Teaching
Jobs in bilingual education are many and varied. As the number of English as a second language learners increases, so does the need for teachers, professors and support personnel. The bilingual educator has the opportunity to help all age groups, ranging from preschool to adult.
Teacher
Bilingual teachers provide individualized, small group or large group instruction. Instruction is provided in English or the primary language of the learner. Instructors teach English as a second language or as an academic subject. They evaluate the student's language development and keep the parents apprised of their child's progress. A bachelor's degree plus practice teaching is needed for this position. Exams are also often required. The average pay for this job is approximately $45,000 per year.
Teacher Aide
Bilingual teacher aides support the bilingual teacher in instructing English language learners. They work in small group, large group or individualized settings as directed by the teacher. In addition, they are often expected to translate at parent conferences. Clerical work, such as grading student papers, is often required. A high school diploma is needed for this position, and tests in English and math proficiency are often required. The median salary for the bilingual teacher aide is $22,200.
Professor
A bilingual professor can teach foreign languages, linguistics, or English as a second language. Formal study in each area is needed in order to teach that discipline. The professor must be fluent in English as well as a second language. A master's degree is required, a doctorate is desirable. Publications in foreign journals may be necessary. The median salary for a foreign language professor is $48,436 per year.
Trainer
This individual trains groups of employees or individual customers. Strong communication skills, especially in a second language, are required, as is an understanding of adult learning theory. The trainer should be highly motivational to the learners. A high school diploma is required for this position. Sometimes a bachelor degree is desired. The median salary for the bilingual trainer is $30,000.
Preschool Teacher
The bilingual preschool teacher spends a large portion of the day assessing his students. Basic language, social and developmental skills are taught, such as building vocabulary, playing cooperatively with others and commanding large motor skills. Communication with parents and some parent education on support the student at home is expected. An associate's or a bachelor's degree in early childhood education is required. In some states additional credentials are needed. A preschool teacher's annual median salary is $24,960.
Tags: second language, median salary, bachelor degree, English second, English second language