Want to be an ESL or EFL teacher?
Millions of people want to study English as a Second Language (ESL) or English as Foreign Language (EFL). Ever thought of becoming an ESL instructor?
This lens can help you learn the basics of the field and let you decide how much education and training you need to get started.TESOL, EFL, ESL, ELL, SLA?
Making sense of all those letters.
First, TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. It's pronounced tee-sahl. This is the general name for the field, and also the name for the major organization for teachers/instructors/others who are involved with ESL.
ESL is English as a Second Language. Very similar is EFL: English as Foreign Language. What's the difference? ESL is taught in countries where English is a major or official language (such as the U.S., Canada, the Uk or Australia.) You'd be an EFL teacher in countries where English is not the main language spoken or not an official language, such as South Korea, Russia, or Thailand.
ELL stands for English Language Learner.
SLA is Second Language Acquisition. It's used when talking about the ways people learn, develop and acquire their second language and when doing research in the teaching field. Most teacher training programs cover at least the basics of SLA as part of your degree or diploma.
More info on the English Teaching Field
Another article with an extended description of TESOL-related acronyms.
- Teaching English on Wikipedia
- This article on Wikipedia goes into even more detail about the acronyms and abbreviations of the field, with a few lesser-known ones not mentioned on this lens.
Teacher Training and Education
Before you can teach, you have to learn...
To teach in the U.S. you will need one of two degrees: a public school certification in ESL or a Master's Degree in TESOL. An MA in TESOL will allow you to teach at community college, university-level and adult education ESL programs.
The requirements for teaching overseas vary widely by country. A Bachelor's Degree is definitely a good start! Some schools or institutes will accept a CELTA or TESOL course. Other positions may still require a Bachelor's or Master's in something related to either English or English teaching.
For those looking to cut corners with online courses, keep in mind that many places do not accept online diplomas or certificates as a replacement for in-person training courses.
Location, Location, Location!
Deciding where you want to teach
If you're a flexible, open-minded, and adventurous person, think about teaching overseas! South Korea and China are two countries that hire thousands of EFL teachers each year. Some positions may require a degree in English or language teaching, but others require only that you have a Bachelor's Degree in any subject and that you have the ability to sign a 6-month or year-long contract. These positions often provide reimbursment for your airfare, paid housing and health care, and vacation time.
Teaching in the U.S. or Canada can be a bit more difficult, at least in getting started. Many positions in these countries require a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) or a similar discipline like Applied Linguistics. Jobs in the U.S. may be part time or adjunct. Many ESL instructors here teach part time at more than one school. You do have many options as far as your location and students. ESL teachers are needed in every state, and in rural and urban locations. You can get a traditional teaching degree with ESL certification to teach public school, or teach at a university or commmunity college program. Finally, there are many cities and states with adult education programs to serve non-traditional ESL students.
Where to Look for ESL Jobs
- The Online Career Center at Tesol.org
- TESOL features great job listings from around the world. Most of the jobs listed on this site will require at least a Bachelor's Degree in English or Teaching, if not a Master's Degree in TESOL, TEFL or Applied Linguistics. This is one of the best sources for jobs in the USA and Canada.
- ESL Jobs
- An extensive listing of ESL jobs worldwide. A majority of the positions listed are in Asia, with only a smattering of other countries available.
- The International Job Board at Dave's ESL Cafe
- Descriptions of ESL and EFL jobs from around the world.
Books about Teaching ESL
Tried and True books from my own teaching library.
Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, Third Edition
Also known as the "apple book." If I could have only ONE book on teaching ESL and EFL, this would be it! It has everything from lesson planning, to curriculum design, to articles on being a non-native speaker/teacher! Incredibly useful book!
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course, Second Edition
This is the Bible of English Grammar. Even if you have great Grammar skills to start, this book will help polish your explanations and give you ideas of how to put your knowledge into action in the classroom.
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
Teaching Pronunciation: A Reference for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
Teaching speaking, pronunciation or oral skills for the first time? This book will give you a quick-and-dirty review of IPA, the skills used in learning speaking, and LOTS of ideas for classroom activities.
Amazon Price: $29.35 (as of 10/06/2008)
Principles of Language Learning and Teaching (5th Edition)
Similar to the Apple book, but less in depth, this book gives an overview of the basic theory and methods of teaching ESL or EFL.
Amazon Price: $42.99 (as of 10/06/2008)
Show the world your love for teaching English!
Teaching Apparel and other items from cafepress.com
Articles and Other Links for ESL Teachers
- Dave's ESL Cafe
- One of the most popular ESL/EFL sites. Check out the messageboards to talk to English teachers from around the world!
- ESL vs. EFL: What's the Difference?
- An article detailing the major differences between ESL and EFL teaching.
- Promoting Extensive Reading In Your ESL/EFL Classroom
- Want to be a great reading teacher? Try using Extensive Reading in your ESL/EFL classroom!
- Hints for Teaching Advanced ESL Students
- Already an ESL teacher, or just curious about how to be helpful to your advanced students? Here's an article targeting teachers of college-bound ESL learners.
ESL and Teaching Stuff
A Year In the Life of an ESL (English Second Language) Student: Idioms and Vocabulary You Can't Live Without by Edward J. Francis
A Year In The Life Of An ESL Student is a must for more...0 points
Reading, Writing and Learning in ESL: A Resource Book for K-12 Teachers (4th Edition) by Suzanne F. Peregoy
A Year In The Life Of An ESL Student is a must for more...0 points
Reading, Writing and Learning in ESL: A Resource Book for K-12 Teachers, MyLabSchool Edition (4th Edition) by Suzanne F. Peregoy
A Year In The Life Of An ESL Student is a must for more...0 points
The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course, Second Edition by Marianne Celce-Murcia
A Year In The Life Of An ESL Student is a must for more...0 points
ESL Vids on Youtube!
Share your Thoughts on ESL/EFL Teaching!
Are you an ESL or EFL teacher, or do you just want to become one? Do you have questions about how to start your career as an ESL or EFL teacher? Post your comments and questions here!
