Teach English: TESOL, ESL or Bilingual Education

TESOL, ESL and Bilingual Education Job Description

Educators who both understand language barrier challenges and are effective communicators in a learning environment are in high demand. TESOL, ESL and bilingual education teachers are needed across the country and around the world.

TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages; ESL means teaching English as a Second Language; and bilingual education means teaching in classrooms where at least two languages are spoken. These education specialties are currently in high demand with the increase of bilingual students in the US education system.

TESOL, ESL and bilingual education can be very rewarding because you have the opportunity to make a direct, positive impact on students' lives by teaching English writing, reading and speaking – all necessary components for communication in an English speaking environment. So, there is not only a need for these teachers, there's also a necessity for well qualified TESOL, ESL and bilingual educators.

Is Teaching English, TESOL, ESL or Bilingual Education Right for You?

Whether you are helping students practice pronunciation through audio-lingual learning techniques, teaching students grammar, or translation from one language to another, you will be helping students understand the fundamentals of English in relation to their native language. Many language teachers engage students in games that help ESL students learn English grammar and vocabulary in a natural and fun way. ESL students face challenges beyond learning English, such as surviving culture shock, making friends and feeling good about themselves. It helps to be fascinated with language and communication, and eager to find out about other people and cultures. Effective ESL teachers enjoy learning from their students as much as they like teaching them.

TESOL, ESL and Bilingual Education Credential and Certification Requirements

Most TESOL, ESL or bilingual education programs prepare students to teach pre-K through 12th grade; however an elementary or secondary credential can also be obtained. There is not a single degree, certificate or license that authorizes someone to teach ESL or bilingual education because certification requirements vary by state and school district. However, the minimum qualification to teach ESL or bilingual education is usually a bachelor's degree and some type of TESOL or TEFL certificate.* Some states even require a master's degree in addition to the bilingual/dual-language teacher certification — the important thing to remember is that the TESOL, ESL and bilingual education requirements are constantly evolving with the influx of foreign-language speakers.

In addition to offering teacher certification in ESL, 23 states have legislative requirements that teachers placed in ESL classrooms must be certified in ESL. There are 17 states that have legislative requirements that teachers placed in bilingual/dual-language classrooms must have bilingual/dual-language certification to teach. So, each state has different requirements, and it is important to research the Department of Education's TESOL, ESL and bilingual teacher credential requirements in the state where you plan to teach. You can also visit the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education for more credential standards information.

The teacher shortage is one way you might be able to begin a career teaching English without already having a teaching degree or teacher certification in English. If your education or job experience have given you superior language skills, check with your state Department of Education to see what emergency teacher certification you can get. See Teacher Shortage for more details.