because they can communicate with a broader range of customers, clients, and colleagues.

Extra Benefits…

• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Bilingual individuals often demonstrate better problem-solving skills. They can approach problems from multiple linguistic and cultural perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions.
• Improved First-Language Skills: Paradoxically, bilingual education can also benefit a student’s first-language skills. In the process of learning a second language, students often gain a deeper understanding of the structure and grammar of their native language.
• Reduced Stereotyping and Bias: Bilingual education can reduce stereotypes and biases by promoting cross-cultural understanding. When students interact with peers from different linguistic backgrounds, they are more likely to challenge stereotypes and develop empathy.
• Bicultural Identity: Bilingual individuals often develop a bicultural identity, which allows them to feel at home in more than one culture. This can lead to a sense of belonging and connectedness to multiple communities.

Final Words

Bilingual Education programs can have several benefits, including improved academic achievement, cognitive benefits, enhanced cross-cultural understanding, and increased career opportunities. However, the success of BE programs depends on various factors.

Including the quality of instruction, support for students’ native languages and cultures, and the commitment of educators and the community. It’s important to note that the specific design and implementation of bilingual education programs can vary widely depending on the educational system, the needs of the students, and the goals of the program.

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