TESOL Teacher

TESOL Teacher Overview

TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) teachers work with students whose native language is not English. TESOL teachers often provide English-language teaching to non-native English speakers living in English-speaking countries, which means they often work with first-generation immigrants as well as refugees. TESOL teachers have the goal of helping students integrate into their country's educational, work, and cultural environments.

Teachers are responsible for teaching students basic skills such as grammar, vocabulary, writing, speaking, listening and pronunciation. In addition, TESOL teachers advance students' English skills through conversational exercises, in-class games and projects designed to immerse students in the English language, writing exercises, exams, and quizzes. Depending on the employer, TESOL teachers may have freedom and flexibility to create their own lesson plans and curriculum, or may be expected to work from a pre-designed lesson plan.

TESOL Teacher Training and Education

TESOL teacher training is widely available at specialized schools around the globe. Teacher certification courses are typically about 60 hours and allow TESOL teachers to work around the world.

A typical certification course begins with a conceptual introduction to English as a Second Language, as well as an overview of educational theory, second-language acquisition, classroom management, teaching across age and proficiency levels, living and working abroad, lesson planning, and cultural sensitivity in the classroom.

Other issues tackled by TESOL teacher training include teaching in a multicultural setting, the globalization of the job market, and effective use of ESL teaching resources and activities. Training courses also provides hands-on instruction with regard to teaching writing, pronunciation, reading, speaking and listening, vocabulary skills, grammar, idioms, and slang. Mock classroom activities as well as peer and instructor evaluations are used to provide feedback. Students will also learn the ins and outs of resume writing, job applications, and evaluating job opportunities around the world.

Fees for training courses vary by location and course length. For specifics, check with your school of choice.

TESOL Teacher Career and Salary Outlook

Salaries for TESOL teachers range substantially depending on individual employers as well as geographic location. However, a general idea of teaching salaries is provided by PayScale.com, which ranks median salaries for TESOL teachers in the United States by associated benefits.

According to PayScale, TESOL jobs offering paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave have a median annual salary of $50,000, while those offering reimbursement for educational expenses have a median annual salary of $53,495. TESOL jobs offering life insurance and disability have a median annual salary of $45,009, while those with a 401(K) retirement plan have a median annual salary of $40,963.

TESOL Teacher Career Fields and Specializations

TESOL teachers work in a range of environments including primary and secondary education, higher education, and adult education. They also work as researchers as well as with other emerging TESOL teachers.

Though TESOL teachers are widely found in English-speaking countries, they work all over the globe. In addition to working in the classroom, many TESOL teachers work as teacher-trainers, teaching new TESOL teachers how to work with students.

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