Online ESL Degree Programs

As English emerges as the lingua franca in our global economy, demand has never been greater for qualified ESL teachers. Over 4 million adults in the United States are studying English as a Second Language.

Worldwide, this figure increases exponentially. ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers use the context of real-life situations to teach students to speak, listen, read, and write English. They may work with students of all ages and nationalities. Teaching opportunities abound in community colleges and adult learning centers nationwide, as well as in English language schools around the world. International demand for ESL teachers is most acute in Asian countries such as Japan and China. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median income of adult literacy and remedial education teachers was $47,830 in 2007.

Career Training in ESL Teaching

Education requirements for ESL teachers vary based on the program and the teacher's career goals. Most adult education centers require teachers to have at least a bachelor's degree; some may require a master's degree in ESL instruction. A certificate in TESOL (Teaching English as a Second Language) is a common route for teachers transitioning into the field from a K-12 or adult education position. The certificate provides targeted career training for teachers who already have a bachelor's or master's degree in another field.

Bachelor's or Master's Degrees in ESL Teaching

Aspiring ESL teachers may begin with an online bachelor's degree in education and take courses in ESL teaching and foreign language to prepare for their career. Master's degree programs offer more targeted TESOL career training. Relevant degrees at the graduate level include:

• Master of Education (MEd) TESOL

• Master of Science in Linguistics

• Master of Arts in English with ESL or TESOL emphasis

• PhD in Education with a TESOL emphasis

Certificate in TESOL

The TESOL certificate, an abridged program for degree holders, typically requires between eighteen and twenty-one graduate credits from a university or teacher training TESOL program.

Classes in a typical ESL teaching degree program may include adult education fundamentals, working with learners from various cultures, second-language acquisition theory, and applied linguistics. Since many ESL students take courses in preparation for the GED exam, ESL teachers should also be familiar with the requirements of this exam. Foreign language courses can also be useful preparation for teachers preparing to interact with non-native speakers of English.

Career Requirements for ESL Teachers

Some ESL teachers face licensing requirements. Teachers in public programs may need to complete an approved teacher training program and obtain the standard public school teacher license. Other ESL institutes may require TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or another certification. TEFL certification can boost job opportunities for ESL teachers, particularly when seeking positions abroad. TEFL certification courses are widely available online to accommodate working adults.

As English gains currency worldwide, English as a Second Language teachers are experiencing unprecedented demand for their services. TESOL training can help teachers expand their job opportunities and develop their skills teaching English to non-native speakers.

• Education