TEACHING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Requirements For Teaching English As a Second Language

Teaching English as a second language abroad gives you a chance to mix travel and work together. In the United States, many teachers decide to teach English as a second language (ESL) to new adult immigrants or ESL students in the public school system. Either way, you'll need to find out the requirements for an ESL teaching certification.

ESL Teacher Requirements Abroad

Most teaching posts abroad require at least a bachelor's degree for teaching ESL. You will also need a work visa as an English teacher. Pursuing an ESL teaching certificate is not necessarily a requirement, although some more serious employers realize the educational value of hiring a certified ESL teacher as opposed to one who simply speaks and writes English fluently. If you decide to go this route, read literature on schools, culture, working environment and culture of your host country.

ESL Teacher Requirements in the United States

ESL teacher requirements in the United States are a bit more complex. If you decide to teach ESL to school-age immigrant children in public schools, you will need to complete teacher certification according to the teacher requirements of your state. If your state has them, you can also enroll in alternative ESL teacher certification programs. Find out also the possibility of registering for an online teacher ESL certification program as well as specializations, endorsements or other framework of ESL coursework.

Teaching ESL at Colleges and Universities

Many immigrant adults register for ESL courses at community colleges or at ESL learning centers that may be affiliated with a college or university. Depending on whether you decide to teach ESL either in the US or abroad, you will need to complete appropriate coursework on least on the MA level, if not on the PHD level such as a degree in TESOL. (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL. (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

ESL Teacher Training

Like any job or degree pursuit, the best way to test whether teaching ESL is right for you is to spend a few hours volunteering or finding a summer job in the ESL field by signing up as an ESL tutor. You can also volunteer your teaching services through any continuing adult education program, community center or library.

Good Luck! With the proper research, you can weigh your options carefully, before plunking down your cold hard cash for an expensive ESL degree or related program.

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