For those who have been considering enrolling in an online master’s degree program focused on teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), it can be helpful to explore what working as an ESL teacher entails, requirements for entering the field, salary levels and the employment outlook. 

What ESL Teachers Do 

Also referred to as English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) teachers, ESL teachers focus on teaching English to students who are not native speakers of the language. In addition to their expertise in education and instruction, ESL teachers have knowledge of language acquisition and linguistics that enhances their ability to effectively teach non-native speakers of English.  

An ESL teacher’s job duties can include: 

• Teaching students how to speak, listen, write and read in English 

• Developing engaging environments in which students can learn 

• Implementing a variety of instructional strategies that promote learning 

• Crafting lesson plans that serve the needs of students 

• Monitoring and evaluating students’ progress, and providing students with feedback 

• Coordinating with other people, such as other educators, school administrators and students’ parents, to enhance students’ learning experiences 

• Participating in professional development to enhance their expertise 

ESL teachers work in a range of types of environments, such as: 

• K-12 schools 

• Universities 

• Adult education programs 

How to Become an ESL Teacher 

To become an ESL teacher, an individual needs to satisfy certain education and experience requirements. These requirements are highlighted below. 

Earn a Relevant Bachelor’s Degree 

The first step on the path to becoming an ESL teacher is to earn a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as education, elementary education or middle school education. Programs for these types of bachelor’s degrees can help future ESL teachers establish a solid foundation in key subjects such as instructional strategies, student assessment, planning and curriculum development.  

Gain Experience 

Aspiring ESL teachers need to gain experience through student teaching, with the specific requirements varying by state. Individuals who earn a bachelor’s degree in education typically meet their student teaching requirement as part of their degree program. People who earn a bachelor’s degree in a discipline other than education can get student teaching experience through alternative teacher certification or a teacher preparation program. 

Obtain a State Teaching Certificate or License 

Prospective ESL teachers typically need to obtain a teaching certificate or license from the state department of education in the state where they want to teach. State licensure is needed for teaching in public schools and some private schools. Some states also have licensing requirements for adult education. 

Each state has its own requirements for obtaining a teaching certificate or license. Examples of those requirements include submitting an application, providing all required documentation, passing a background check and passing teacher licensure exams. 

Acquire Specialized Education in ESL Teaching 

People who want to become ESL teachers need to pursue additional education or a training program. They can obtain this education through an ESL certification program or through a specialized education master’s degree program such as a master’s degree in TESOL program.  

Earning a graduate degree in TESOL enables an individual to develop advanced expertise in subjects such as: 

• Sociolinguistics 

• Theories of ESL learning 

• Designing curricula for ESL learning 

• Intercultural awareness and competence 

• Strategies for teaching English language learners 

• Computer-assisted language learning 

TESOL master’s degree programs also include participation in a practicum that gives individuals valuable experience teaching ESL in real-world classrooms. 

Pursuing education directly related to ESL teaching helps prospective ESL teachers develop the skills they need to excel in their field. For example, effective ESL teachers have strong skills in areas such as: 

• Communicating 

• Working with students from a variety of cultural backgrounds 

• Demonstrating patience 

• Exhibiting flexibility and resourcefulness 

Obtain a State ESL Teaching Certificate, Endorsement or Specialization 

After aspiring ESL teachers have obtained expertise in ESL teaching, they then need to obtain a state ESL teaching certificate, endorsement or specialization certificate from the state department of education where they want to teach. As with obtaining a teaching license or certificate, the requirements for getting an ESL teaching certificate, endorsement or specialization certificate vary by state and can include requirements to submit an application, provide required documentation and pass an exam. 

ESL and ESOL Teacher Salary Levels and Job Outlook  

Anyone who is considering becoming an ESL or ESOL teacher will be interested in learning about salary levels and the outlook for employment in the field.  

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, adult basic and secondary education and ESL teachers had a median annual salary of $59,950 as of May 2024. Individuals in the lowest 10 percent of the salary range earned less than $39,750; those in the highest 10 percent of the salary range earned more than $95,750. Teachers’ actual salaries vary based on factors such as their location, employer and years of experience. 

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of English Language Acquisition reports there is a need for additional ESL teachers. Specifically, in 2023, the office estimated that the U.S. would need an additional 76,443 teachers of English learners through 2028. The states with the greatest need for teachers of English learners are California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois and Texas. 

Teaching ESL Can Be a Rewarding Career 

ESL teachers have the opportunity to perform meaningful work that has a positive effect on the lives of the students they teach. Each day, ESL teachers help their students learn English and work toward realizing their educational and career ambitions. 

If you are interested in acquiring the expertise to become an ESL teacher, then you should explore SEMO Online’s Master of Arts in TESOL degree program to learn how it can help you achieve your career goals. In addition to providing students with expertise in key subjects such as linguistics, language acquisition and literacy, the program enables students to participate in a practicum in which they get to develop a curriculum tailored to the needs of their students.  

Start working toward accomplishing your ESL teaching career objectives today.