The Center for Teacher Preparation is proud to offer the Bilingual Authorization (BILA) Program, a groundbreaking program designed to prepare educators for dual-language classrooms. Tailored for California Single Subject and Multiple Subject Teaching Credential holders, this Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved program empowers teachers to use their Spanish language skills to enhance student success in dual-immersion settings. The program is available in a 30-week traditional track as well as an accelerated winter track, providing flexible options for working educators.

As dual-language programs expand into higher grade levels, the demand for bilingual educators continues to rise, creating new career opportunities. Through the BILA Program, educators strengthen multilingualism, supporting students in developing bilingualism, biliteracy, and bicultural competence that will empower them for the future.

Program Overview

A Bilingual Authorization in Spanish allows practicing K–12 educators to teach the subject areas covered by their primary credential (Single or Multiple Subject) in both English and Spanish. Our program is designed to support educators already working in classrooms. To further support future candidates, we provide a language verification assessment in place of the CSET III, and a passing score on this assessment is required to continue in the program.

Enrollment Deadlines

The application deadline for fall cohort is August 10 each program year.
The fall cohort begins in September each program year.

The application deadline for winter cohort is December 7 each program year.
The winter cohort begins in January each program year.

Partnership with SBCSS

In an effort to support grant participants in meeting credential requirements, the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) School of Education and the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) have partnered to offer the Bilingual Authorization (BILA) Program. 

Through this partnership, RCOE BILA enrollment tuition is covered (as long as funding remains available), making the authorization program accessible without added financial burden for candidates. As the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved authorization program, RCOE provides the coursework, resources, and guidance needed to prepare educators for bilingual classrooms.

Partnership with SEAL

The BILA Program is proud to partner with Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) to expand support for bilingual educators through the Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program (BTPDP) grant. This district-led partnership is designed to strengthen bilingual teacher preparation and ensure candidates have the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to succeed.

Through this collaboration, districts/LEAs play a vital role in:

• Supporting teacher participation in the BTPDP grant.
  
  

• Building capacity for high-quality bilingual instruction.
  
  

• Expanding access to professional learning that promotes multilingualism and biliteracy.

Learn more about the benefits of the BTPDP and how your district can get involved by visiting the SEAL BTPDP webpage.

If you have any questions about the Bilingual Authorization (BILA) Program, please fill out the interest form so that you can be contacted by the Outreach Team.