An English as a Second Language teacher is responsible for instructing non-native English speaking students.You help students learn the English language by focusing on areas such as speaking, reading and writing.You teach students about the different cultures of English-speaking people in the United States.Before you can teach non-native English speaking students, you need to know how to become an ESL teacher.
Step 1: You need to apply to a college.
A 4-year degree from an accredited university or college is required to become an ESL teacher.Most schools have English, education or teacher training programs.If you want your future job applications to be as strong as possible, you should choose a school that has a good reputation in the field you are entering.
Step 2: Pick a major.
A bachelor's degree in education, teaching or English is required.Depending on the program and college you choose, the degree takes 4 to 5 years to complete.How you package yourself as a job candidate will depend on which major you choose.Many colleges and universities have joint degree programs that allow you to focus on specific aspects of two majors while earning one bachelor's degree.The degree granting programs are ideal for teachers of English as a Second Language.
Step 3: Take core courses.
In order to get a degree in teaching or education, you will need to take core courses related to syllabus development, testing, and assessment techniques.General education classes include math and political science.It's a good idea to take general history courses.It is possible that knowing the history of a country will make it easier to teach them English.
Step 4: Take foreign language courses.
It is not necessary to learn a foreign language to become an ESL teacher.The language you choose is up to you.You will have an easier time finding a job if you learn languages that are in demand.Many European nations, especially in northern and western Europe, have a strong knowledge of the English language.Learning a language like German, Dutch, or Norwegian won't be as popular as learning Chinese, Spanish or French.European languages are used as official languages in many developing nations.It won't do you any good to learn a foreign language when you can teach it in French to people from other countries.
Step 5: You have to complete a teaching internship.
To graduate with a bachelor's degree in education, you must complete an internship.The internship can be arranged by your department.In the junior or senior year, interns are typically offered for 1 or 2 semesters.College credit may be offered by interns who don't pay regular wages.A small stipend may be offered.
Step 6: You should know why you want a master's degree.
A graduate degree can take 2 to 3 years to complete.The minimum requirement to work is four years, but some employers may prefer a graduate degree teacher.Having this degree will increase your chances of being hired, as well as increasing your pay grade once employed.
Step 7: If you want a master's program, apply.
There are programs in the field of education or teacher training that are well-respected.The strength of a department lies in the teaching and research strengths of its faculty members.To find out who you will be working with, be sure to research departmental webpages.A faculty adviser is required for most graduate programs.If this is the case with the program you choose, you should contact the faculty members directly to see if they will work with you.In your application essay, you should mention which faculty members you would like to work with.
Step 8: You need to complete your course.
Basic methodology and literature review courses will be required.You should choose the remaining courses that fulfill your degree requirements based on the faculty member overseeing the course and the topic of it.
Step 9: There is a network.
It is possible to find a job later on if you engage with other respected-faculty members and other students at graduate schools.You should take every opportunity to attend conferences, workshops and seminars.Depending on the size of your department, you may be able to get money to attend conferences, workshops and seminars.
Step 10: Do you want to write a thesis?
You need to research and write your master's thesis to complete your graduate degree.Your contribution to ongoing scholarly debates in your area of expertise is represented in this document.Your adviser should be able to help you identify a topic and find resources for your thesis.
Step 11: Obtain letters of recommendation.
If you are nearing the end of your degree program, you will want to ask three faculty members, who know you and your work well, for letters of recommendation.These letters are an essential part of your application.
Step 12: Join organizations.
You can learn more about the career with the help of these organizations.They will allow you to meet people who may be able to provide you with job opportunities, references, or advice on finding a job.The global organization that holds annual conventions, maintains online forums and provides access to TESOL resource centers is one of the groups.The American branch of IAAL, called the American Association for Applied Linguistics, gives access to peer-reviewed journals, holds annual conferences, and grants student travel awards.The International Association of Worldwide Englishes is a group that brings teachers together, runs a journal, and holds conferences throughout the year.The International Language Testing Association is an organization that runs newsletters, holds online discussions, and hosts annual conferences for people interested in developing testing to gauge how individuals learn languages.
Step 13: You have to earn a TESOL certificate.
You must have a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certificate in order to teach English as a Second Language.You can get the certificate through community colleges or online.
Step 14: You need to pass the state teaching exam.
All teachers have to get a license to teach in public schools and adult education programs.A bachelor's degree is required to take the exam for the license.
Step 15: Work as a teacher.
You are ready to begin your teaching career.College advisers or online employment websites can help you find a job.You may be able to find work for ESL teachers in other countries.If you plan to work abroad, you will want to apply for or renew your passport, and look into getting a visa, if one is needed for where you are going.There are many websites and online resources for teachers looking to work abroad.Dave's ESL Cafe provides a list of jobs available around the globe for people looking to teach ESL abroad.There are opportunities in the Middle East and Asia.There are a number of suggestions on the Go Abroad website for finding employment abroad.There are many opportunities on this site.There are lots of opportunities to teach in the US as well.The user can look for opportunities by country or region on the ESL 101 website.There is a database on the TESOL website that can help you find a job in the U.S.If you're looking for employment, be sure to search for all the associated acronyms, like EFL, TEFL, ESOL, EAL, and so on.This will add to your job pool.Links to job search sites can be found on university and college webpages.Look for English, teacher-training, and education websites.You will want to look at state government and local school district websites to see if there are any openings for teachers in your area.