Additional Information
Educational requirements differ depending on where you want to teach.
Many public elementary and secondary school teachers are involved in teaching
English language learners (ELL).
In the U.S., the qualifications for classroom teachers vary from state
to state, but always include a state-issued teaching certificate for public
instruction.
First you must complete education degree requirements, exams and supervised
instruction as a teaching intern. The requirements to teach at a private
English as a Second Language (ESL) school or at a college or university are
often different.
"To become an ESL teacher one needs to have an undergraduate degree and
TESOL [teachers of English to speakers of other languages] training," says
Branka Jankovic. She teaches at a college.
"TESOL training, which most employers require, is a TESOL diploma, but
some schools would accept a TESOL certificate as well. However, if one wants
to teach at colleges and universities, the requirements are different. One
needs to have, in most cases, a master's degree and TESOL training, as well
as more teaching experience," Jankovic adds.
To teach in most private language schools, a CELTA (certificate in English
language teaching for adults), TESL (teaching English as a second language)
or TEFL (teaching English as a foreign language) certificate and a university
degree is required.
A master's degree is a requirement for teaching at the post-secondary level
such as at community colleges, university and teacher training.
"Here at Emily Griffith, most of us have our master's degree in TESOL,
but those who don't have been teaching at least 10 and mostly 20 years," says
Kate Goodspeed. She's an ESL teacher for the Colorado Refugee ESL Program
at the Emily Griffith Opportunity School.
When choosing a school, look for a program with qualified trainers with
a master's degree, teachers with North American public and overseas teaching
experience, a curriculum approved by governing bodies, and a supervised practicum.