What does an ESL Teacher do?

ESL Teacher job descriptions emphasize the role these teachers play in helping students understand and use English as a second language. Instruction may take place in a classroom setting in a school or continuing education or job training facility. Other classes may occur on a one-on-one basis. Either way, ESL Teachers play an integral role in helping non-English speaking students acquire the skills necessary to succeed in school and professional settings.

ESL Teacher skills and qualifications

The skills and qualifications sections of a job description for ESL Teachers typically includes both soft and hard skills. Successful candidates may have:

• Previous experience as an ESL teacher or in another similar instruction-based position
• Strong organizational skills
• Patience
• The ability to communicate with students from varied backgrounds and with a wide range of existing skill sets
• A desire to help students achieve their goals
• Flexibility to work in diverse environments (remote, formal classroom settings, workshops, etc.)
• ESL, TESOL or similar certification
• Fluency in another language (optional)

ESL Teacher experience requirements

ESL Teacher candidates don’t necessarily have to have prior experience teaching English as a second language, but any experience as a teacher or school administrator can be helpful. Basic computer and software experience can be helpful too — being able to use MS Office, grading software and communication platforms can make it easier for newly onboarded teachers to track grades, create custom learning materials and communicate with colleagues and students.

ESL Teacher education and training requirements

Education and certification requirements should be the cornerstone of any job description for ESL Teachers. Most employers are looking for candidates with a degree in English, but other programs of study may be acceptable. ESL and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certifications are important qualifications that demonstrate applicants know how to teach English and that they’ve already invested in their careers. Other certifications may focus on ESL instruction in a specific setting or scenario, such as ESOL (ESL instruction outside the K-12 education system) and TEFL (teaching English in a country with a different primary language).

It’s possible for a qualified candidate to have an ESL or TESOL certificate but not a degree. However, your state may require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this ESL Teacher job description isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are other job description samples available for you to browse.

• Elementary Teacher
• Substitute Teacher
• Teacher

ESL Teacher job description FAQS

Do ESL Teachers need to have a college degree?

Not all ESL Teacher applicants will have a college degree, but they generally should have a certification, such as ESL or TEFL. Candidates with these certifications may be more likely to be prepared for the realities of the classroom. Depending on your location, a college degree might be a non-negotiable part of your ESL Teacher job description.

Where do ESL Teachers work?

ESL Teachers may work in traditional classroom settings, like an elementary school or a night school for adults interested in continuing education. But ESL Teachers are also in demand as private tutors, at community centers, at community colleges and online as virtual instructors.

How is the difference between an English Teacher and an ESL Teacher?

English Teachers help English-speaking students learn more about the intricacies of their language through grammar exercises, writing prompts and reading assignments. ESL Teachers help students learn English as a second language, focusing on conversational fluency and overall communication skills.