Adding a Dual Language licensure of the type described here will be a positive step in supporting hiring needs for the popular and effective Dual Language programs around the state, and will maintain high standards for teacher preparation and licensure.

There is a critical shortage of elementary certified teachers who can teach in Virginia's growing dual language immersion programs. The Dual Language Endorsement is crucial to the maintenance and growth of these programs which benefit world language and English language learners alike. The coursework and competencies ensure that teachers will attain a high quality of preparation for licensure in this specialized field. 

Is Virginia aware of what’s been happening in Texas where majority Hispanic schools are experiencing a shortage of bilingual teachers? 

Texas requires teachers to pass two exams to receive the bilingual endorsement, which has created a barrier to fill positions: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/02/11/texas-teacher-shortage-pandemic/

I cannot support [8 VAC 20 ? 543].

Having been a dual Language Immersion principal in another state before moving to Virginia, I know how difficult it is to hire qualified bilingual teachers.  As it is, they have to have an elementary license and speak and be literate in the target language.  I believe passing 8 VAC 20 - 543 will create yet another hiring barrier at a time where we are already finding it difficult to recruit, hire, and retain qualified teachers.  Please reconsider adding this endorsement.  I belive the intent is good and there can be another pathway to get the requisite knowledge and skills through professional learning.

Sincerely,

Elisabeth Harrington

The professional requirements outlined in 8VAC20-543-90 are comprehensive and will provide institutions of higher ed. with a clear roadmap for how to create teacher preparation programs that will help meet the growing need for highly qualified dual language immersion teachers in Virginia. 

This Dual Immersion endorsement will enable school districts to recruit Dual Immersion teachers, while maintaining high standards in terms of teacher qualifications. I would like to see a provisional Dual Immersion endorsement option for teachers, to allow enough time for educators to meet the proposed requirements.

I support the addition of this endorsement. This provides universities a pathway to create programs that will train candidates to become teachers in Virginia's DLI programs. It should be noted that this endorsement should not be the sole pathway to being able to teach in an immersion classroom in Virginia; the current model of being endorsed/certified in a content area while showing proficiency in the target language should also remain a viable pathway.

This add-on would allow teachers who are otherwise limited to one area of teaching (world languages or ESL) to teach in a dual-language program. Dual language programs often are short of teachers and this would allow for a larger pool. We also want VA universities to begin dual language pathways so that we have qualified teachers prepared to teach DL in VA.