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Articles > Education >聽How to become an ESL teacher

How to become an ESL teacher

Michael Feder

Written by Michael Feder

Kathryn Uhles

Reviewed by聽Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP,聽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聽聽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鈥檚 also important these educators are culturally aware so they can navigate relationships with students from other countries.

Staying informed about the聽latest teaching techniques聽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,聽聽in English and achieve their language learning goals.

Helpful skills for teaching English as a second language

These types of teachers rely on a聽variety of skills聽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

贰厂尝听聽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聽聽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.

厂辞尘别听聽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聽.

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鈥� 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鈥檚 or master鈥檚 degree, obtaining a teaching license and completing specific ESL certifications.

1. Earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree

At a minimum, most ESL teachers must聽聽before they鈥檙e 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聽bachelor鈥檚 degree in education聽or in a closely related field. These programs teach fundamentals that help the teachers develop students鈥� academic, social and cognitive skills.

2. Obtain a teaching license

After completing a bachelor鈥檚 degree, teachers need to聽obtain a teaching license聽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聽vary by state. States issue their own teaching licenses. In some cases, one state鈥檚 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聽聽or endorsements to teach ESL in an elementary or secondary school.

聽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鈥檚 degree

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

Master鈥檚 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聽doctoral degree in education聽before they are hired.

Some institutions offer ESL-specific master鈥檚 degree programs, though this specialty isn鈥檛 always required by employers. More often, learners can become ESL teachers through a combination of education and professional experience.

A master鈥檚 degree helps deepen students鈥� proficiency in, and respect for, a particular career path. Master鈥檚 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聽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鈥檚 part-time or full-time work.

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

Learn more about how to become an ESL teacher

If you're wondering how to become an ESL teacher, 乐鱼体育 education programs do not prepare students for licensure, certification or endorsement as an ESL teacher. However, UOPX offers聽online education degree programs聽and certificates that teach vital skills such as leadership, cultural awareness and more:

Contact 乐鱼体育 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 乐鱼体育 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,聽Kathryn Uhles has served 乐鱼体育 in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining 乐鱼体育, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.

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