Pennsylvania’s growing multilingual population calls for immediate action to expand the pool of bilingual-certified teachers. As a bilingual legislator representing the City of Reading in Berks County, where approximately 67% of residents are Latino, I know how essential it is to remove language barriers to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Our schools must be equipped with teachers who understand and value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their students. To tackle this pressing demand, I will soon be introducing legislation to bridge language gaps and strengthen education in underserved communities.

The Bilingual Educators  Advancement Program is a specialized initiative that recruits and retains bilingual-certified teachers, placing them where their skills are most needed. This proposal, modeled after New York’s Bilingual Teachers of Tomorrow Program, is aimed at advancing student achievement and addressing the Commonwealth’s critical shortage of bilingual educators.

Program Highlights:

• Eligibility: Bilingual-certified teachers committing to one year of service in a school with a bilingual teacher shortage.
• Incentives: Participants receive a renewable annual grant to offset educational expenses, contingent upon continued service in eligible schools.
• Professional Growth: The program encourages educators to pursue advanced credentials and specialized training to enhance their classroom impact.

Investing in bilingual educators expands opportunity, promotes equity, and builds a stronger future for all students. I urge you to join me in co-sponsoring this bill to provide meaningful support for our teachers and meet the needs of Pennsylvania’s rising population of English learners.