The job of an English as a second-language (ESL) teacher typically demands a bachelor's degree in English, cultural studies, linguistics or a related area. English as a second language teacher responsibilities revolve around demonstrating a respect for various traditions and cultures and possessing the potential to create lessons tailored as per the needs of the individuals. ESL teachers instruct those individuals for whom English is a foreign language and not their native tongue. These teachers assist the students in learning to read, speak and write English language. Their objective is to help students in creating a good grip in English.
What are the Responsibilities and Duties of an ESL Teacher?
English as a second language teacher should be capable to link up with the students from various cultural background. In order to make the students capable to read and write English language, ESL teachers have to plan and design lessons. This can also help to improve their English conversational skills. They have to be attentive for each individual student in the classroom. Generally, ESL teachers have to teach those children and adults whose first language is not English and also to those who are planning to settle in the US permanently. These teachers may have to work in diverse locations, where voluntary sector or government funded courses are regulated with an aim to assist the learners in developing cultural competence and linguistics to entirely become a part of the work, education and cultural environment of the United States.
Responsibilities and Tasks
ESL teachers may have to conduct the following task and duties:
Typical Work Nature
Skills
Educational Requirements
As per the criteria of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a person willing to become an ESL teacher and teach the children and adults in private or government schools needs to have a bachelor's degree. In addition to a bachelor's degree, achieving a certificate in teaching will be more beneficial to teach the students in the U.S. public schools. ESL teaching programs are generally accomplished, once the candidate gets his/her undergraduate degree in the course. These programs may include courses of acquisition theory in second language and linguistics.
In many states, besides a formal education, an ESL teacher needs to be a license holder. Types of license and requirements may vary for each state; however, candidates can receive a license if they hold a bachelor's degree or a teaching certification. ESL teacher should have experience in teaching English as a second language. He/she must be a native English speaker or should be capable to speak accent free English.
Work Conditions
An ESL teachers can also be termed as migrant education teachers and have to work with groups as well as individuals. They may get employed at institutions in territory or state Government or in community venues, educational institutions or private institutions. They may also work in Home Tutor schemes, distance learning programs and English in workplace programs.
English as a second language teacher has a vast scope to work in schools at various levels. They can opt for a particular program to make their students more confident and efficient in speaking, writing and reading English.