Department of Curriculum and Instruction, 125 Peik Hall, 159 Pillsbury Drive S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455 (612-625-4006; fax: 612-624-8277)

This graduate-level certificate program gives students an opportunity to complete a coordinated series of courses in the area of dual language and immersion education. The program does not lead to a state teaching certificate or licensure (note that a university certificate program or certificate is distinct from a state certificate or certification). In Minnesota and other states in the U.S., dual language/immersion teachers at the elementary level are required to hold a teaching license in elementary education and at the secondary level a license in the subject matter they teach (e.g., science, social studies, math). The University of Minnesota offers initial teacher licensure programs for individuals not yet licensed and additional teacher licensure programs for those individuals who already hold a MN teaching license and wish to add another. The dual language and immersion education certificate program is designed for preK-12 teachers and other professionals to work effectively in the following school-based program models: - "One-way" foreign language immersion programs designed for native English-speaking students - "Two-way" bilingual immersion programs designed for native English-speaking students and native speakers of the program's partner language, such as Spanish - Developmental bilingual programs designed for minority language learners, such as native Spanish speakers - Indigenous language immersion programs designed for Native American children in indigenous communities with the goal of revitalizing an endangered language and culture In dual language and immersion programs, second/foreign/minority language that students are acquiring is a vehicle to teach school subjects. In order to be considered a dual language or immersion program, the immersion language must be used for at least 50 percent of subject matter instruction during the elementary school years. In a middle/secondary continuation program, at least two year-long content courses must be taught in the immersion language. These programs aim for "additive bilingualism and biliteracy," or the acquisition of another language at no expense to the first, native language. Research shows that well-implemented programs allow students to develop higher levels of language proficiency in the immersion language than in any other type of language program model. This unique University certificate program is the first in the United States to incorporate a coherent set of courses designed specifically for dual language and immersion teachers and other professionals. Offered by the college's Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I), the program was designed jointly by the college's second languages and cultures (SLC) education faculty and representatives of dual language and immersion programs in the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Students currently enrolled in a University of Minnesota graduate-level degree program may also apply.

Other requirements to be completed before admission:

Applicants should either be currently practicing as dual language or immersion educators, or provide evidence of the necessary background and interest (based on a goal statement). This certificate program is available to graduate-level students only. Coursework taken before completion of the bachelor's degree cannot be applied to the certificate program.

Applicants must submit transcripts from every college attended (even those where a degree wasn't earned), scores from the TOEFL/IELTS/MELAB (if applicable), a resume, and a goal statement (only if applicant is not a practicing dual language or immersion educator). Certificate applications are reviewed by the department three times per academic year: Fall, Spring and Summer.