What Does an ESL Teacher Do?
ESL stands for English as a Second Language. An ESL teacher is a teacher who has been trained in instructing English Learners (ELs). An English learner is a student whose first language is typically not English and is still gaining English proficiency in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
ESL (English as a Second Language) programs in schools can vary based on the needs of the students and the resources available. Therefore, an ESL teacher’s position can vary from district to district.
In pull-out programs, ESL students are pulled out of their regular classroom for a portion of the day to receive specialized instruction in English language development. This instruction may focus on vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking skills.
In push-in programs, ESL teachers work collaboratively with regular classroom teachers to support ESL students within the regular classroom setting. The ESL teacher may co-teach lessons, provide additional support to ESL students during class activities, or offer small-group instruction.
In addition to those two types of programs, districts may instead opt for sheltered instruction programs, bilingual education programs, newcomer programs, content-based ESL programs, or online ESL programs. ESL teacher jobs can look very different from each other based on the school district’s chosen program.
ESL Teacher Requirements: Skills
ESL teachers require a diverse set of skills to effectively support their ELs language development. A common misconception is that an ESL teacher needs to know the language of all of her students. This is not true. What ESL teachers do need to know are the pedagogical, cultural and linguistic expertise to help their students become proficient in English.
ESL teachers need a solid understanding of language acquisition theories, teaching methodologies, and best practices for language instruction. This pedagogical knowledge enables them to design effective lesson plans, assess student progress, and differentiate instruction to address varying levels of language proficiency.
Cultural competence is another essential skill for an ESL teacher. In order for English learners to feel comfortable and confident in using the language, a teacher has to create a welcoming classroom environment. This can be accomplished by understanding and appreciating all of the students’ cultural differences. The culturally competent ESL teacher creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment, builds relationships with her students, and understands their language and academic needs.
Linguistic knowledge is also vital for ESL teachers. They need to understand the English language and its structure to teach it to English learners. Phonetics, morphology, and semantics are key areas in the study of linguistics.
ESL Teacher Requirements: Education
Although the educational requirements to be an ESL teacher may vary slightly from state to state, there are some common pathways and qualifications that are typically required or preferred for an ESL teacher. All teachers will need a bachelor’s degree in education and certification in another subject, such as elementary education, or a secondary content area, such as biology or history.
Then, a teacher can choose from several different ways to add the ESL certification to her teaching license. Teachers may decide to enroll in a master’s degree program in TESOL (teaching English to speakers of other languages), applied linguistics, bilingual education, or another related field. A master’s degree provides advanced knowledge in program administration, ESL teaching and research.
If a teacher does not want to enroll in a complete master’s degree program, many intermediate units offer ESL certification programs. These programs include several courses throughout one or two years to satisfy the state requirements to add the ESL certificate to a teaching license.
Prospective ESL teachers should research the specific requirements and qualifications for ESL teaching positions because requirements vary widely. For example, some schools also require a teacher to have their English certification because the teacher may also be the English Language Arts teacher of record for the English Learners.
Why Should You Consider an ESL Teacher Position?
There are so many reasons why teachers should consider adding the ESL certification to their teaching license. English learners are so diverse and bring so many life experiences and cultures to a school and classroom. ESL teachers are constantly learning new things about the world because of their students.
ESL teachers are not just teaching the English language. They are the connection between the English learners and the rest of the school and community. ESL teachers help their ELs inside and outside of school. When ELs have parents who also do not speak the language, ELs will often go to their teachers to help understand the bills they receive in the mail, where to find social services, and so many other needs.
It is predicted that one out of four public school students by 2025 will be identified as an English learner. Therefore, the United States needs more certified ESL teachers. The academic gap between native and non-native English speakers is widening, and we need more teachers skilled in language acquisition theories and methodologies to help close this gap.
How to Become an ESL Teacher
Prospective ESL teachers need to research the requirements in their area for ESL certification. Then, make the decision to enroll in a master’s degree program or find an ESL certification program. Finding volunteer opportunities in the community working with English learners can also provide a great experience and enhance a teacher’s qualifications in the field of ESL education.
Ready to impact English learning students as an ESL teacher? Explore our available ESL degree and certification programs and start your next journey today!
