How to Be ESL Teacher - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 1, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for becoming an ESL teacher. Many employers may prefer candidates who have degrees in education, linguistics, languages, or English as a Second Language.
Complete a Teacher Preparation Program. After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring ESL teachers may need to complete a teacher preparation program or an ESL-specific certification program. Depending on the state and the school district, this program may be mandatory for employment.
Obtain State Certification. Most states require ESL teachers to obtain certification before they can practice. Certification requirements vary from state to state, but may include passing tests on general and/or specialized education, such as English as a Second Language.
Take Professional Development Courses. Professional development courses are not required for ESL teachers in all states, but they may be beneficial in helping teachers keep up with changes in educational standards, the latest teaching methods and technological advances.
Look for Job Opportunities. Once candidates have completed their education and certification requirements, they can begin to look for job opportunities as an ESL teacher. Job opportunities can be found in public and private schools, universities, and adult education centers.

Staying ahead and qualified in the field of ESL teaching requires dedication and effort. One of the best ways to stay ahead is to keep up with the latest trends, best practices, and technology in the field. A great way to do this is to attend conferences and seminars related to ESL teaching, read industry publications, and take courses to stay current in the field.

By staying updated in the field, teachers will be able to use the most effective methods when teaching, as well as be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches. teachers should also develop their own personal teaching style which will make them stand out from other teachers and give them the edge when applying for jobs. Furthermore, they should also seek out feedback from colleagues and supervisors in order to constantly improve their practice.

By following these steps, ESL teachers can remain qualified and stay ahead of the game.

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Job Description

Develop and implement English language lesson plans for students of all ages.
Facilitate classroom discussions, activities, and other learning exercises.
Administer tests and assess student progress.
Monitor students performance and provide feedback to students and parents.
Utilize audio-visual aids to enhance the learning environment.
Maintain records of student progress and attendance.
Collaborate with other teachers to ensure student success.
Stay up-to-date on teaching methods, curriculum, and technology.
Participate in staff meetings and professional development activities.
Communicate with students parents regarding progress, attendance, and behavior.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of English grammar, syntax, and verb tenses
Ability to explain grammar in a clear and concise manner
Familiarity with a variety of English teaching methods
Patience and creativity when teaching students of different levels
Ability to recognize and address individual student needs
Ability to use technology to enhance learning
Expertise in assessment, evaluation, and grading
Strong organizational and communication skills
A passion for language and culture
Knowledge of cultural norms and customs related to classroom instruction

Being an effective ESL teacher requires several important skills, one of the most important being the ability to effectively communicate. This skill is essential for a successful ESL teacher, as it allows them to convey their ideas and instructions clearly to their students in a way that is easily understood. Good communication also allows for meaningful dialogue between teachers and students, which can help foster a better learning environment.

the ability to maintain a positive attitude is also essential for a successful ESL teacher, as it helps to keep the students motivated and engaged in the learning process. Finally, an ESL teacher must be organized and have excellent problem-solving skills in order to effectively manage their classroom and keep their students on track. All of these skills are necessary for an ESL teacher to be successful, and they all work together to create an atmosphere that is conducive to learning.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as an ESL Teacher?
How have you incorporated technology into your teaching style?
What strategies do you use to engage students and encourage learning?
What challenges have you faced as an ESL Teacher and how did you overcome them?
What methods do you use to assess student progress?
How do you ensure a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students?
How do you stay current with best practices in ESL education?
How do you engage students from diverse backgrounds and cultures?
What do you think are the key elements of successful ESL instruction?
How do you motivate students who lack confidence in their English language skills?

Common Tools in Industry

Skype. Video conferencing and chat platform, used to facilitate online classes, meetings and conferences (eg: virtual parent-teacher conferences).
Zoom. Video conferencing and webinar platform, used to facilitate online classes, meetings and conferences (eg: virtual staff training sessions).
Google Classroom. Online learning platform, used to facilitate online lessons, assign tasks and share resources (eg: online homework assignments).
Kahoot!. Interactive quiz and game platform, used to facilitate fun learning activities for students (eg: review sessions for exams).
Quizlet. Flashcard and quiz game platform, used to facilitate learning and review activities for students (eg: vocabulary reviews).
Microsoft Teams. Collaboration platform, used to facilitate communication, collaboration and file sharing between teachers and students (eg: sharing notes and resources).
Nearpod. Interactive virtual whiteboard platform, used to facilitate online lessons and activities (eg: group discussions and group projects).
Flipgrid. Video discussion platform, used to facilitate student engagement and communication (eg: student presentations or reflections).

Professional Organizations to Know

TESOL International Association
National Council of Teachers of English
American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
National Association for Bilingual Education
International Reading Association
National Association for the Education of Young Children
National Network for Early Language Learning
English Language Learners Network
International Education and Resource Network
International Listening Association

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Common Important Terms

ESL (English as a Second Language). ESL is the teaching of English to non-native speakers. This can include students of all ages who are learning English as a second language or additional language.
EFL (English as a Foreign Language). EFL is the teaching of English as a foreign language, typically to native speakers of other languages.
ELT (English Language Teaching). ELT is the broad term for teaching English to any learner, regardless of their native language. It includes both ESL and EFL.
TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages). TESOL is a professional organization for teachers of English as a second or foreign language.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). TEFL is the teaching of English as a foreign language to non-native speakers. It is often used interchangeably with TESOL, but technically refers to EFL only.
TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language). TESL is the teaching of English as a second language to non-native speakers. It is often used interchangeably with TESOL, but technically refers to ESL only.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do ESL teachers need?

ESL teachers typically need to hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and complete a teacher certification program. Depending on the country and institution, some additional qualifications, such as a TEFL/TESOL certification, may be required.

How much do ESL teachers get paid?

Salaries for ESL teachers vary based on factors such as the country, institution, and experience level. Generally, salaries range from $20,000 to $65,000 per year, with an average of $41,000.

What type of environment do ESL teachers work in?

ESL teachers can work in a variety of settings, such as public and private schools, universities, language schools, and online teaching platforms.

What skills do ESL teachers need?

ESL teachers should have excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to work with students of different ages and backgrounds. They should also be patient and understanding as they help students learn a new language.

How long does it take to become an ESL teacher?

The amount of time it takes to become an ESL teacher depends on various factors, such as the path chosen and individual circumstances. Generally, it can take from a few months to several years to become an ESL teacher.