MEd and Teaching License in Elementary Education, Dual Language Immersion Focus

This two-year program prepares you to teach elementary education content to students in both dual language/immersion classrooms and those where English is the language of instruction. You will earn a master’s of education (MEd) degree and qualify for a teaching license in K-6 classrooms. The program coursework focuses on dual language immersion (DLI)-specific practices such as biliteracy development and language-focused teaching strategies.

Dual language immersion expertise is a high needs area in Minnesota. The Minnesota Advocates for Immersion Network estimates that more than 15,000 students in Minnesota learn their subject matter in a language other than English.

Is this program right for you?

This program is designed for bilingual individuals who have a bachelor's degree including:

  • Education assistants or paraprofessionals
  • Tier 1 or Tier 2 teachers seeking a Tier 3 license currently in immersion, indigenous, or bilingual programs
  • International students
  • Professionals seeking a career change

Request information

How to apply and program requirements

95%

Elementary Education Dual Language graduates found jobs within a year of COMPLETING LICENSURE COURSEWORK (2020 COHORT)

Curriculum

Masters of Education

Combining an MEd with your teaching license offers the following advantages:

  • Teachers who have a master's degree will see a roughly $7,000 annual salary increase [Teacher.org]
  • Though the salary increase with a master's degree will vary by district and state, Minnesota teachers are on the higher end of the payscale.
  • Teachers with advanced degrees can be promoted to school administration positions and can become mentors to other teachers based upon their graduate training.

Timeline

Classes are held Tuesday evenings (synchronous online and asynchronous online) and on Saturdays (synchronous online and asynchronous online; once a month in-person on campus). Students may need to take time off of work to complete the two 50 hour field experiences and the 12 weeks of student teaching.

Summer 2022: 6 credits

Fall 2022: 6 credits

Spring 2023: 6 credits, 50 hour field experience in a Dual Language or Immersion school

Summer 2023:6 credits, 50 hour field experience in a diverse context (may be a DLI school)

Fall 2023: 6 credits, Student Teaching in a Dual Language or Immersion school (12 continuous weeks)

Spring 2024: 6 credits, May graduation; apply for MN teaching license

Program details

Program Experience

Our program is unique and offers the following core experiences:

  • A teacher cohort studying together for two years
  • Face-to-face and online coursework
  • Candidates can complete the program while continuing to work
  • Innovative and equity-driven curriculum
  • University coursework concurrent with school-based experiences

In addition to learning the K-6 content and pedagogy, the program infuses dual language and immersion-specific topics including:

  • Biliteracy development
  • Language-focused teaching strategies
  • Teaching English-language learners
  • Culturally-responsive pedagogies

How to Apply

Please fill out an inquiry form to get started with your application pre-review.

For detailed admission information, please visit the Dual Language Immersion, elementary education license admissions page.

Question? Jade Beauclair, program advisor, beau0273@umn.edu, 612-625-4013

Program Coordinator: Stephanie Owen owenx079@umn.edu