Date of Award

Spring 2025

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Education

First Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Scott Beers

Second Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. William Nagy

Third Advisor/Committee Member

Dr. Jorge Preciado

Keywords

dual language teacher needs, teacher challenges, dual language teacher survey, dual language programs

Abstract

Washington state has announced the plan for a statewide implementation of dual language programs by 2040, which would make Washington the first state in the United States to offer students a dual language opportunity in every school district. The need for more dual language programs is supported by the numerous benefits they have shown to offer. Among these benefits are academic, social, economic, and cognitive advantages. Despite these well-documented benefits, research shows that teachers who work with bilingual students often face unique challenges and lack what they need to be effective teachers in their dual language classrooms. The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey with current dual language teachers in Washington state to find out to what extent they perceive they have what they need to be effective teachers in their dual language classrooms. Based on the participants’ responses to the survey, the greatest areas of perceived needs were in the Professional Development/Training, Time/Workload, and Support (Personnel) sections. By taking into account the results of this study, policy makers at the school, district, and state levels can determine which changes need to be made in order to launch and maintain successful dual language programs.

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