Bilingual Educator Capacity Program
What you can earn
Become a Dual Language Teacher
The Bilingual Educator Capacity Program (BECA) is designed for individuals interested in becoming dual language teachers in K–12 settings. This program is part of the Elementary and Secondary Education Master’s in Teaching (MIT) programs. Applicants can indicate their interest in BECA when applying to either the Elementary or Secondary MIT programs.
BECA is open to anyone who is fluent in another language, this program provides candidates with targeted bilingual instructional support and culturally and linguistically responsive teaching practices. Participants will complete a student teaching placement in a dual language classroom and, during an additional fifth quarter, will earn a bilingual endorsement.
BECA currently offers the following languages: Hindi, Arabic, Spanish, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Somali, Mandarin, and Lushootseed.
Curriculum
Overview
Students in the BECA program must complete all requirements and coursework for either ELTEP or STEP before enrolling in the additional fifth quarter to earn the Bilingual Endorsement.
The following is a sample of the bilingual endorsement requirements. This is subject to change:
EDC&I 540: Foundations of Immigrant Schooling (3 credits)
EDC&I 542: Approaches to Assessing Second Language Students in K-12 Schools (3 credits)
EDC&I 545: Multilingual Socialization and Development (3 credits)
EDC&I 549: Practicum (3 credits)
EDC&I 554: Bilingual Teaching Methods and Assessment (4 credits)
Practicum
There is a required practicum seminar where teachers continue to develop their practice teaching bilingual learners through peer support and reflection.
The summer practicum experience consists of an online asynchronous course. Candidates meet all assignments, participation expectations, and deadlines as articulated in the syllabus and other course materials in the course learning management system. The course may offer learners optional, ungraded opportunities to meet in real time, such as through virtual office hours.
Completion
Upon completion of coursework and fieldwork, you must take the West-E exam 050 to complete the endorsement requirements. You can register for the exam online at
Admission requirements and process
Overview
If you're interested in BECA, you can indicate your interest while completing your application to the Elementary or Secondary Master’s in Teaching (MIT) program. As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to answer a few additional questions to help determine your fit and eligibility for the BECA program. These responses help ensure that the program effectively supports your goals and language background.
Have questions? Send us an email and we'll help you through the requirements!
Costs and funding
Estimated Costs
We are a tuition-based program. Estimated tuition rates are based on your residency:
- Washington state residents: $6,912 per quarter
- Out-of-state students: $12,488 per quarter
Estimates are subject to change and may differ due to course load and summer quarter enrollment. Estimates include building fees, technology fees, U-Pass, etc. Additional program-specific fees are not included in this estimate.
