The number of bilingual students in the US is growing rapidly, and there is a pressing need for teachers who are also bilingual or are trained in working with this growing population.   The US Department of Education reported on the growth rate over the last 30 years: the proportion of children who speak a language other than English at home has increased from 9 percent to 21 percent.

Schools of Education and teacher training programs must respond to our country’s changing needs.  States themselves must also articulate this as a priority.  The Boston Globe recently reported that Massachusetts has set specific goals to meet the changing needs of the population.  Meanwhile, the private sector must seek new ways to partner with the Department of Education and schools or districts themselves.  Our nation’s children and future workforce depend on it.