ESL: A Career that Offers Endless Possibilities

ESL teachers help students from other countries learn the English language. As you probably already know, ESL stands for "English as a Second Language." In the United States, with immigration at an all time high, the need for qualified ESL teachers has never been greater. But ESL teachers do more than simply teach foreign students a new language, they also help them adapt to a new environment and learn the intricacies of a new culture. It is fulfilling and rewarding job that gives the teacher the opportunity to learn about other people and cultures.

ESL Requirements for Teaching

The first thing you have to do is earn an undergraduate education degree that concentrates on ESL. The goal behind this avenue is to teach you the language first, then focus on showing you how to teach others if you wish to do this as a career. They are given out through various modern teaching techniques that are geared for this day and age. Once you've earned your initial degree, the door is left open for a more advanced degree in ESL. All you need to do is take the state license exam to get certified.

Most of the students who become teachers choose to start out as regular school teachers. In fact, if you have goals set in place, you may opt to work as a professor at a community college or four year school. However, you will have to have an advanced degree to become a college professor.

Now, if you have other daily priorities (such as children), then you may need to take on a part-time teaching career. Keep in mind this is possible, and since ESL can provide flexibility you will be able to do both. Many of the students turned teachers have taught night classes or provided private tutoring because of their daily schedules. Whatever situation you're in, it's just nice to know that your ESL career won't interfere with your personal life. If you're free to do whatever then you may want to think about teaching foreign employees from various companies.

If you are an ESL student with who likes to travel, you will be excited to discover that ELS teachers are as sought after overseas as they are here, in the States. Although compensation does depend on the country you choose to teach in. If, for example, you decide to travel to Europe, it is likely that you will have to pay your own expenses, so you may not save as much money as in other parts of the world. However, if you decide to travel a bit farther into the Middle Easy or Asia, you will be far more likely to locate a high-paying ESL job. Many of the countries in these areas have a desperately low supply or ESL teachers, while at the same time demand for them is growing.

Many schools and programs in these areas offer qualified teachers free airfare, room and board, as well as a generous living stipend. The countries that are known to provide the best deals to ESL teachers include: China, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand.

But before you make a verbal agreement or sign a contract, it is always a good idea to do a little research on the school you will be teaching at. Do they have a good reputation? If possible, ask to speak directly with any foreign teachers the school employs. You can also post questions on ESL website forums and attempt to locate someone who has worked in the school.