The state reports must include the number of students in need of such programs at each campus, as well as the district's recruitment efforts. Bilingual teachers must first be certified to teach elementary-level classes, a process that includes rigorous testing. You must also have high proficiency in English so you can teach it to children whose native tongue is not English. In 1999, Arlington took advantage of California's decision to disband public school bilingual programs by sending a recruiting team to the Orange County area to scout displaced teachers. The effort netted three recruits.
Districts also use bonuses to lure bilingual teachers.
To retain such teachers, Arlington began a Bilingual Academy a year ago and an ESL Academy this year. The two academies this year have 75 participants, more than twice the number from last year, Cavazos said. Prego finished the academy before spring break last year and became certified as a gifted and talented teacher through the seven-month course. She could have opted for courses on teaching strategies, techniques or other topics. Students need to know they don't have to be ashamed of their language because this is who they are.