ESL Teacher Training

There are several types of ESL certificates and training courses.

Choosing a career in education as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher gives you many different job opportunities. There are several options, from teaching at a United States public or private school, to traveling abroad and teaching English at one of the dozens of types of schools and programs in South America, Europe and Asia. Whether you choose to teach at home or abroad, you will have a variety of students with different native languages. Therefore you do not need to be proficient in any language other than English to be an ESL teacher. The type of ESL teacher training required will depend on which of these jobs you choose.

ESL Teacher Certification

There are a few types of ESL teaching certificates, including Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), and Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) certification. These certificates are internationally recognized, and deciding which to pursue is a matter of finding the best fit for your ideal ESL teaching job.

State Certified ESL Teacher

If you are interested in becoming a certified ESL public or private school teacher in the United States, the training required will vary from state to state. In most cases you will need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in education or interdisciplinary studies that will prepare you for that state's certification that is mandatory for all teachers.

Specialty ESL Schools

If you prefer teaching ESL at after-school programs, business ESL schools for adults, or a school specifically for students traveling from abroad to study English in the U.S., that school will most likely have specific training before you begin. The best way to prepare for any of these jobs is to have a bachelor's degree in education with a language focus. You may also consider trying to get your TESOL, TEFL or CELTA certification.

Teaching ESL Abroad

Training requirements for ESL teachers overseas varies depending on the country and whether you are interested in teaching at a private or public school. In many cases, all you need is a bachelor's degree to secure an ESL teaching position at a private school abroad. Investing in a TESOL, TEFL or CELTA certificate may qualify you for higher salaries and positions at more prestigious schools and universities.

ESL Certification Courses

The TESOL, TEFL and CELTA certificates, as well as several other methods of ESL certification and training, are available through enrollment in several university and institute courses, such as the American TESOL Institute, The Boston Language Institute and the University of Cambridge. These courses range from part-time classes to intensive courses that may include room and board.

Online ESL Certification

If you are unable to find a course for the ESL training you want in your town, you may be able to get your ESL certification online. Like any course, be sure before paying tuition that the course you choose is accredited and reputable. A few good choices include the American TESOL Institute, TESOL Courses and TEFL Courses.

References

• Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language
• Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults

Resources

• American TESOL Institute
• The Boston Language Institute
• University of Cambridge
• TESOL Courses
• TEFL Courses