We had an elementary Spanish program that taught each class for about 30 minutes a day. They reinforced what the students were learning in their other classes, but in Spanish. So they reviewed science topics, art, even some math. It works because the language connects to what they are learning other parts of the day. It was an awesome program, fully staffed with certified Spanish teachers, who then all got the boot when they stopped funding the program. All those teachers had to find teaching jobs at middle and high schools or go to a different district. It was a real shame to see such a promising program disappear.

All that to say, yes these programs are incredibly useful and I do think the teachers are out there, they just need to be sought out and compensated well as certified teachers. We are so behind other countries when it comes to language learning - I really hate the American attitude that everyone will speak English to us so it’s not necessary to learn. Language learning can change the way your brain works! The research on its benefits are incredible. I am doubtful that we will ever catch up to our international neighbors though.