How to Become an ESL Teacher with a Bachelor’s Degree?

Imagine being the reason someone rocks a stage on an international level with their flawless linguistic skills. Or maybe, just for a moment, imagine someone moving to another country unconcerned about language because of you. We don’t know about you, but this is an inspiration for many ESL Teachers across the map.

Being an ESL teacher is more than just a teaching job. It’s an amazing way of bridging people together. So, let’s dig in and see how to become an ESL teacher after getting your bachelor’s degree and contributing to global citizenship.

Cultural Sensitivity and Interactive Learning

Understanding and respecting differences in cultures are two very important things that you need to keep in mind when walking into your classroom. It will help you cultivate empathy and enable your students to shine at their best. When students come across a teacher who is mindful of their norms, they are more likely to feel welcomed.

One way to create a culturally inclusive environment is by engaging your students as much as you can. Most Asian students have a lot going on in their lives. In the initial days of schooling, these students are sent to ESL Kindergartens, and the pressure keeps building. The natives might have gotten used to it, but the outsiders find it very hard to digest. As their English teacher, all you can do is make your lessons entertaining and stress-free.

Teaching Experience Matters

Becoming an ESL teacher is different from your regular teaching job. Although some employers only demand you be a native English speaker, some have stringent criteria. They are impressed by the practical experience on your resume. So, if you want to increase the chances of your resume catching their eye, you must begin with some baseline experience.

Most candidates add to their ESL qualifications by tutoring or volunteering in programs that support English language learners. This helps them overcome their stage fright and also develop a concept of how things work in this role. 

Online ESL Teaching Gigs

One great way to start is by creating an ESL teaching gig online and gaining some freelance practical experience. Having a hold of your job will help you if you plan to move. Performance anxiety will be the least of your worries; you will walk into your classroom steadily and beaming with confidence.

Salary Expectations

Your salary depends on the nature of your job who is employing you and whether they hire you permanently or freelance. 

But if you decide to move to another country for work, your pay scale will be adjusted to meet the cost of living comfortably. English teaching jobs in South Korea and China can be up to 1750 to 3000 US dollars. Just like that, Japan pays 2800 USD and Vietnam pays 2000 USD to ESL teachers.

ESL Teaching Qualifications – Training and Legal Requirements

ESL Certificates: Teaching English as a second language requires you to obtain two most common certificates – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). These programs cover all the essentials, from becoming an ESOL teacher to effectively teaching non-native speakers. Typically, they offer a combination of coursework and hands-on teaching experience.

State Certificate: This ESL requirement should concern you only if you plan to teach English as a second language in a public school in the States. They require you to complete a state certification before you can step inside the classroom for your first lecture. For earning that certificate, you will complete a teacher’s preparation program. Also, you will take some exams, like the Praxis series. 

Work Visa: This ESL requirement does not apply to you if you want to stay in your country and work from there (Thanks to online learning!). But if you plan to teach English as a second language by moving to a new country, you must check their work visa requirements first. The criteria are different for each country but most places require a bachelor’s degree at least.

Consider a Master’s Degree

Who doesn’t like excelling in their career? To grow as an ESL tutor, consider getting a master’s degree in TESOL or a related area. It can open up a whole world of new and better job opportunities for you in higher-level institutions. Colleges and corporate organizations would prefer you prepare their people for the professional world. 

Wrapping Up

Now you know how to become an English teacher with only a bachelor’s degree. No doubt, it’s one of the most happening career choices that you can make. Besides, if you have a knack for connecting with people from different groups and exploring other cultures, you will enjoy being an ESL tutor.

We have brilliant opportunities waiting to be discovered. Dig in and explore teaching jobs that not only let you inspire young minds but also provide you with exposure to different cultures. Say hello to the new adventures in South Korea and China!