Online ESL/Bilingual/TESOL Degrees
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Careers for ESL/bilingual/TESOL majors focus mainly on instruction and education of English as a second language. Individuals certified in these areas serve as classroom teachers for English language learners. They also specialize in assisting students to prepare for college entrance exams and certification of their English language skills. Higher-level ESL jobs may include writing curriculum and serving as a program administrator for an ESL program. English as a second language and bilingual education allow teachers to specialize in the instruction of English to non-native speakers. Teachers typically train in education and linguistics and must master teaching specifically designed to help students learn English.
A career in ESL allows teachers to work in elementary, secondary and postsecondary education settings. It is also quite common for teachers to relocate to a foreign country, where they can serve as a classroom teacher for ESL education. Many teachers focus on instructing specialized classes, such as TESOL, that allow students to complete certified coursework in English. These certifications are often used to qualify individuals for employment or educational opportunities that require a minimum level of spoken and written English. Upper-level work in ESL and bilingual education typically focuses on training new teachers and creating new curriculum. Professionals with advanced standing in bilingual education may serve as post-secondary professors or they may also specialize in the development, testing, and research of new teaching materials in ESL education.
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Learn more about Walden University
What are some of the specializations within this degree program?
- Teacher: ESL teachers work directly with students who are learning English. Teachers can work at any level, from early childhood to adult, and are responsible for helping students master the skills of speaking, reading, and writing in English.
- Teacher Trainer: Teacher trainers are experienced bilingual teachers who have worked with TESOL curriculum and have direct classroom experience. Teacher trainers typically work with new ESL teachers to instruct teacher-training courses and prepare new teacher to deliver ESL curriculum to a wide variety of age levels. Teachers and teacher trainers may specialize in any age group, including young children, school-aged children, teens, and adults.
- Curriculum Developer: An ESL curriculum developer writes books and workbooks for ESL and TESOL courses. This curriculum can include written exercises, video, audio activities, and reference books. Curriculum developers specialize in creating new instructional materials specifically designed to meet the needs of a particular learning cohort or knowledge level.
- Program Administrator: ESL and TESOL program administrators are typically very experienced in both ESL instruction and curriculum development. Administrators are responsible for hiring teachers and evaluating program quality. They also complete basic tasks related to human resources, program budgeting, and daily oversight of educational programs in schools or language programs.
What degree levels are available?
- Associate: 2 years to complete
- Bachelor of Arts: 4 years to complete
- Master's Degree: 2 years to complete
- Doctorate Degree: 3-5 years to complete
What are the educational and certification requirements?
Education for careers in ESL and bilingual education entails in-depth study of teaching practices for English language learning programs. Students learn how to present ESL students with all basic concepts that are critical to speaking, reading, and writing in English. Students in a ESL teaching program learn how to instruct non-speakers as well as more advanced speakers. Some coursework will also focus in skills for instructing speaking, listening, reading or writing depending on the student population and their skill level.
ESL and bilingual instructors must complete intensive training in classroom instruction. They learn to present educational material and evaluate students progress through student-teaching and internship experiences. New student-teachers will usually study under an experienced, certified teacher in the classroom setting.
Many employers require specialized certification in ESL/bilingual instruction in addition to a degree. Two of the most common certifications are TEFL and CELTA. These courses can be completed through intensive study or over the course of one or two semesters. Completion of the program grants the participant certification to teach at most levels of ESL education. Some specialized certifications are also available but are not typically required by employers.
What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?
The courses covered in ESL and bilingual education degree programs cover a wide range of topics with regard to cultural sensitivity, communication styles, pronunciation, and effective teaching methods for a diverse classroom. For example, Teaching Pronunciation as a Communicative Skill emphasizes intonation, rhythm, vowels, and consonant sounds in American English. It also examines the psychological aspects of communication. (UC Berkeley)
Other ESL program courses include lesson planning, living and working abroad, teaching reading and writing, vocabulary and grammar, and teaching in a multicultural setting.
If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?
It depends on the program. For example, a master's in English language learning might include a practicum in order to learn the ins and outs of teaching in a real classroom, but a TOSOL or TEFL certificate can be completed exclusively online. Students should research their program of interest to find out whether they will be required to complete on-site training in addition to the online courses.
What are some other degrees that are related to this program?
Reading and Literacy Education: These programs focus on the instruction of reading and writing skills. Graduates of these programs work a reading specialists and often provide special education services to students with poor reading skills or low levels of literacy. Reading and literacy specialists also perform reading a writing assessments for students or individuals who may need specialized help with English literacy.
Master's in Teaching: Graduates of master's in teaching programs typically train to provide classroom instruction in a given subject area. Individuals with master's of teaching have been trained to serve as teachers of instructors in public and private schools, and are required to complete student teaching internships as well as in-depth studies in instruction.
Education Specializations: Graduates of diploma programs in education specialization typically study an area of education such as classroom instruction, curriculum development and English as a Second Language. Students in these programs may serve as researchers or instructors at levels that range from early childhood to post-secondary.
