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What does an ESL Teacher do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An ESL teacher is someone who teaches English as a second language.

ESL Teacher job duties include:

  • Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
  • Develop and use instructional materials and activities that are appropriate for the age, interests and abilities of the students
  • Use relevant technology to support and differentiate instruction
  • Observe and evaluate student's performance and development
  • Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
  • Prepare required reports on students and activities
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to remain current with developments in the field of ESL education
  • Create a positive educational climate that encourages student growth and development
  • Maintain confidentiality of student information

ESL Teacher Job Requirements

ESL teachers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in education or a related field, as well as certification in ESL teaching. Some states also require ESL teachers to have a master's degree. In addition to formal education and certification, ESL teachers should have strong communication and organizational skills, as well as experience working with diverse populations of students.

ESL Teacher Skills

  • Classroom management
  • Lesson planning
  • Creativity
  • Patience
  • Flexibility
  • Good communication
  • Organizational
  • Good people skills
  • Knowledgeable about grammar and language rules
  • Ability to teach different levels
  • Ability to use technology in the classroom

Related: Top ESL Teacher Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an ESL Teacher

There are many ways to become an ESL Teacher. One way is to take a course offered by a community college or university. Another way is to volunteer in an ESL program offered by a church or other organization. There are also many private companies that offer ESL Teacher training programs.

The best way to become an ESL Teacher is to get a degree in education with a focus on ESL teaching. This will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a second language. It is also important to get experience working with students from different cultural backgrounds. This can be done by volunteering in an ESL program or working as a tutor for international students.

Once you have the necessary qualifications, you can apply for jobs at schools, universities, or language institutes. You can also start your own ESL teaching business. This is a great way to be your own boss and set your own hours.

Teaching English as a second language can be very rewarding. It is a great way to help people from other countries learn about your culture and improve their English skills. If you have a passion for teaching and working with people from different cultures, then becoming an ESL Teacher may be the perfect career for you!

Related: ESL Teacher Resume Example

Related: ESL Teacher Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

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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