How to Become an ESL Teacher
Do you want to help change the lives of adults and children by expanding their world? Well, as an ESL teacher you can help people around the globe to converse in English; opening up a number of opportunities and developing their social skills. Read our guide and find out how to become an ESL teacher!
What Qualifications Do You Need to Be an ESL Teacher?
Different companies require a variety of qualifications for teaching ESL, with some requiring a degree and others preferring experience over academic qualifications. However, the most useful experience to have for many employers include:
Bachelor’s Degree
Many employers either require or prefer ESL teachers to have a bachelor’s degree. Most ESL teachers obtain a degree in English Literature or Language, creative writing, English as a Second Language or a bilingual degree. However, contrary to what many might think when exploring a career as an ESL teacher, you don’t necessarily need to know a language other than English in order to pursue this career (although it may be beneficial).
English Language Course
However, if you don’t have English as a first language or are not a native English speaker and need to develop your English skills, you can find online English courses online. For example, at CoursesOnline, you can enrol in the English Language Course which offers beginner and intermediate levels for learners of all backgrounds.
Teacher Training
After completing a bachelors, or before obtaining on-the-job teacher training, one key element is to complete a teacher training programme. There are a variety of teacher training courses available online and in universities or colleges, such as the Teacher Training University 2nd Year course available at CoursesOnline. Some places just require two years of higher education and experience in a language school before you can apply to become an ESL teacher.
ESL Teacher Training
You can also obtain a specialist qualification in ESL teacher training by taking a TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) course. Common courses include a Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults and a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
As a Beginner, Where Should I Start in ESL Teaching?
To be an EFL teacher, aside from an excellent grasp of the English language (spoken and written) there is a range of other skills which will be essential during your employment.
However, it’s especially important to make sure you have one or more of the qualifications outlined above as this is what will ultimately allow you to get your foot through the door. It’s also a good idea to make sure you gather some experience tutoring other people in order to demonstrate the skills you’ll need when applying for ESL positions.
Skill Set Required for an ESL Teacher
In order to be successful as an ESL teacher, you’ll need to boast the following skills:
Excellent verbal communication skills
Ability to engage
Organisation and time-management skills
Leadership
Open-mindedness
A willingness to connect with people from other cultures
What Does an ESL Teacher Do?
ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers are an essential part of many international schools where English isn’t the first language. ESL Teachers teach children and adults to read, write and converse in English, often focussing on real-life situations such as communicating at work and meeting new people. There are opportunities for ESL teachers to work both in English speaking countries such as the UK and US, as well as in countries where English isn’t a first language.
Typical Duties for an ESL Teacher
Somewhat similar to any other teaching role, ESL teaching involves responsibilities such as:
Popular Career Pathways for ESL Teachers
While many take up ESL teaching in order to go on an adventure in a foreign country and immerse themselves in different cultures, that isn’t the case for everyone. Some people use ESL teaching as a springboard to more serious teaching roles in the future. And while ESL training courses and experience aren’t enough to secure you a traditional teaching role, they will demonstrate that you have what it takes!
