Van Hollen, Cardin, Sarbanes Announce Nearly $500,000 for Towson University to Advance Bilingual Educator Development

Today, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman John Sarbanes (all D-Md.) announced $476,777 in federal funding for Towson University to improve educator development and increase the academic outcomes for English learners within the Anne Arundel County Public School (AACPS) system.

English learners are students who are developing English language proficiency. These students are often multilingual learners who come from non-English speaking homes who require modified instruction in the English language and in their academic courses.  

“Every child deserves access to a quality education that meets their learning needs. This federal funding will help equip our educators with more resources to improve bilingual educational services to better reach and prepare English learners for success inside and outside of the classroom. We will continue working to provide our students and educators with the tools they need to succeed,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Everyone has a right to equal educational opportunities, even if their guardians’ primary language is not English,” said Senator Cardin. “Team Maryland is committed to expanding access to education and securing federal funds for teacher professional development to ensure that students have optimal instruction and learning environments. These federal funds continue to expand the ability of Maryland’s educators to serve English learners and support a critical component of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.”

“English-learners have limitless potential with access to a quality education. As the diversity of Maryland grows, we must dedicate federal resources to enhancing learning programs that serve the entire student population. This federal funding, awarded to the respected education program at Towson University, will prepare teachers and education specialists with the qualifications and skills they need to help the next generation of English-learners succeed in the classroom,” said Congressman Sarbanes. 

In addition to the funds for Towson University, $568,048 in funds were awarded to the National Association for Bilingual Education based in Wheaton, Maryland to conduct national activities to support educators of English learners.

Funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Professional Development Program through Fiscal Year 2021 Funds. Awards will be used to provide funding for high-quality professional development programs to improve English learning classroom instruction, as well as assist with educational personnel to might high professional standards, including certifications and licensure.