Chicago Is Expanding Language Education. Global Pathways Is Ready to Put in Work.
Chicago Public Schools is expanding Dual Language Education and World Language Education across the city. This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because educators, led by the Chicago Teachers Union, fought for it at the bargaining table and made language acquisition a priority for students and our communities.
CPS recently highlighted the expansion at Calmeca Academy of Fine Arts, where students are learning Mandarin, along with Spanish and English. The district announced new dual language and world language programs and committed funding to support them. That funding includes professional development and dedicated dual language coordinators at schools.
This is a big deal.
Language programs need teachers, a good curriculum, cultural knowledge, and real support in the classroom. CPS is putting resources behind this initiative. CTU made sure it was written into the contract. Now we shift to actual implementation.
The importance of dual language education can’t be overstated. It builds literacy. It builds confidence. It helps students see themselves as capable in more than one language and most importantly, in more than one world.
CTU has been clear about what comes next. They insist that expansion must reach every part of the city, including South Side and West Side communities. Programs must be developed with intentionality and purpose, featuring voices, language and imagery that students see themselves reflected in. Most importantly, access must be real, not symbolic.
Where Global Pathways Comes In
Global Pathways Education and Publishing supports this initiative and recognizes the leadership of Chicago educators and the Chicago Teachers Union in making it happen.
We’ve been in Chicago classrooms. We’ve worked directly with students, teachers, and families across age levels. We understand what it takes to help facilitate this endeavor.
Global Pathways will make every effort to work with and partner with both Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union in any way. That includes supporting world language programs, contributing Mandarin language and culture resources, and partnering on professional development.
Chicago is investing in global education. Educators fought for that investment. Global Pathways is ready to help make it count.
The author is a Chicago Public Schools educator, a member of the Chicago Teachers Union, and the founder of Global Pathways Education and Publishing. He has taught Mandarin and spent over a decade teaching English and working in education in China. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Global Pathways Cultural Foundation and continues to work directly with students, teachers, and communities in Chicago.
Sources
Chalkbeat Chicago reporting on CPS expansion of Dual Language and World Language Education
Chicago Teachers Union statement on the expansion of Dual Language and World Language Education