What does an ESL Instructor do?

An ESL Instructor helps people who are learning English as a second language. They work with students one-on-one or in small groups to improve their language skills.

ESL Instructor job duties include:

• Plan, prepare and deliver lessons on a range of topics
• Help students improve their listening, speaking, reading and writing skills
• Encourage and motivate students to actively participate in class
• Use a variety of teaching methods to suit the needs of the students
• Monitor and assess student progress and provide feedback
• Identify students’ strengths and weaknesses and tailor lessons accordingly
• Keep up to date with developments in ESL teaching methodology
• Maintain records of student progress and attendance
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development activities and parent-teacher interviews
• Perform administrative tasks such as marking tests and preparing reports

ESL Instructor Job Requirements

ESL Instructors typically have at least a Bachelor's degree in English, Linguistics, or a related field. They may also have certification from TESOL, CELTA, or TEFL. Many ESL Instructors also have experience teaching English in another country.

ESL Instructor Skills

• Patience
• Creativity
• Organization
• The ability to adapt to different situations
• The ability to motivate students
• The ability to build rapport with students
• The ability to effectively manage class time
• The ability to create engaging and effective lesson plans
• The ability to assess student progress and give feedback
• Classroom management skills
• Knowledge of second language acquisition theories

Related: Top ESL Instructor Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an ESL Instructor

ESL instructors provide English language instruction to non-native speakers of English. They typically work in language schools, community colleges, and private tutoring settings. Some ESL instructors also work in elementary and secondary schools.

To become an ESL instructor, you will need to have a strong command of the English language. You should also be patient and able to adapt your teaching methods to meet the needs of your students. In some cases, you may need to be certified to teach ESL.

If you are interested in becoming an ESL instructor, start by taking some English courses at your local community college or university. Once you have completed your coursework, consider volunteering to teach English as a second language in your community. This will give you valuable experience working with non-native speakers of English.

Once you have gained some experience, you may want to consider pursuing certification through an organization such as TESOL International. Certification will make you more marketable to potential employers and can help you advance in your career.

Related: ESL Instructor Resume Example

Related: ESL Instructor Interview Questions (With Example Answers)