Chances are you’re already a certified classroom teacher or well on your way to becoming one. So why go through the trouble of earning a master’s degree in bilingual/ESL (English as a second language) education? How about the chance to help a growing generation of students learn a new language that’ll increase their chance of academic, personal and professional success? 

A higher salary doesn’t hurt either.  

Here are three reasons why you should earn a Master of Arts in Bilingual/ESL Education at The University of Texas Permian Basin.  

1. Make a Difference in the Lives of Students  

Two teacher career pathways lie before you: ESL and bilingual education. The right pathway for you depends on your goals and skill set, but teachers who speak a foreign language should choose bilingual education.  

ESL Education Pathway 

Students and teachers may not always speak the same language — sometimes figuratively and sometimes literally. ESL classrooms are composed of immigrants, international students, and other students who speak a native language other than English. Almost 750,000 grade school students in the 2020-2021 school year—about one in five Texas grade school students—were English language learners.  

Intimidated by the thought of speaking a different language than your students? Don’t be. 

English is the only language spoken in an ESL classroom. You’ll teach essential school subjects while helping students read, write, and speak English. At those moments when students are frustrated, unsure how they can possibly learn a new language, you’ll be there to help. An MA in ESL program will teach you how.  

Bilingual Education Pathway 

Speaking a foreign language has its perks.  

As a bilingual educator, you’ll teach students in both English and their native language, usually Spanish. Not only will your students receive a high-quality education, they’ll also have the best chance of becoming fluent in both languages.  

Consider how speaking a foreign language has helped you in your career. Now, imagine each and every one of your students gaining that same advantage.  

¿Habla Español? 

42 million Americans speak Spanish as their first language, and 15 million speak it as their second. Students and teachers who speak this Romance language will experience opportunities for success, but more importantly, they’ll be able to better connect with the communities around them.  

You don’t have to speak Spanish to succeed as an ESL or bilingual educator, especially if you choose to earn an MA in ESL education. If, however, you do pursue a career in bilingual/ESL education, your classroom will likely be filled with students from Mexico, Cuba, and other Spanish-speaking countries, regardless of the teacher career pathway you choose.  

2. Career Advancement 

An analysis of teacher vacancies revealed that most U.S. states are experiencing some degree of teacher shortage. If you haven’t experienced the effects of the teacher shortage firsthand, you undoubtedly know those who have.  

Schools are looking for teachers who specialize in more than one subject area, since this lends educators added versatility in school districts scrambling to fill open roles. Graduate with an MA in bilingual/ESL education and an ability to teach English language learners (ELLs) and you’ll hold a great deal more bargaining power.  

3. Earn a High Salary  

Teacher salaries may seem respectable from the outside looking in. If teachers were fairly compensated for time spent grading, creating lesson plans, supporting students, and speaking with parents, however, they’d be paid like kings and queens.  

Teachers who earn a master’s degree in bilingual/ESL education can increase their earning potential, especially in Texas.  

Created in 2019, the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) offers the opportunity for educators like you to earn a six-figure salary. Participating school districts receive funding allotments of $3,000–$32,000 per designated teacher, 90% of which must go to teachers’ salaries. “It puts [teachers] on a playing field with other high-paying professions and allows teachers to stay in the classroom and receive high compensation,” said John York, chief human resource officer for Longview ISD in Longview, Texas. 

Although only in effect in select school districts, TIA is a prime example of how experience and a prestigious degree can help teachers receive the pay they deserve.  

Earn Your Master’s Degree at UT Permian Basin  

UT Permian Basin offers an online MA in bilingual/ESL education program that can help you advance your career and make a difference in the lives of ELLs. With its flexible online format, our program allows you to pursue your degree while you continue teaching in your current position. Earn your master’s degree without ever leaving the classroom!  

Choose from one of two concentrations:  

Master of Arts in ESL Education  

Learn how to foster an inclusive learning environment for immigrants, international students, and other ELLs from all walks of life. Courses like Methods of Teaching ESL will teach you how to overcome language, cultural, and learning barriers in the classroom.  

Master of Arts in Bilingual Education 

Learn what it takes to be a pillar of support for students who speak a native language other than English. Courses like History and Politics in Bilingual Education will help you keep up with current trends and identify the best instructional models to use when working with ELLs.  

Which master’s degree pathway will you choose? Apply to our online MA in bilingual/ESL education program to take the next step on your path toward a rewarding career in education.