How to Become an ESL Teacher – Teachers can have a big impact on the lives of their students, but few have as large of an impact as ESL teachers. Learning how to become an English as a second language teacher can be slightly complicated because there’s no strict formula to follow, and ESL teacher education and certification requirements vary by state. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an ESL teacher, here are some of the general requirements for prospective teachers.
An English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher helps English language learners (ELL) to become proficient in verbal and written English. According to the Department of Education, an ELL student is defined as an elementary or secondary school student whose native language isn’t English, who wasn’t born in the United States, and who are in need of additional English supports and services.
In short, that means an ESL teacher is someone who helps ELLs to access and acquire English language skills in order to participate in an English speaking contexts both inside and outside of school. Working with students from a wide range of age groups and backgrounds, ESL teachers need to be sensitive to cultural and linguistic differences, show empathy and support for their social, academic, and acculturation experiences, and assist other general education teachers to adapt their classroom instruction to support ELLs. In addition, the international importance of the English language allows ESL teachers to enjoy a variety of employment prospects, working in community centers, academies, schools, or as private tutors.
Learning a language can be incredibly rewarding, but also incredibly challenging. Helping students overcome that challenge requires a number of skills. Because any teacher can play an important role in the lives of their students, but as their guide to the English speaking world, ESL teachers often act as mentors and advisors.
Learn more about this topic by reading on Drexel.edu.
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