UCI Bilingual Authorization Program
Pathways | Partner Districts | Master Mentor Teacher | Bilingual Coordinator | Alumni | Required Exams | Bilingual Residency Program | FAQs
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Candidates who are bilingual in Spanish/English may be eligible to enroll in the Bilingual Authorization Program (BAP). The BAP exists within the Multiple Subject Credential + MAT program for bilingual candidates who wish to add the Bilingual Authorization in Spanish to their Multiple Subject Credential.
Once admitted to the UCI Credential + MAT program, bilingual candidates will be assessed on their Spanish language proficiency (reading, writing, listening and speaking) for a placement in a dual immersion classroom with a bilingual master teacher. UCI partners with local dual immersion schools where instruction takes place in two languages, with the goal of achieving proficiency in both languages. BAP candidates will take the same classes as others in the program, but will be provided with additional workshops, seminars and the support of bilingual mentor teachers, instructors and supervisors. |
MAT BAP Class of 2023
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Bilingual candidates who pass the initial language proficiency screening are placed in a dual immersion classroom. These candidates take MAT coursework and attend additional meetings to share resources, meet with alumni and discuss policies related to bilingual education. Candidates in a dual immersion classroom may be eligible for limited funding and reimbursement of exam fees.
Historically, candidates who successfully complete their student teaching placement in a dual immersion school are highly sought after for employment.
Historically, candidates who successfully complete their student teaching placement in a dual immersion school are highly sought after for employment.
Pathways
There are two pathways within the UCI Bilingual Authorization Program. Option 1 for candidates who obtained a UCI Minor in Spanish/English Bilingual Education, and Option 2 for candidates who did not.
Partner Districts
Master Mentor Teacher
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Candidates enrolled in the Bilingual Authorization Program will work with experienced bilingual supervisors and mentor teachers in dual immersion schools. Many mentor teachers in the Bilingual Authorization Program are alumni from UCI. In addition to working with a bilingual mentor teacher, BAP candidates are supported by a Master Mentor Teacher. The Master Mentor Teacher offers additional professional development opportunities and guidance at the school site. Our current Master Mentor Teacher, Alondra Diaz at Gates Elementary (pictured, right), was named SVUSD Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2021, and was subsequently named a 2022 California Teacher of the Year, one of only five educators statewide to receive the honor. In 2020, Diaz was named Woman of the Year by the National Hispanic Business Women Association.
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Bilingual Coordinator
Bilingual candidates in a dual immersion placement are supported by a bilingual coordinator, Susan Guilfoyle (left), in addition to the Multiple Subject Coordinator, Myuriel von Aspen. Ms. Guilfoyle has extensive experience as a dual immersion teacher and expertise in bilingual pedagogy. Ms. Guilfoyle supports bilingual candidates throughout the year by organizing social events, guest speakers and workshops. Ms. Guilfoyle maintains an active alumni network of UCI bilingual teachers and mentor teachers.
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Student Testimonials
Learn more about the Bilingual Authorization Program from current and former students!
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Karina Baeza ’22
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Evelyn Gomez Pulido ’22
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Alumni
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I want to become a bilingual teacher to preserve and celebrate different languages and cultures.
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I believe that bilingual programs are essential as they offer more cultural representation in schools.
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Required Exams
Bilingual candidates are eligible to add a Bilingual Authorization to their Preliminary Multiple Subject Credential after passing additional CSET exams. Funding may be available for reimbursement of exam fees.
Spanish:
Spanish:
- Spanish Subtest III (test code 147)
- World Languages Subtest IV (test code 250) (waived through Option 1 and 2)
- Spanish Subtest V (test code 258) (waived through Option 1)
Residency Program
MAT Bilingual Authorization Program candidates student teaching at Gates, 2022-23
The UCI Bilingual Program is partnering with Gates Dual Language Immersion Elementary School in Saddleback Valley Unified School District to offer a one-year residency for 6 bilingual candidates. This program includes a year-long apprenticeship, a district provided stipend, and additional enrichment opportunities related to dual immersion teaching and learning. Bilingual candidates can apply for the residency program once they have been accepted into the MAT program.
FAQs
what is the bilingual authorization?
The Bilingual Authorization (formerly known as the BCLAD) in Spanish or other languages will allow future teachers to teach content in the target language. For example, teachers seeking employment in a Spanish dual language immersion program will need a Bilingual Authorization in Spanish because the majority of the day will be taught in Spanish and as students advance to the upper grades, subject matter will be taught in both English and Spanish (see Dual Language Immersion Schools). Most dual language immersion schools only hire teachers with a Bilingual Authorization in the target language.
what is dual immersion?
Dual immersion refers to schools where students learn in two languages. The goal is for students, especially language minority students, to acquire fluency in both languages while learning academic content.
where can i find real-world teaching examples?
Please see the four Anadelle's Learning Channel videos at the top of this page.
Are there scholarships available?
Candidates enrolled in the Bilingual Authorization Program may be eligible for small scholarships and funding for exams.
Who can I contact for more info on the BAP?
To learn more about the UCI Bilingual Authorization Program, please contact Susan Guilfoyle or Myuriel von Aspen.
Does the MAT Program support a BAP in Mandarin?
The UCI MAT program does not support a BAP in Mandarin at this time, but may place bilingual candidates in a dual immersion school placement for candidates after a language assessment. The CSET exams are not waived for the Mandarin World Language CSETs.
Where can I find more resources about being a bilingual teacher?
The following resources are available:
- Bilingual Teacher website
- Become a Bilingual Teacher flyer
- Become a Bilingual Teacher brochure
Learn More about the MAT Program
