California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

Programme overview

This authorization is an add-on to a California Multiple Subject or Single Subject teaching credential that certifies bilingual instruction in English plus a target language. California State Polytechnic University, Pomona offers pathways in Spanish, Filipino and Mandarin, and participates in the CSU-wide ALBTEP consortium for additional Asian languages (Filipino, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Khmer, and Hmong). The program is available both as a pre-credential pathway integrated with a credential program and as a post-credential option for teachers who already hold a valid California Multiple or Single Subject Credential.

What you'll study

The BilA program combines language proficiency assessment, methods coursework, cultural study, field practice and a final reflective assessment. Core elements listed by the program include:

• Two courses focused on bilingual methods and practice.
• Methods courses specifically named: EDU 5450: Bilingual Practice Seminar (fall only) and EDU 5400: Teaching and Learning in Spanish Bilingual Settings (fall only) or an online synchronous methods course offered through a collaborating CSU, depending on language pathway.
• Culture requirement: EDU 5990 (online synchronous, spring only).
• Language competency shown by the appropriate CSET language requirement: Filipino CSET II, Mandarin CSET III, Spanish CSET III (as noted for each pathway).
• Field-based requirements: for pre-credential students, bilingual clinical practice; for post-credential candidates, a 20-hour field requirement.
• Assessment components: one subject-area test, final bilingual summative reflections and an exit survey.

Entry requirements

There are two primary entry routes: candidates who are beginning a Multiple or Single Subject credential program may follow the pre-credential BilA pathway; candidates who already hold a valid California Multiple or Single Subject Credential may apply to the post-credential pathway. The program refers applicants to an application process described in program flyers and requires completion of an online bilingual program orientation (orientation video, confirmation form and PDF are provided).

Career prospects

The authorization enables teachers to be credentialed to deliver bilingual instruction in the approved language pairings, making them eligible for bilingual teaching assignments in California public schools and potentially more competitive for positions serving multilingual student populations. It is an add-on to existing teaching credentials rather than a standalone teaching license.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Financial support information for Asian language pathways is available through the CSU’s Asian Languages Bilingual Teacher Educator Preparation Consortium (ALBTEP). The program page directs applicants to ALBTEP scholarship information for eligible language tracks. For local coordinator contact and term-specific coordinators, the program lists faculty contacts for spring and fall terms.