| ESL teachers help students from other countries learn | | | | private tutoring. Keep in mind, however, that if you are |
| the English language. As you probably already know, | | | | teaching ESL classes to working adults, classes may |
| ESL stands for English as a Second Language. In the | | | | meet very early in the morning or late at night. |
| United States, with immigration at an all time high, the | | | | Experienced ESL teachers are also often hired by |
| need for qualified ESL teachers has never been | | | | companies to teach English to some of their foreign |
| greater. But ESL teachers do more than simply teach | | | | employees. The pay for this type of assignment can |
| foreign students a new language, they also help them | | | | be quite substantial. |
| adapt to a new environment and learn the intricacies | | | | If you are an ESL student with who likes to travel, you |
| of a new culture. It is fulfilling and rewarding job that | | | | will be excited to discover that ELS teachers are as |
| gives the teacher the opportunity to learn about other | | | | sought after overseas as they are here, in the States. |
| people and cultures. | | | | Although compensation does depend on the country |
| ESL Teacher Requirements | | | | you choose to teach in. If, for example, you decide to |
| To become an ESL teacher, a student must earn an | | | | travel to Europe, it is likely that you will have to pay |
| undergraduate education degree with a concentration | | | | your own expenses, so you may not save as much |
| in ELS. This degree will not only provide the student | | | | money as in other parts of the world. However, if you |
| with an education in modern teaching techniques, but | | | | decide to travel a bit farther into the Middle Easy or |
| specialized courses will also help him to understand | | | | Asia, you will be far more likely to locate a high-paying |
| and prepare him to meet the needs of different ESL | | | | ESL job. Many of the countries in these areas have a |
| students. Once the student has completed his degree, | | | | desperately low supply or ESL teachers, while at the |
| he is now free to pursue an advanced degree in ELS | | | | same time demand for them is growing. |
| or to take the state licensure exam and begin his | | | | Many schools and programs in these areas offer |
| teaching career straightaway. | | | | qualified teachers free airfare, room and board, as well |
| Once they have completed their schooling, most ELS | | | | as a generous living stipend. The countries that are |
| teachers choose to become regular school teachers | | | | known to provide the best deals to ESL teachers |
| or to work as professors in community or four-year | | | | include: China, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand. |
| colleges. It is important to note that to obtain | | | | But before you make a verbal agreement or sign a |
| employment as a college professor at any level often | | | | contract, it is always a good idea to do a little research |
| requires that the applicant have an advance degree, | | | | on the school you will be teaching at. Do they have a |
| either a masters or a PHD in ESL. | | | | good reputation? If possible, ask to speak directly with |
| If you are a parent or if you choose to work only part | | | | any foreign teachers the school employs. You can |
| time, a degree in ESL can afford you incredible | | | | also post questions on ESL website forums and |
| flexibility in your career. You can do anything from | | | | attempt to locate someone who has worked in the |
| teaching night classes at a community college to | | | | school. |