How to Find an ESL Teaching Job

Thinking about changing careers and looking for a more enriching experience? Teaching ESL (English as a second language) either abroad or in your local area is a great way to connect with another culture through a common medium--teaching English. Every day the numbers of ESL speakers grow, but not nearly as much as the need for ESL teachers. Learn of the vast opportunities and what you need to do to acquire an ESL teaching job.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide what age groups you would like to teach and whether you want to teach ESL abroad or in your local area.

2. Get teaching certification or any educational training for the ESL teaching positions you are interested in applying for. Volunteer to teach an ESL course so you can decide if teaching ESL is the right step for you. You may also be able to find a paying ESL teaching job in your area.

3. Start a job search for ESL teaching positions. Dave's ESL Cafe is an excellent resource for finding ESL jobs abroad (see Resources). If you want to teach ESL at a public school, check out the human resources division of the board of education in your area or on the school's website. Your local ESL curriculum coach might know of additional possibilities. If you are interested in teaching adults, check your local community center or colleges and apply for them, usually online.

4. Make contact with the the necessary agencies if you want to teach ESL abroad so you can start filling the necessary paperwork and take (if necessary) a training course.

5. Find out the educational requirements and certification procedures needed to teach K-12 students in the public school systems. Teaching ESL to adults at a community organization or at a college does not usually require previous training or educational experience, but it is an added plus.

Tips & Warnings

• For ESL teaching jobs abroad, find out if one of the prerequisites is to speak the native tongue of the target population.
• Nowadays, hiring agencies for ESL teachers abroad are looking for teachers with some kind of teaching experience and/or training. It is advisable to take a training course in methodology and practical applications of ESL.
• If you plan to teach ESL during the summer, see if you can take part in any training courses.
• Do not sign a contract until you know exactly what you are getting into, especially with regard to teaching ESL in foreign countries. Always read the forums and the FAQs as part of your research.

Resources

• Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
• TESOL FAQs
• Dave's ESL Cafe

Who Can Help Sponsored

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