As the American population becomes more diverse, there is an increasing demand for teachers who are trained and certified to teach English as a Second Language (ESL). These teachers help English Language Learners (ELLs) become fluent in the language. An ESL teacher may be an ELL student’s primary teacher or an auxiliary teacher who assists with language-intensive subject matter. ESL teachers work with students who all speak the same native language (such as Spanish), as well as with groups of students who speak different languages.
Teachers who have an ESL certification are typically qualified to teach non-English speaking children and adults in the United States. They also usually posses the credentials required to teach English abroad. The benefits of being an ESL teacher include the opportunity to experience other cultures and the satisfaction that comes from helping students become more fluent in the English language.
Demand for ESL Teachers
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a job growth rate of 13 percent for teachers between 2008 and 2018. The BLS has also reported that the number of non-English speaking students is expected to grow, and that bilingual and ESL teachers for kindergarten through grade 12 will have better than average prospects for employment. Jobs for adult literacy and remedial education are also expected to grow by 15 percent in the same period, and the demand for ESL teachers for adults is expected to be especially high. Additionally, there is demand for ESL teachers to work as private tutors. The demand for such self-enrichment teachers, including tutors, is expected to grow by 32 percent between 2008 and 2018.
U.S. ESL Certification
The process for becoming certified to teach ESL varies depending on whether you aim to teach in the United States or elsewhere in the world. In America, an ESL teacher must first obtain teaching certification by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree and completing a teacher preparation program. Once teaching certification has been obtained, an ESL subject test can be taken to receive ESL certification. Additional ESL coursework and classroom practice may also be required.
A Master of Arts in Teaching degree with a focus on ESL is another path to certification. MAT ESL programs are designed for students who have a bachelor’s degree and want to earn a master’s degree and ESL certification concurrently. Graduates of MAT ESL programs also typically earn higher salaries.
Each U.S. state has its own ESL requirements and standardized test that reflect the state’s educational guidelines. Some states have alternative teaching certification programs that are open to educators seeking ESL certification. Contact your state’s department of education for more information about ESL certification requirements and alternate ESL certification programs.
International ESL Certification
ESL certification is sometimes not required to teach English in another country but having it can increase a candidate’s chances of being hired. In addition, several internationally recognized certification courses are available to help prepare an educator to work in a foreign country. Each course covers the theory and practice of English language teaching, and is available both online and on campus at accredited colleges and universities.
