Critical Bilingual Authorization

cbap logo

The Critical Bilingual Authorization Program (CBAP) in the Lurie College of Education at San José State University (SJSU) prepares PK–3 ECE, Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist teacher candidates and credential holders to earn a Bilingual Authorization to serve in dual immersion and bilingual settings across California.  

What You'll Experience 

CBAP offers a comprehensive program that combines foundations + methods coursework and add-on bilingual courses focused on language teaching methods and culture (Spanish and Mandarin). Candidates complete supported clinical experiences with expert bilingual mentor teachers and engage in learning aligned to Bilingual Teacher Performance Expectations (BTPEs). Vietnamese coursework is available through the Asian Language BTEP Consortium in partnership with CSU Fullerton.

To learn more about the Critical Bilingual Authorization Program, Bilingüismo y Justicia (Spanish), please contact bernadette.rodriguez@sjsu.edu.

To learn more about the Critical Bilingual Authorization Program (Mandarin/Vietnamese), please contact Grinell Smith grinell.smith@sjsu.edu


CBAP - Bilingüismo y Justicia (Spanish)

Do you want to put your Spanish skills to a transformational purpose? What is the Spanish Critical Bilingual Authorization Program (CBAP) about? How does it work in relation to my credential program?  What is the work that I have to do? Are there related costs? What will this program provide me with?

Learn More about Spanish CBAP [pdf]

CBAP - Bilingualism is Justice (Asian Languages) 

Do you have Mandarin, Vietnamese, Korean skills and want to build a multilingual California? What is the Asian Language Bilingual Authorization Program? How does it work over time? What are my options to take the authorization courses? What supports can I get? What will the program provide me with?

Currently there are CSU grants that could pay for your credential program (20k!) limited to those who apply for a bilingual authorization in an Asian language. Don´t miss this scholarship opportunity! We will support you to apply!

Regarding CSU Summer/Fall 2025 scholarships, the deadline to apply is March 1, 2025. You may find the application link here:

Learn More about Mandarin/Vietnamese CBAP [pdf]

Apply for Admissions

Applying is straightforward—choose your pathway and follow the steps below.

If you’re applying to an SJSU credential program (PK–3, Multiple Subject, or Single Subject)
- Apply through CSU Apply and check the Bilingual Authorization option (Add-on Bilingual Authorization).
- Complete the additional essay: “Why I want to be a bilingual teacher.”
Spanish: write the essay in Spanish
Mandarin: write the essay in Mandarin
Vietnamese: write the essay in English

After you submit your application, you’ll be interviewed by the Bilingual Authorization coordinators (language and program fit).

Options+Pathways  

Choose the option that fits your teaching goals and language background:

Becoming a Bilingual Teacher — Spanish
CBAP supports future bilingual educators with coursework and field experiences designed for dual immersion/bilingual classrooms. 

Becoming a Bilingual Teacher — Mandarin/Vietnamese
CBAP offers a Mandarin option at SJSU and Vietnamese coursework through the Asian Language BTEP Consortium/CSU Fullerton partnership.

Important (Vietnamese applicants)
- SJSU does not recommend Vietnamese bilingual authorization. Vietnamese CBAP candidates complete coursework through CSU Fullerton, and CSU Fullerton recommends the authorization. 
For credential holders adding the authorization 

Submit your completed bilingual authorization application to the SJSU credential office: credentials@sjsu.edu

CSET Requirements

To demonstrate language proficiency, candidates may use:
- CSET Subtest III (Spanish, Mandarin or Vietnamese), or
- A degree in the target language, or a degree from a target-language institution

Coursework

CBAP coursework builds strong foundations in cultural awareness, linguistic diversity, critical consciousness, and BTPE-aligned bilingual teaching practices.

Spanish coursework highlights (in-person)
- EDTE 208B: Bilingual Educational Sociology (3 units)
- EDTE 262B: Classroom Issues in Language/Literacy Development of Emergent Bilinguals (3 units)
-These courses are revisited in a two-semester bilingual seminar sequence connected to field placements.

Mandarin coursework highlights (online)
- EDTE 208M: Culture, Education, and Power for Mandarin-English Bilinguals (3 units)  
- EDTE 262M: Language Methods and Equity for Mandarin-English Bilinguals (3 units)

Students outside SJSU (including those currently enrolled at another CSU) may take CBAP coursework through SJSU Open University.

 

 Student Teaching/ Mini-Placement  

 

Add-on Bilingual Authorization Courses:
Mandarin or Spanish

Do you want to make a life-changing difference for your students and yourself? Add a bilingual authorization to your teaching credential. Whether you have the credential already or you are in the process of obtaining it, getting a bilingual authorization and being able to teach your subject matter bilingually will take your professional satisfaction to a new level. Further, it will dramatically increase your potential to be hired, whether in a bilingual or an English context because it prepares you to embrace California´s linguistic and cultural diversity. Last but not least, it will support you in getting community impact and opening new ways for excellence and equity. Bilingüismo y Justicia´s authorization program will be there to learn with and from you along the way. 

Upcoming Info Sessions

Click the RSVP button to see a list of upcoming dates. For Applicants interested in the bilingual pathway, see below.

Bilingüismo y Justicia Program Overview

Fundamentos Críticos: Three bilingüal sections in foundations courses foster a critical lens to appraise bilingüalism and education in the world, in the US, in California, and in your community. Through these courses on (1) sociology of education, (2) language pedagogy, and (3) literacy development, we seek to empower candidates and feed the liberatory potential of multilingüalism.
Comunidad Crítica Bilingüe: In our bilingüal seminar we engage with bilingüal possibilities and issues, embracing, nourishing, and challenging our perspectives and identities. We ambitiously envision a multilingüal world through our daily experience in the program. We commit to discussions using the full wealth of our language tools. Above all, we support one another. Somos una comunidad crítica.
Experiencias en el Salón: Our program offers 2 semesters of field placement in bilingüal classrooms, supported by bilingual mentors and bilingüal supervisors. The field placement seminar where those experiences are discussed is integrated in the bilingüal seminar. Theory and practice go hand in hand to make a critical difference.
Apoyos Bilingües Críticos: We care, deeply. The members of our community are supported with a variety of optional, student-centered, sustaining, and critical workshops on effective bilingüal communication and how to get the job you aspire to. Additionally, we push the rigor and sharpen our critical thinking with events like the bilingüal speaker series, or our professional development minigrants.

Bilingüismo y Justicia pushes the envelope

Listen to Lurie College faculty Luis Poza and Eduardo Muñoz-Muñoz discuss Bilingüismo y Justicia in further detail in our Innovations Podcast below.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Critical Bilingual Authorization Program, please contact teacher-education@sjsu.edu.