Choosing Among the Most Secure, Stable ESL Jobs
As the influx of immigrants to the United States increases, educators are finding ESL teaching to be more attractive than ever before.
ESL jobs are often in high demand during times when states and school districts are slashing funds for other programs, subjects, and academic departments. Due largely to the consistent influx of immigrants from all corners of the globe, those entering the teaching field may find employment as an ESL (English as a second language) instructor easier to come by than other types of teaching jobs. A few types of employment stand out as the most stable and secure for individuals entering this field.
K-12 ESL Teaching
Some of the most attractive ESL jobs for both current educators and new teachers alike are those in the nation’s primary and secondary schools. Teachers in these schools usually teach full-time, receive competitive salaries and retirement packages, and are eligible for health benefits from their state or local school district.
To teach ESL in the K-12 arena, of course, teachers must earn state certification either through obtaining an undergraduate degree in education or passing the standardized tests used by individual states to determine whether a teacher is ready for the classroom. Individual states have different requirements for obtaining a certificate. For ESL professionals wanting to work with K-12 ESL students, competition for jobs can be intense due to the benefits packages offered and the ability to earn tenure after several years on the job.
ESL at Technical Schools and Two-Year Colleges
Individuals looking for consistent part-time employment as ESL instructors often find that technical colleges and two-year institutions offer ESL programs for adult students whose English language skills are below what is needed in order to study at the collegiate level in the United States. Schools may offer a comprehensive ESL program or may integrate the program into their remedial coursework.
These positions are usually for adjunct instructors – part-time teachers who are in graduate school, have an additional part-time or full-time job, or divide their schedules by teaching at more than one institution. Adjunct instructors usually teach ESL students in the mornings or evenings. Many adult ESL classes are held in the evenings because evening classes are more amenable to the schedules of students with full-time jobs.
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Some instructors teach during both sessions – morning and evening – turning what is otherwise a part-time position into full-time income. If job performance for the term is deemed satisfactory by the administration, adjunct ESL teachers may remain at institution. As part-time employees, adjunct instructors usually don’t receive health benefits or retirement packages, however.
ESL Jobs at Private Language Academies
Employment at a private language academy or international school is also an option for many ESL teachers in the United States. Adult ESL students at language academies are often in the United States for a limited period of time, and are studying English on a student visa. Other times, however, students are studying English in order to prepare themselves for further educational pursuits at a college or university.
Before working at a language academy, many teachers talk to students and current or former educators at the school to get an idea of the campus culture. While they often offer excellent ESL jobs, language academies may be for part-time instructors only and, depending on how the program is structured, may or may not offer health benefits.
ESL as a Growing Field
The demand for quality English instruction will continue to grow as people from around the globe come to the United States seeking employment and educational opportunities. Thankfully for educators, the availability of ESL jobs is set to keep up with that growth. With so many ways to enter ESL teaching, those choosing to pursue it can enter the profession from a variety of angles.
ESL Resources
The resources below provide more information about entering the ESL teaching field.
