An English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher teaches English to non-native English speakers of all ages, from children to adults. As an ESL teacher, you will follow students in learning all aspects of the English language, such as grammar, reading and writing. You will also teach about the different cultures present in the English-speaking world, such as that of the United States of America. However, before you start teaching, you need to know how to become a teacher of English as a second language.
Steps
Step 1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in education, primary education or in English
A bachelor's degree is normally completed in 3 years for a total of 180 educational credits.
Choose an appropriate resume. For example, if you are taking a three-year degree in education or primary education, you can choose a curriculum that includes a course on educational organization. You can also take more general courses such as general pedagogy or didactics and credit of your choice
Step 2. Complete a teaching internship
Most undergraduate programs require a mandatory internship period to obtain the bachelor's degree. Internships usually take place at a school or learning center. The internship usually lasts a few months, depending on the number of credits.
Step 3. Attend centers and organizations that deal with teaching English as a second language
These organizations will help you connect with other professionals and learn more about this profession.
Step 4. Get a master's degree
- A specialization takes two years. Although the minimum requirement to work is a bachelor's degree, some employers prefer to hire teachers with a major.
- You can take courses on linguistics or the theory of learning a second language.
Step 5. Obtain additional requirements for the English as a Second Language Teacher Certificate
- Get a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. This certificate provides you with a deeper preparation and is available as online training or at language schools or vocational training centers.
- Get the teaching qualification. In public schools in Italy, the sole possession of the qualifications for access to teaching (specialist degree or old system) allows inclusion in the rankings for the assignment of temporary posts only. The achievement of the teaching qualification (TFA, Active Training Internship, lasting 1500 hours with final exam) allows the inclusion in the provincial rankings and in those following a public competition, from which one draws annually for the entry permanent tenure of teachers.
- Get a visa. You may need a visa to travel, live and work in the country where you found work, if you have decided to work abroad.
Step 6. Work as a teacher of English as a second language
You can find work through a network of acquaintances, from the contacts provided by your school and through online job sites
Advice
- The internship is unpaid as it is usually part of the compulsory credits to be obtained for graduation.
- You can learn another foreign language while you are looking for a job. It may be useful when communicating with students of other nationalities. However it is not a requirement to become a teacher of English as a second language.
