Do You Have What it Takes to be an ESL Teacher?

By Karen Lawson
karen.lawson@careerschooldirectory.com
Career School Directory Columnist

Imagine going to school in a foreign country where your native language is not the language of instruction. How would you learn? This is why ESL (English as a Second Language) specialists are in short supply in many U.S. school districts. As our immigrant population grows, many classrooms have students who speak multiple languages. ESL teachers must be prepared to teach English to students of varying linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Help Promote Diversity in School

What kind of education and personal characteristics do ESL teachers need for success? You don't have to speak multiple languages, but a liberal arts or humanities background can be useful in understanding cultural and linguistic differences that can affect how ESL students learn and assimilate into their new communities. You should enjoy learning and be passionate about both learning and teaching. Your appreciation for diverse cultures and educational techniques will also assist you with teaching ESL.

Teaching ESL: What You'll Need to Learn

Thanks to high demand, there are now degree programs out there designed especially for ESL teachers. In addition to meeting educational and licensure requirements for teachers in your state, you will study a variety of subjects associated with teaching ESL:

• Theories of second language acquisition
• Pedagogy (teaching techniques) of teaching ESL
• Human development and psychology
• Methods and materials for teaching ESL
• Linguistics

Many school districts, particularly those in urban areas, are actively seeking qualified ESL teachers. If you're considering a midlife career change, or want to take your teaching career in a new direction, teaching ESL can provide a fulfilling and meaningful work.

About the Author
Karen Lawson is a freelance writer whose interests include topics in higher education and the humanities. She holds an MA degree in English from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Posted on March 28, 2007 at 10:18 AM

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