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Articles > Education > How to become an ESL teacher

How to become an ESL teacher

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed by Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT

Image of random letters in a thought bubble to signify language and how to become an ESL teacher

English as a second language (ESL) teachers provide English education to non-native speakers. These students take classes to become more English fluent, or they may know multiple languages but want to learn English. Under the guidance of an ESL instructor, students improve skills in speaking, writing, reading and comprehending English.

How to become an ESL teacher and learning the role

For those wondering how to become an ESL teacher, ESL and ELL (English language learner) teachers handle many responsibilities on a daily basis. They perform tasks like lesson planning, class instruction and student mentorship. Eglish as a Second Language/ELL instructors also create and grade exams, use technology as needed and provide support for those who need extra help.

Here are a few other  of English as a second language instructors:

  • Evaluate language progress and development
  • Use technology like language learning software, instruction videos and online grading systems
  • Maintain records of attendance, progress and results

It’s also important these educators are culturally aware so they can navigate relationships with students from other countries.

Staying informed about the latest teaching techniques is also helpful for all teachers, including ESL and ELL instructors. This might mean attending conferences, obtaining certifications or pursuing additional degree programs that help better serve students.

Other forms of ESL methods include Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), Teaching English as a second language (TESL) and Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL). Whichever learning method they employ,  in English and achieve their language learning goals.

Helpful skills for teaching English as a second language

These types of teachers rely on a variety of skills to help them connect with students, recognize opportunities for improvement and empathize with those who might experience challenges during the learning process, including:

  • Patience
  • Communication
  • Resourcefulness
  • Adaptability
  • Creativity and problem-solving
  • Observation
  • Time management
  • Technological proficiency

By teachers leveraging these skills and cultural sensitivity, students of a second language can experience a supportive, inclusive learning environment.

Where to teach ESL

·ˇł§ł˘Ěý may be found in one or more of the following places:

  • K-12 public schools
  • Private language schools
  • Community colleges and universities
  • Online academic institutions

A number of these teachers  instead of children. While some are employed by colleges and universities, others work directly with adult education centers. In some cases, ESL instructors will also work privately with businesses to train employees.

ł§´Çłľ±đĚý might be specific to a particular work environment. For example, English as an additional language (EAL) students are multilingual. They may have chosen to focus on English as a second, third or fourth language.

Depending on the state there might be abbreviations such as English language teaching (ELT) and English as an international language (EIL). Those abbreviations represent how various states describe their students whose first language is not English.

Global opportunities to teach English as a second language

English as a seond language teachers can work almost anywhere in the world. Institutes, language schools and universities around the world offer positions to instructors who can .

Technologies in messaging and videoconferencing can also allow these teachers to work remotely. The right software and a strong internet connection can facilitate communicating with students who live all over the globe. Instructors can answer students’ questions, grade coursework and provide student support while working remotely.

The steps for how to become an ESL teacher

Each state has different education requirements for teaching ESL, but there are typically certain steps to follow to become eligible for hire. These can include earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree, obtaining a teaching license and completing specific ESL certifications.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

At a minimum, most ESL teachers must  before they’re eligible for hire. In most countries, this undergraduate degree must be issued by an accredited university that offers a combination of coursework and student teaching opportunities.

Many will complete a bachelor’s degree in education or in a closely related field. These programs teach fundamentals that help the teachers develop students’ academic, social and cognitive skills.

2. Obtain a teaching license

After completing a bachelor’s degree, teachers need to obtain a teaching license in the state where they want to work. The licensure process requires teachers to complete classes, pass exams and finish a certain number of professional experience hours.

Requirements for obtaining a teaching license vary by state. States issue their own teaching licenses. In some cases, one state’s teaching certification might be transferable to another state with similar license requirements.

3. Endorsements for teaching ESL

Teachers can further improve their ESL skills by earning an additional certification or endorsement. Some positions require this. Endorsements can provide new skills in ESL instruction and may improve earning power and expand your career potential. In many cases, teachers could be required to additionally  or endorsements to teach ESL in an elementary or secondary school.

 Some common add-on certifications or endorsements are:

  • TEFL certificate: Certification designed for teachers working with students in non-native-speaking countries
  • TESOL certificate: A range of certificates made for ESL teachers at various skill levels
  • Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA): Comprehensive programs that provide training in ESL teaching and theory, including language analysis
  • Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (DELTA): An advanced certification for experienced ESL teachers, which includes further teacher development and assessment

Additional certification allows ESL teachers to stay up to date in their industry. Among other skills, ESL certifications teach instructors how to relate to students, implement modern teaching techniques, create exams and connect with learners who might need special attention.

4. Consider a master’s degree

Teaching ESL in a college or university environment often requires a master’s degree in education.

Master’s programs improve your knowledge of education fundamentals and reinforce skills like problem-solving, decision-making and research. Some postsecondary schools, particularly those overseas, require that ESL teachers complete a doctoral degree in education before they are hired.

Some institutions offer ESL-specific master’s degree programs, though this specialty isn’t always required by employers. More often, learners can become ESL teachers through a combination of education and professional experience.

A master’s degree helps deepen students’ proficiency in, and respect for, a particular career path. Master’s program graduates develop an appreciation for learning materials and learn new ways to apply research, communication and collaboration skills.

How to gain experience teaching English as a second language

There are many ways to gain experience teaching English as a second language outside of ESL teaching jobs. Some people work as substitute teachers. This role allows future ESL teachers to develop skills and gain exposure to various classroom environments outside of ELS teacher jobs, whether it’s part-time or full-time work.

Some students transitioning from another career field might gain experience through a teaching certificate. Online certificate programs provide education for learners seeking specific skills. Such curricula are particularly helpful for professionals who might already have a bachelor’s degree in another field.

Learn more about how to become an ESL teacher

If you're wondering how to become an ESL teacher, °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ education programs do not prepare students for licensure, certification or endorsement as an ESL teacher. However, UOPX offers online education degree programs and certificates that teach vital skills such as leadership, cultural awareness and more:

Contact °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ for more information.

Headshot of Michael Feder

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.

Headshot of Kathryn Uhles

ABOUT THE REVIEWER

Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝ in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in °®ÎŰ´«Ă˝.

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