How to Get Started as an ESL Teacher

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Working as an ESL teacher can be both a rewarding and thriving choice. With the influx of immigrants reaching the country every year and the many people around the world looking to learn English, there has never been a better time to join the profession.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Obtain a certification. There are a lot of ESL schools around, both online and in the form of weekend workshops. The best ones combine theory with teaching practice, but there are no formal requirements as to what you need in order to become certified.

Step2

Look for community centers in areas with large immigrant populations. Many either offer ESL classes or workshops in other subjects (arts, fitness, reading) aimed to people with basic English skills. If you are proficient in a second language, this could be a great way to get in touch with the ESL community and practice your skills as an instructor.

Step3

Talk to your local school. You may not be able to get an official job there unless you have a teaching degree, but it may still be possible to volunteer at after-school programs for bilingual children. Your duties may include helping with homework (while at the same time teaching English) or acting as a sort of babysitter. In any case, you will be sharing basic language with young students.

Step4

Consider taking a job abroad. Most ESL teachers actually start their careers in Asia or South America. Because of the high demand for English teachers there, most schools are willing to take anybody who is a native speaker and has a basic ESL certification. This could be a great way to gain experience and build up a resume, as long as you are willing to commit 6 to 12 months to it.

Step5

Visit ESL websites such as ESLCafe.com, where you can access forums, talk to others currently teaching and see job opportunities around the world (see Resources below). Understanding what the job really entails is an important step in getting started and realizing if you are ready to get into the field.

Tips & Warnings

Some libraries offer an ESL tutoring certification for free if you agree to volunteer some hours as an instructor to immigrants. This could be a great opportunity if you cannot afford traditional schooling but still want the benefit of practice and supervision.