Building Bridges Through Language: San José Unified's TWBI Program Fosters Bilingual Excellence and Cultural Connections

The Two-Way Bilingual Immersion (TWBI) program at San José Unified has been fostering bilingual education for over 30 years, providing students with instruction in both English and Spanish. In this immersive environment, classrooms typically consist of half native Spanish speakers and half native English speakers, promoting language proficiency and academic excellence in both languages.

Nine of San José Unified's schools offer this program, which aims to enhance communication and literacy skills, ensure mastery of grade-level content standards, and cultivate cultural appreciation among students and their families. 

In the vibrant halls of Herbert Hoover Middle School, a unique journey unfolds every day. Students immerse themselves in TWBI, a place where language becomes a bridge to family, friendships, and cultural understanding. 

Eighth-grader Tomas Orellano has been part of the TWBI program since kindergarten. For him, the program is more than just a way to learn another language; it's a bridge to connect with his family and friends. "My family speaks Spanish, and I get to communicate with all my friends and family," Tomas shares. This ability to converse with his grandparents, who only speak Spanish, has been particularly meaningful for him. “If it wasn’t for the TWBI program, I wouldn’t be able to talk to people like my grandma and grandpa.”

Tomas doesn’t just see TWBI as a language program; it’s a community. "In the Hoover community, there’s a lot of groups, but I think the TWBI program is one of the great groups." He lights up as he talks about the friendships he’s forged, emphasizing the welcoming environment that has enriched his middle school experience. “It gives you an opportunity to meet great teachers and learn a fun language,” he adds, encouraging younger students to consider joining.

Ms. Erica Gil, a 7th and 8th grade Spanish language arts and social studies teacher, embodies the spirit of TWBI. With Spanish as her first language, Ms. Gil brings a personal understanding of the challenges and joys of bilingual education. She understands the nuances of academic and social language, enhancing her students’ learning experience. "It’s really important for native Spanish speakers to keep their language," she explains. "TWBI helps you stay on that track, and for students who don’t speak Spanish at home, it opens so many doors."

Ms. Gil believes the program fosters a unique cultural climate that enriches the classroom experience. She explains that this bilingual environment cultivates language skills and a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. “We get to feel and express our emotions in ways we can connect in both languages," she says. As Ms. Gil reflects on her journey as a teacher in the TWBI program, she expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to foster such a vibrant learning environment. “I didn’t know this is where I would end up, but I am so glad I did. The culture is amazing, especially here at Hoover.” she says, her eyes shining enthusiastically.

The TWBI program is designed to develop dual language proficiency while instilling a sense of cultural pride and community. Students in the program receive instruction in English and Spanish, ensuring they attain academic excellence across all subjects. As Tomas puts it, “All my teachers in TWBI have been great like Ms.Cadena, Ms. Casareto, and Ms. Gil. But not just teachers, all of the staff here at Hoover are great and help us get better every day.”

Families interested in joining the TWBI program are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming orientation sessions running from December 4th through February 28th. More information can be found here. This commitment to bilingual education is a journey from kindergarten through high school, but the benefits extend far beyond academics. As Tomas and Ms. Gil illustrate, the rewards are profound—language fluency, cultural appreciation, and lifelong friendships.

If you’re considering the TWBI program for your child, know it offers a remarkable opportunity to learn and grow in a supportive bilingual environment. Tomas’s story and Ms. Gil's passion are just two examples of the beautiful experiences awaiting students in the TWBI program. 

We invite you to join our TWBI community and discover the many benefits of bilingual education at San José Unified!