ESL Teacher

ESL Teacher Overview

English as a second language (ESL) teachers instruct individuals whose native language is not English. They help to improve English literacy through reading, writing, and speaking English.

ESL teachers may work with youth in elementary or secondary schools, with adults through adult literacy and remedial education services, or in other countries. ESL teachers either specialize in providing assistance to a specific language or may work with students from a wide range of language backgrounds.

ESL teachers need to be able to work with students from a variety of cultural, educational, and economic backgrounds.

ESL Teacher Training and Education

ESL teachers working in school systems must almost always obtain the same education as traditional teachers. This means holding at least a bachelor’s degree. In addition, a language background and special certification may be required.

ESL teachers working with adults through agencies typically must hold a bachelor’s degree. Some organizations may require a master’s degree in adult education or ESL instruction. Some states require ESL teachers to have a public school teacher license or an adult education license.

The requirements for ESL teachers working abroad vary by country, but typically the instructor must be fluent in that countries language and have training as a teacher.

Many colleges and universities offer ESL programs – which are often referred to as Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or TESOL. A bachelor’s degree in TESOL is available at many schools. TESOL programs usually include instruction in linguistics, curriculum design, cross-cultural communication and language acquisition.

ESL Teacher Career and Salary Outlook

As more individuals immigrate to the United States and with increased globalization, there will be an increasing need for ESL teachers at all levels – both inside and outside the United States. Domestically, opportunities will be greater in states with more immigrants, including Texas and California.

ESL teaching positions and wages vary widely. Some are part-time or paid-per-class positions. Teachers in public schools should expect to earn wages similar to other teachers in their districts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a full-time adult education ESL teacher is $47,830. Wages for instructors working abroad can range for covering the cost of room and board to more than $36,000, depending on the country.

Interpreters

Interpreters take one spoken language and convert it into another. Interpreters must pay attention carefully, understand what is communicated in both languages, and express thoughts and ideas clearly.

Translators

Translators convert written materials from one language into another. Many different organizations require translators, from government agencies and hospitals, to large companies with offshore accounts, to individuals who need help with translation. Some languages, however, are in higher demand than others. If you have an aptitude for foreign languages, you should look into learning Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, and Russian.

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