The most important aspect of landing an ESL teaching job is to understand that it is somewhat different from other kinds of teaching jobs.  There are more ESL teaching jobs available around the world than there are teachers who are qualified for them.  ESL teachers teach in regular classrooms, separate classrooms for English Language Learners only, in "pull out" and supplemental programs, and in adult programs.  By doing your groundwork, you can get a great job teaching ESL!

Preparing for ESL Teaching Jobs

  1. Get certified: There may be some schools or districts that will give you an ESL teaching job based solely on your teaching degree, but you can get a much better job if you are properly certified to teach English as a Second Language.  In parts of the US, you may be required to have an ESL credential in addition to your regular teaching credential to teach in any classroom.  To be expertly qualified to teach ESL, you need to have a Language Development Specialist's Certificate (LDS) or a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL or TESL or TESOL) certification.  Here are some things to keep in mind about these certificates:

    • Your TEFL/TESOL certificate should be recognized globally and not just in your home country.  Most recruiters nowadays will not even look at an ESL teacher's resume unless it includes an internationally recognized certificate.

    • If you want to apply to a specific country abroad, it is best to get your TEFL certification from that country.  If they do not have any TEFL courses, your next best option is to get one from a country near it.

    • Enrolling yourself in a weekend TEFL course is not going to do you much good. Ensure that the course is at least four weeks in duration as that is the minimum that most ESL recruiters seek.

    • Make sure your TEFL course includes a minimum of six hours of practical experience in teaching in a real TEFL classroom.  Once you have some practical knowledge teaching real students, you will be better equipped to handle anything that occurs in your ESL teaching job.

  2. Master the language: It goes without saying that you need to be an expert in the English language if you want to land a good ESL teaching job.  What you need to know is that different forms of English are taught throughout the world.  Thus, you need to know British English and other forms of the language, in addition to American English. Spellings, pronunciations, and syntactic forms vary greatly; therefore, it is vital that you know many varieties of English.

  3. ESL teacher resume: Your ESL teacher resume may be different from a standard teacher resume. If you want to teach only ESL, your resume should focus on your specific qualifications and certifications for teaching English as a Second Language.  It should also include all prior experience you have had pertaining specifically to TEFL, such as teaching ESL abroad, working with children, and any foreign language skills.

    If you want to include ESL on your basic teacher resume as an additional skill, include it in a separate section and list your qualifications, experience, and language abilities related to ESL jobs.  Because your ESL resume is such an important aspect of landing the ideal ESL teaching job, it is best to have it written by an expert resume writing service.

  4. ESL teacher job listings: Start looking for an ESL teaching job on the internet.  You will have access to hundreds of jobs internationally within minutes.  If you want to take it one step further, you can register yourself with an ESL recruitment company.  They can help you find an ESL teaching job abroad.  You will have to spend money for registering with a recruiter, but, in the end, the expense may be well worth it.

By preparing and planning properly, you can find a great ESL teaching job and perhaps travel the world teaching English!

Bookmark and Share

Back to Education Job Search 101

Review our resume prices & services

Review our resume and cover letter samples.

If you require more information or have any questions - Contact Candace at A+ Resumes for Teachers by clicking here or call toll-free 1-877-738-8052.

Success Stories

"I must have read your website 7 times, it is such a great site full of excellent information. I kept going back there and never ordered because I had a bad experience ordering online before with another company. You have restored my confidence in online ordering after I received the finished documents. They are beyond my expectations. You are truly a nice and talented person Candace.

Oh, and say thanks to the rest of your team."

Y. K.

"Wow, Candace, I must say I really appreciate everything you have done for me. Your staff's incredible writing ability and delivery of documents on time... and then your informative interview coaching technique help. I just want you to know I got that dream job... I can tell you now that I really didn't think I would get it, and I know it was the documents you created that got me that interview. You have a warm heart and a unique gift... and by reading your newsletters you are an incredible mother. I will refer many people your way.

Best wishes this Holiday Season, "

T. H

***More Success Stories***

Click Here to Partner with us for a perfect fit in advancing your education career

Sign up here to receive our free newsletter. A+ Career Curriculum is full of education career related tips and advice delivered to your email box bi-weekly.

Looking forward to working with you in the future,

Candace Signature 

Candace Davies ACCC, CRW, CIC, CPRW, CEIP, CECC
Find out more about Candace here.

 

Add this article to your web site.

<!--Start A+ Resumes for Teachers Article -->
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://resumes-for-teachers.com/articles/esl-teaching-position.js">
</script>
<noscript>
<a href="http://resumes-for-teachers.com/job-search-help/esl-teaching-position.aspx">Landing an ESL (English as a Second Language) Teaching Job</a>There are more ESL teaching jobs available around the world than there are teachers who are qualified for them.</noscript>
<div align="center">
<table width="90%" border="2" bordercolor="#008000" cellpadding="5">
<tr>
<td>
<p>The above article &quot;<a href="http://resumes-for-teachers.com/job-search-help/esl-teaching-position.aspx">Landing an ESL (English as a Second Language) Teaching Job</a>&quot; was written by Candace Davies, Owner of <b><font color="#FF0000">A+</font></b> <b><font color="#003300">Resumes for Teachers.</font></b>
Her team has successfully assisted thousands of education professionals by transforming their talents into concise documents that secure numerous interviews, leading to excellent job offers through the interview preparation service.
She is a dually certified as a Professional Resume Writer, Certified Interview Coach, Certified Employment Interview Professional, Associate Certified Career Coach, and Electronic Career Coach. You can review her <a href="http://resumes-for-teachers.com/teacher-resume-examples.aspx">resume and cover letter samples</a> or visit her website at <a href="http://resumes-for-teachers.com">http://resumes-for-teachers.com</a>
Call Toll-free 1 877 738 8052 or email to <a href="mailto:candoco@telus.net?subject=A+ Resumes for Teachers">candoco@telus.net</a>.</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>
<!--Finish A+ Resumes for Teachers Article -->