English as Second Language Teacher (ESL) Career Description

With the steady influx of non-English speaking immigrants flooding the borders of countries in which English is the primary language (approximately 2,000,000 legal and illegal immigrants per year in the United States alone), careers teaching English are among the fastest growing positions in education. Information published by the Department of Labor suggests that individuals teaching ESL will see wider employment opportunities in states with most English language learners, particularly California and Texas.

The ESL career requires a Bachelor’s of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or TESOL. English as a second language programs of study include instruction in cross-cultural communication, language acquisition, linguistics, and curriculum design. Individuals with degrees in other subjects can qualify for teaching ESL after a certification course in TESOL. Like regular teaching jobs, teaching ESL also requires licensure

Online colleges offering programs for English as second Language(ESL)

How to Become a English as Second Language Teacher (ESL)

Teaching English as a second language requires educators to address English language learners from different backgrounds and skill levels. Educators who embark in careers teaching English help non-English students with writing, vocabulary, speaking and reading comprehension and spelling.

How Much Does a English as Second Language Teacher (ESL) Make - English as Second Language Teacher (ESL) Salaries

Positions and salaries for teaching English as a second language may vary. However, according to the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), due to the current demand for skilled educators specializing in teaching ESL, ESL salaries are typically marginally higher than for teachers in other subject areas with an average salary of $48000 for full-time positions. That being said, many ESL salaries depend on grants and budgets that are subject to review during economic downturns. Plus, not all openings for the ESL career are full-time. This is information that must be considered before embarking on an ESL career.

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Online Colleges Offering Education and Teaching Degrees

University of Phoenix - Online Campus

Accreditation

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. .

Capella University

Accreditation

The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Walden University

Accreditation

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of The North Central Association,www.ncahlc.org; 312-263-0456.

Western Governors University

Accreditation

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s "home" accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges. WGU is also nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). WGU is the first online university to receive NCATE accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). WGU’s Health Informatics program is now accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). WGU’s Nursing programs are CCNE accredited.