About the Project
The Expanding Bi/Multilingual Teacher Pathways in Georgia project is focused on addressing the critical shortage of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teachers in the state of Georgia. This project, led by Kennesaw State University’s TESOL Programs, aims to recruit, support, and retain 120 bi/multilingual teacher candidates (BTCs) over five years. The project will serve both urban and rural communities in Georgia, offering pathways to certification, ESOL endorsement, and teaching credentials for those from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The grant will cover tuition 100% and may cover other fees associated with the program.
To be eligible, you would need to reside in Georgia and have plans to teach multilingual learners in the U.S. for the next several years.
In addition, you need to be bilingual or multilingual, according to the definition of the NFP and NIA for the 2024 NPD Program:
Bilingual or multilingual means able to listen, speak, read, and write in two or more languages with at least a high level of proficiency in each language. Note, bilingual or multilingual means a high level of proficiency in the domains that exist for the language, which may be fewer than four domains for some languages.
Accordingly, we will ask our participating teachers to provide one of the following documents as evidence of their bilingual proficiency:
- A Seal of Biliteracy certificate
- A degree from a foreign university where the medium of instruction is in a non-English language · Test results of ACTFL or STAMP (threshold being intermediate high or above in each of the four language domains - reading, speaking, writing, and listening)
- Any other documents showing your bilingual competency (e.g., certified interpreter)
If you are unable to provide one of the listed documents, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions about alternative assessments or any other part of the application process.
Our Program: Key Pathways
The Expanding Bi/Multilingual Teacher Pathways project aims to recruit 120 BTCs over five years, with 80 BTCs for Pathway #1 and 40 for Pathway #2. We offer two distinct pathways tailored to different educator profiles:
- Pathway 1: Master of Arts in Teaching TESOL (MAT)
- This pathway is designed for KSU undergraduates, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and in-service teachers currently teaching subjects other than ESOL. It offers comprehensive training for individuals seeking initial licensure in ESOL for grades P-12. Any bi/multilingual individual with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible (12 courses).
- Pathway 2: ESOL Endorsement (Undergraduate Level)
We plan to recruit 20 BTCs for Pathway #1 and 10 for Pathway #2 in each of our four cohorts, with the first cohort beginning in the summer of 2025. Both pathways offer flexible, online options to help participants balance their studies with other commitments. Graduates will be well-prepared to address the educational needs of Georgia’s multilingual student population.
Why Join Our Project
Teachers participate in our program to benefit from:
- TESOL Education Pathways and Professional Development: Participate in pathways that include the MAT TESOL program (for licensure) or non-degree endorsement/certificate programs.
- Stipends and Resources: Receive financial incentives and access to cutting-edge educational technology and tools.
- Ongoing Support: Receive continuous mentoring, feedback, and support from education experts to ensure successful integration of strategies in the classroom.
- Network and Collaborate with Teachers Across Georgia: Join a growing community of educators across Georgia, allowing for valuable networking opportunities. Share lessons, strategies, and experiences to enrich their professional practice and contribute to the larger educational community.
- Familiarity with standards, such as WIDA and Georgia Standards of Excellence: Learn to integrate these standards into core content lessons and teaching multilingual learners.
Impact and Outcomes
By the end of the five-year project, this initiative will have produced 120 highly qualified, culturally responsive educators ready to teach and support English learners in Georgia’s diverse school systems.
MOU
Candidates who are invited to join our NPD project will need to sign on the MOU. More details are forthcoming.
