Teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) is a rewarding and fulfilling career choice that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of students while experiencing new cultures and countries.
If you have a passion for language and a desire to shape future minds, becoming an English teacher may be the perfect path for you.
Let’s explore the steps to get into teaching English, the qualifications and skills required, and the various career opportunities available.
Why Teach English?
Teaching English is more than just a job; it is a vocation that allows you to inspire the next generation and influence young lives. English teachers play a crucial role in helping students become fluent and competent in the language, equipping them with essential skills in writing, speaking, and listening. By sharing your love for language and literature, you can foster independent learners who are confident in their abilities to communicate effectively.
Moreover, teaching English offers great job security, as it is a high-demand profession. According to the National Education Association, teaching job security is rated at 4.4 out of 5, highlighting the stability and demand for qualified English teachers. Currently, there is a shortage of approximately 300,000 teachers in the United States alone, making this an opportune time to pursue a career in teaching English.
Qualifications and Requirements
To become an English teacher, you will need to meet certain educational requirements, acquire relevant work experience, and obtain the necessary certifications. The qualifications and requirements may vary depending on the country and institution you wish to teach in. Let's explore the different pathways to becoming an English teacher.
University Degree
Obtaining a bachelor's degree is the first step towards becoming an English teacher. While some employers may require a degree in English or Education, others may accept a degree in any subject. It is beneficial to choose subjects such as English linguistics, modern foreign languages, or education studies to gain a deeper understanding of language and teaching methodologies.
During your degree program, you will learn English teaching strategies, classroom management techniques, and methods for assessing students' progress. Additionally, some universities offer teaching internships or placements, allowing you to gain practical experience in a classroom setting.
Teaching Certification
Once you have completed your degree and gained relevant teaching experience, you will need to obtain a teaching certification. This certification validates your knowledge and professional skills as an English teacher.
There are various types of teaching certifications available, depending on the country and institution. Sometimes, you may need to pass a certification exam that tests your knowledge of the English language, literature, and teaching methodologies. Other certifications, such as the Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (Cambridge CELTA) or the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Trinity CertTESOL), focus specifically on teaching English as a foreign language.
It is important to research the specific requirements of the country and institution you wish to teach in to ensure you meet their certification requirements.
Background Check
As teachers work closely with children and vulnerable individuals, a background check is typically required to ensure the safety of students. This involves a thorough examination of your criminal record, employment history, credit reports, and military records. Passing the background check is essential to be eligible for teaching positions.
Polishing Your Resume
Before applying for English teaching jobs, it is important to polish and organise your resume to highlight your academic qualifications, experience, and skills. Emphasise your teaching abilities, such as excellent communication and organisation skills, practical experiences in lesson planning and evaluation, and any relevant certifications or academic qualifications.
Pathways to Becoming an English Teacher
Now that we have explored the general qualifications and requirements let's delve into the different pathways you can take to become an English teacher.
University Pathway
One common pathway to becoming an English teacher is through the university route. By pursuing a degree in English or Education, you will gain a strong foundation in language and teaching methodologies. Additionally, many universities offer teaching internships or placements, allowing you to gain hands-on experience in a classroom setting.
To pursue the university pathway, follow these steps:
Choose a Relevant Degree: Select a degree program in English or Education with a teaching specialisation. Alternatively, you can pursue a degree in any subject and later complete a postgraduate course in education.
Complete Teaching Internship: Take advantage of any teaching internship or placement opportunities offered by your university. This will provide you with practical experience and insights into the teaching profession.
Obtain Teaching Certification: After completing your degree and gaining teaching experience, obtain the necessary teaching certification. Research the certification requirements specific to your country and institution.
Pass Background Check: As mentioned earlier, undergo a background check to ensure your eligibility for teaching positions.
Polish Your Resume: Organize and highlight your academic qualifications, teaching experience, and skills in your resume.
Apply for English Teaching Jobs: Begin applying for English teaching positions, showcasing your qualifications and passion for teaching.
College Pathway (TEFL Courses)
Another pathway to becoming an English teacher is through TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) courses. These courses are offered by colleges and private training providers worldwide and vary in cost and duration. TEFL courses provide you with the necessary training and certification to teach English as a foreign language.
To pursue the college pathway, follow these steps:
Research TEFL Courses: Explore the various TEFL courses available at colleges and training providers. Consider factors such as cost, duration, and accreditation.
Choose a TEFL Certification: Select a recognised TEFL certification, such as the Certificate of English Language Teaching to Adults (Cambridge CELTA) or the Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Trinity CertTESOL).
Complete the TEFL Course: Enroll in a full-time, part-time, or distance learning TEFL course, depending on your preferences and availability.
Arrange Teaching Practice: Some TEFL courses may require you to arrange your own teaching practice. This provides valuable hands-on experience in a classroom setting.
Obtain Teaching Certification: After completing the TEFL course and gaining teaching experience, obtain any additional teaching certifications required by your country or institution.
Pass Background Check: Undergo a background check to meet the safety requirements for working with children and vulnerable individuals.
Polish Your Resume: Highlight your TEFL certification, teaching experience, and relevant skills in your resume.
Apply for English Teaching Jobs: Begin applying for English teaching positions, emphasising your TEFL certification and passion for teaching.
Direct Application (Language Assistant)
Alternatively, you can gain experience as a paid language assistant in schools abroad. While Teaching English as a Foreign Language qualifications are not mandatory for this position, having at least two years of higher education is typically required.
To pursue the direct application pathway, follow these steps:
Research Language Assistant Opportunities: Explore opportunities to work as a paid language assistant in schools abroad. The British Council provides information on working abroad as an English language assistant.
Complete Higher Education: Ensure you have completed at least two years of higher education to meet the educational requirements for language assistant positions.
Polish Your Resume: Organize your resume to highlight your educational background and any relevant experience or skills.
Apply for Language Assistant Positions: Begin applying for language assistant positions, showcasing your enthusiasm for teaching and willingness to work abroad.
Further Education Pathway
If you are interested in teaching English in further education settings, such as colleges, you should follow a different pathway. In this case, you will typically require a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training, which can be obtained through professional development.
To pursue the further education pathway, follow these steps:
Obtain a Level 5 Diploma: Enroll in a Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training program, which focuses on teaching in further education settings.
Gain Teaching Experience: Gain teaching experience in further education to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Obtain Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status (QTLS): After completing the Level 5 Diploma, you can apply for Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills Status, further validating your teaching qualifications.
Polish Your Resume: Highlight your Level 5 Diploma, teaching experience, and relevant skills in your resume.
Apply for Further Education English Teaching Jobs: Begin applying for English teaching positions in further education settings, emphasising your qualifications and experience.
Skills and Qualities of an English Teacher
To be an effective English teacher, it is essential to possess specific skills and qualities. These skills and qualities will enable you to create engaging and effective lessons, connect with your students, and foster a positive and supportive learning environment. Let's explore the key skills and qualities of an English teacher:
English Language Knowledge
As an English teacher, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of the English language, including correct pronunciations, grammar rules, and vocabulary. This knowledge allows you to teach and explain language concepts to your students effectively.
Teaching Abilities
Teaching English requires patience, creativity, and excellent communication skills. Patience is essential in explaining concepts repeatedly until students grasp them. Creativity allows you to make learning engaging and fun, while excellent communication skills enable you to deliver lessons and provide feedback to your students effectively.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills are vital in establishing a good relationship with your students and colleagues. These skills include teaching insights, social awareness, and understanding, allowing you to create a positive and inclusive classroom environment.
Analytical Thinking Skills
Analytical thinking skills are necessary for analysing students' progress and tailoring lessons to meet their individual needs. This enables you to identify areas where students need additional support and create targeted learning activities.
Persistence and Attention to Detail
Being a thorough and detail-oriented teacher allows you to create the best conditions for learning and teaching new concepts. Additionally, persistence is essential in supporting your student's growth and progress.
Technological Competence
In today's digital age, having competence in using computers and software packages is advantageous for creating engaging lessons and utilising online resources effectively.
Career Opportunities and Progression
As an English teacher, there are various career opportunities and pathways for progression. With experience, you can advance into management positions in commercial language schools or colleges. Additionally, you may choose to move into private tuition or teacher training, offering personalised instruction or training future English teachers.
Furthermore, you can open your language school or venture into writing EFL learning materials, online resources, and apps. These opportunities allow you to share your expertise and impact English language education more broadly.
Tips for Success as an English Teacher
To excel as an English teacher, consider implementing the following tips:
Download English Teaching Apps
Explore English teaching apps and technologies that can enhance your lessons and make learning more exciting for your students. These apps provide new teaching ideas and offer a break from the traditional classroom setting while delivering valuable English language lessons.
Learn from Other English Teachers
Observe and learn from experienced English teachers to improve your self-awareness and classroom management skills. By observing their teaching methods, you can gain insights into creating a conducive social climate and managing diverse student populations.
Take Additional Courses
Continuously seek opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills as an English teacher. Take additional courses focusing on improving your listening, speaking, reading, and other skills contributing to effective English language instruction.
Consider TEFL/TESOL/ESOL Certification
Obtaining additional certifications, such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), or ESOL (English as a Second Language), can expand your teaching opportunities. These certifications qualify you to teach non-native English speakers in various contexts.
Gain Teaching Experience
Building teaching experience is invaluable for your professional growth as an English teacher. Seek opportunities to practice public speaking, teach online, and volunteer in schools to enhance your skills and confidence.
Leverage Online Resources for Teachers
Utilise online resources such as ed-Tech websites and publications to access free materials and stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in English language education. These resources can provide additional knowledge and skills to enhance your teaching.
Conclusion
Becoming an English teacher is an exciting and fulfilling journey that allows you to shape future minds and positively impact students' lives. Following the pathways outlined in this guide, you can embark on a successful teaching career in English language education.
Remember to continuously develop your skills, stay informed about the latest teaching methods, and embrace the opportunities for growth and progression in this dynamic field.
Start your journey to becoming an English teacher today and inspire a love for language and learning in future generations.
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