Getting an ESL Teaching Degree

Teaching English as a Second Language

Unlike many English language and literature courses in the United States, English as a Second Language (ESL) or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs are responsible for instructing and introducing students to the rules and conventions of reading, writing, and speaking the English language. In preparing immigrants and exchange students for education, business, and daily community interaction, ESL and ESOL teachers may work with students of any age, from any cultural or geographic background, and in environments which range from large public classrooms to one-on-one home tutoring.

Earning an ESL Education Degree and Certification

The two most common education requirements for ESL careers are 4-year bachelor’s degrees and certification programs, which can range from 6-weeks to over a year.

Degree titles include:

• TESL – Teaching English as a Second Language
Associated with English instruction in English-speaking locations to students whose parents speak primarily another language.

• TEFL – Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Often applied in regions where English is not the primary language, as in teaching English in Asia or Africa.

• TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Blanket degree title which includes the specifics of both TESL and TEFL, which allows degree holders to teach in English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries.

Prospective ESL educators will sometimes be required to earn a TESOL degree or certification, but in many cases these three degrees are interchangeable. Most TESL, TEFL, or TESOL bachelor’s degrees from accredited schools are internationally recognized for any ESL instruction position.

State or National Requirements

In order to teach ESL for a public school in the United States, applicants must have both a bachelor’s degree as well as certification. However, while the certification must be ESL specific, the undergraduate work may be in any field within English or education. Some of the recognized bachelor’s degrees which offer endorsement towards a TESL career include:

• ESL Education
• Education
• English Language & Literature
• Linguistics

Private and international schools are not likely to require the additional certification, but are more likely to hire applicants whose undergraduate degrees are ESL specific.

Academic Requirements

The education path towards teaching ESL ranges greatly depending on the undergraduate degree pursued and the length of the certification program. Some are very concentrated in-class intensives, finishing in a few weeks, whereas others take several months. Most certification programs will feature similar fundamental courses along with any additional specialized courses.

Some of the classes offered might include:

• Theories and Methods of Instruction
• Foundations of Bilingual Education
• Teaching English as a second Language to Children
• Teaching Business Communication

Often, programs will include internship and other hands-on experience opportunities, in which prospective educators will get to work with ESL students as teacher’s aides or student teachers.

Additionally, students pursuing ESL degree or certification can satisfy their requirements through accredited online programs.

Further Education and Other Prospects

Students interested in post secondary ESL education may enroll in master’s programs to earn their MA in TESOL. Additionally, graduates of ESL programs may continue to work towards positions in education administration, further research in bilingual education, or go on to teach TESOL courses.