Explore bachelor's and master's degree programs to prepare teachers of English as a second language (ESL). Find out how post-baccalaureate certificates and undergraduate minors can complement a bachelor's degree for teachers of English at home and abroad.
What Degree Do I Need to Become an ESL Teacher?
English as a second language (ESL) teachers work with students from various age groups and backgrounds and aid them in learning how to speak, read and write English. In most states, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become an ESL teacher in public schools. Bachelor's degree programs are not typically offered specifically in ESL, but you may consider pursuing a bachelor's degree with a major in English, education or bilingual education and following it with an ESL certificate program. In some schools, you could choose to take a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Master's degree programs in TESOL are also offered from a number of schools and prepare graduates to work within the public school system or to work with adult learners in the U.S. or abroad.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Options</b></td><td> Graduate certificates and master's degrees in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Admission Prerequisites</b></td><td> Bachelor's degree (usually with majors in English, education or bilingual education); typically requires valid teaching license</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Second-language acquisition, listening and speaking skills, linguistics (certificate program); methods of teaching English, technology in education (master's degree)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> Practicum in a classroom setting</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Online Availability</b></td><td> Graduate degrees and certificate programs offered online; online-and-on-campus hybrid also available</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>2% growth (<i>english language and literature teachers, postsecondary</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$69,000 (<i>english language and literature teachers, postsecondary</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatSInvolvedInACertificateProgram">What's Involved in a Certificate Program?</h3><p>Certificate programs for ESL teachers, such as a TESOL certificate, are offered through a number of schools and typically require admissions candidates to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school and a valid teaching license; however, some programs may accept you while you are working on your bachelor's degree. Some options do not require a teaching license for those who want to teach adults or work abroad.
</p><p>Certificate programs cover a number of topics, from intercultural communication and teaching methodologies to grammar. Some also require you to complete a practicum working with other teachers and students in a classroom setting. Some of the topics you may encounter include:
</p><ul><li>Second-language acquisition
</li><li>Listening and speaking skills
</li><li>Linguistics
</li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatCanIExpectFromAGraduateDegreeProgram">What Can I Expect From a Graduate Degree Program?</h3><p>Master's degree programs in TESOL are widely available. Foreign-language master's degree programs with concentrations in ESL education may also be found from a few schools. These degree programs cover a number of topics from second-language acquisition and applied language studies to curriculum and assessment. In addition to coursework, you also complete a practicum working in a classroom setting. Some of the courses you can expect to take cover:
</p><ul><li>Research methods
</li><li>Linguistics
</li><li>Methods of teaching English
</li><li>Human learning
</li><li>Technology in education
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CanICompleteMyProgramOnline">Can I Complete My Program Online?</h3><p>Both certificate and master's degree programs are available online. A number of schools offer an online-and-on-campus hybrid. Most online programs do not require you to visit the campus, but you still have to complete an internship or field experience in a classroom in your area.</p>
