ALISO VIEJO, Calif. December 9, 2025 — University of Massachusetts Global proudly announces a new California Bilingual Authorization in Mandarin or Spanish, a two-course program designed for current credentialed teachers who want to expand their impact in the state’s increasingly multilingual classrooms. In as little as 8 to 16 weeks, bilingual educators can gain the preparation needed to support students’ language development and academic success in both English and their primary language.
Developed in response to California’s growing demand for bilingual teachers, the authorization equips educators to meet state Bilingual Authorization Program Standards and Bilingual Teaching Performance Expectations while fostering inclusive, culturally diverse school environments. “Academic innovation at UMass Global is driven by the evolving needs of today’s schools and communities, and this new bilingual authorization reinforces our commitment to preparing educators who help all students feel seen, heard, and supported,” said Lori Piowlski, Ph.D., Dean, School of Education.
The California Bilingual Authorization in Mandarin or Spanish is designed for educators who already hold a current California teaching credential and are proficient in either Spanish or Mandarin. Through a combination of online coursework and 10 hours of integrated fieldwork per course (20 hours total), candidates learn to provide instruction for English Language Development, primary language development, Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English, and content-area instruction delivered in students’ primary language. Upon successful completion, candidates may apply to be recommended to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) for the bilingual authorization.
The fully online program is structured to fit the schedules of working educators, with eight-week classes and three sessions per year. Applicants must either pass CSET Subtest III in their target language (Spanish or Mandarin) prior to admission or meet one of the CTC-approved exceptions, such as holding a valid, non-emergency California Single Subject or Standard Secondary Teaching Credential with a major in that language. The program is available to California residents only and builds on UMass Global’s long-standing role as one of the state’s largest providers of teaching credentials.
For more details about the California Bilingual Authorization in Mandarin or Spanish, or to get help determining eligibility, prospective students can schedule an appointment with an enrollment coach or contact the school for more information.
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