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What does an English Teacher do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An English Teacher typically teaches grammar, literature, and writing to students.

English Teacher job duties include:

  • Plan and prepare courses and lessons according to curriculum guidelines.
  • Adapt general education lessons to meet the needs of individual students.
  • Develop lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives.
  • Instruct students on grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, and other English language skills.
  • Encourage students to read both fiction and non-fiction texts.
  • Lead classroom discussions and promote student participation.
  • Evaluate student progress and provide feedback on a regular basis.
  • Prepare students for standardized tests such as the SAT or the TOEFL.
  • Stay up-to-date with developments in the field of English language teaching.

English Teacher Job Requirements

An English Teacher typically needs at least a Bachelor's degree in English, although a Master's degree is often preferred. Certification requirements vary by state, but most states require teachers to have a teaching license. In addition to education and certification, English Teachers need to have strong communication skills and be able to effectively manage a classroom.

English Teacher Skills

  • Patience
  • Creativity
  • Flexibility
  • Good organizational skills
  • The ability to motivate students
  • The ability to develop relationships with students
  • A caring personality
  • A good sense of humor
  • The ability to maintain discipline
  • The ability to work well under pressure
  • The ability to be a good role model

Related: Top English Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an English Teacher

There are many steps to becoming an English teacher. The most important step is to get a degree in English, preferably a Bachelor’s degree. Once you have your degree, the next step is to get certified. In order to get certified, you must pass the Praxis exam. The Praxis exam is a test that measures your knowledge of teaching and your ability to apply that knowledge. Once you pass the Praxis exam, you will be eligible for a teaching certificate. The final step is to find a job teaching English. You can find a job teaching English at a public school, a private school, or even online.

Teaching English can be a very rewarding career. It allows you to help others learn about another culture and improve their communication skills. It can also be challenging at times, but it is always worth it when you see your students succeed.

Related: English Teacher Resume Example

Related: English Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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