How to become an ESL teacher

Is becoming an ESL teacher right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do ESL teachers do?

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How to become an ESL Teacher

Becoming an ESL teacher involves a combination of education, certification, and practical experience. Here's a guide to help you pursue a career as an ESL teacher:

  • Educational Background: Most ESL teaching positions require at least a Bachelor's Degree in Education, English, Linguistics, or a related field. Some positions may have specific requirements for the subject matter of the degree.
  • Language Proficiency: Since you'll be teaching English, a high level of proficiency in the language is essential. Many ESL programs may have specific language proficiency requirements.
  • Teacher Preparation Program: Consider enrolling in a teacher preparation program that includes coursework in ESL education. This can be a part of your undergraduate education or pursued through a post-baccalaureate program.
  • ESL Certification: While requirements vary by state, many states require ESL teachers to hold specific ESL or English language learner (ELL) certification. This may involve passing exams or completing additional coursework focused on ESL teaching strategies.
  • State Licensure: To teach in public K-12 schools, you typically need to be licensed by the state. Check the specific requirements of the state in which you plan to teach, as they may have additional requirements beyond certification.
  • Specialized Training (Optional): Some ESL teachers choose to pursue additional certifications, such as TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), to enhance their qualifications and broaden their skill set.
  • Student Teaching/Practicum: Many teacher preparation programs include a student teaching or practicum component. This hands-on experience in a classroom setting allows you to apply what you've learned in a real-world context under the supervision of an experienced teacher.
  • Networking and Professional Development: Connect with organizations such as TESOL International Association or state-level ESL teacher associations. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars to stay informed about current trends and best practices in ESL education.
  • Job Search: Once you have the necessary qualifications and certifications, start looking for ESL teaching positions. Check school district websites, educational job boards, and other relevant platforms for job opportunities.
  • Continued Professional Development: Stay current in the field by participating in workshops, continuing education courses, and staying informed about developments in ESL education. This commitment to professional growth can enhance your effectiveness as an ESL teacher.

Helpful Resources
There are numerous resources available for ESL teachers to enhance their teaching skills, stay updated on best practices, and access materials for language instruction. Here are some helpful resources:

  • TESOL International Association: TESOL is a professional organization for educators who teach English to speakers of other languages. The association offers resources, publications, webinars, and information about conferences.
  • Colorín Colorado: Colorín Colorado is a bilingual site providing resources for educators and families of English language learners. It includes articles, classroom strategies, booklists, and videos.
  • National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA): NCELA provides valuable information, resources, and research related to English learners, including policy updates, reports, and tools for educators.
  • WIDA (World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment): WIDA offers resources and assessments to support English language learners, including model performance indicators, professional development, and research.
  • Colorín Colorado YouTube Channel: Colorín Colorado's YouTube channel features videos on various topics related to teaching English language learners, including strategies for differentiating instruction and supporting diverse learners.
  • Dave's ESL Cafe: Dave's ESL Cafe is an online community for ESL teachers, offering job postings, discussion forums, lesson plans, and a variety of resources for teachers around the world.
  • American Federation of Teachers (AFT): AFT provides resources and tools for teachers working with English language learners, including articles, lesson plans, and policy briefs.
  • National Center for Education Statistics (NCES): NCES provides statistical information and reports on English language learners in the United States, offering valuable insights into the demographics and trends in this student population.
  • U.S. Department of Education - Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA): OELA provides information on federal policies and programs related to English language learners, along with resources for educators, researchers, and policymakers.
  • National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE): NCTE offers resources, articles, and position statements related to teaching English language learners, supporting educators in their professional development.