How to Become an English as a Second Language Teacher
Becoming an English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher can be a rewarding job. Knowing a second language is not required, so any English language speaker can accomplish this with a little bit of training and a creative mind.
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Instructions
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Research programs. There are many programs offering certification including TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). All these terms are generally interchangeable. Find a certification program that fits your needs, lifestyle and schedule. What is important is that it is accredited. See website below for more information.
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Attend the course. The most effective way to learn how to be an ESL teacher is to have the hands on training at a 4-6 week course. There are also online courses that will lead to certification if attending the course is not feasible. However, the experience and practice you will get by attending a course will be invaluable.
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Keep lesson plans and materials. If you get a job, it will be helpful to refer to the materials you used in the course. Depending on where you find employment, lesson plans may or may not be available for use.
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Create a resume. To find a job, you will need a good resume that outlines your experience and certification.
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Decide where you want to teach English. There are opportunities all over the United States to teach English. However, if you are interested in teaching overseas, the possibilities are endless.
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Tips & Warnings
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience.
Be patient with students.
Send resumes to various organizations.
Have fun!
Be sure school is accredited by a respected educational institution.
Teaching English in a K-12 classroom setting may have additional requirements.
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=453938
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Comments
View all 9 Comments-
coribrackett
Apr 04, 2009
Great article - Thanks! I was always interested in this but never knew how to get started. -
starlet67
Mar 23, 2009
Interesting career idea! Great article!
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Terria Fleming
Mar 19, 2009
A good article about a great idea for making a living abroad.
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DiscountTickets
Jan 27, 2009
Such great information, I was thinking of doing this for a while and had the same idea, thanks for reminding me over again.
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melwetzel
Jan 15, 2009
I have lived abroad for many years, and done many jobs. Last year I started teaching English in Honduras and I don't know why I ever did anything else. Nice resources, thanks.
