ESL teacher certification is required to teach English to non-native speakers of all ages. Courses can be taken in-person or online, and often require hands-on experience. TESOL or TEFL certification may also be necessary, along with a bachelor’s degree and state teaching certificate.
When trying to earn an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher certification, it’s important to understand what this type of certificate entails. ESL refers to the study of English by someone whose native language is other than English. These teachers often need the same education and training as other teachers in the classroom. While teachers do not need to be bilingual, they do need to take additional higher-level ESL courses and gain hands-on experience in a classroom of ESL students.
ESL classes, taught by ESL teachers, are offered in the United States and in other countries. ESL teacher certification is required when teaching ESL students of all ages. Students can be young children or older adults. While care must be taken to differentiate learning processes, most ESL teachers teach speaking, reading, and writing in similar ways, regardless of the student’s age.
Many schools and for-profit companies offer ESL teacher certification. Courses vary, but students typically earn credit hours as in a traditional school setting. Students can take anywhere from 50 to 150 class hours to earn an ESL certification.
ESL teacher certification classes are also offered online. To earn an ESL teacher certification, teachers often also need to have classroom experience with students in an English as a Second Language class. If the classes are face-to-face, the school can provide students with this hands-on experience component of the training. If classes are held online or in a distance learning format, the student can record themselves teaching an ESL student.
ESL teachers are usually required to obtain a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). TESOL is often used interchangeably with ESL. Teachers can also be trained in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). Rules vary by country, but generally, teachers with TEFL certification can teach English outside the United States, while teachers with ESL or TESOL certification can also teach English in the United States.
In the United States, ESL teachers are generally required to have a bachelor’s degree and a state teaching certificate, in addition to specific ESL training. Many universities offer a master’s program that offers TESOL or ESL certification for teachers, known as MATESOL. It is not necessary for potential ESL teachers to be bilingual, but it can be helpful.
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