Texas Woman's launches biliteracy certificate program

Aug. 1, 2019 — DENTON — This fall, Texas Woman’s University launches a new graduate certificate in biliteracy, the only one of its kind in the state. Educators can earn the certificate with the option of applying the credits toward a master’s degree in reading education.

Biliteracy is different than bilingualism. Mandy Stewart, Ph.D., an associate professor in TWU’s Department of Reading, explains that a person who is bilingual can fluently speak two languages, while a person who is biliterate can read and write proficiently in two languages.

“This is the only graduate program I know of that brings together sometimes disparate fields of bilingual education, linguistics and literacy education,” Stewart said.

The post-baccalaureate certificate program consists of four courses focused on preparing any educator — not just those who teach in bilingual programs — to understand the biliteracy development of their students. Educators don’t need to be bilingual themselves, as the courses are taught in English. The courses are offered online, with classes meeting three to four Saturdays in Denton during the semester.

The courses also count toward a master of education degree in reading at TWU, with the opportunity to become a certified reading specialist.

“An educator could add the certificate to their teaching or administrative degrees, which could make them more marketable in districts with a large bilingual student population,” Stewart said.

For more information on TWU’s Certificate of Biliteracy, visit our Certificate of Biliteracy page or contact Stewart at mstewart7@twu.edu.

Page last updated 10:12 AM, August 19, 2021