Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) help people from different language backgrounds who want to learn English. This includes helping them to acquire speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

ESOL teachers plan, prepare and teach English lessons to groups or individuals. They often prepare learners for special English language exams at different levels. They use a wide range of teaching methods and classroom activities.

Hours vary, but the job often involves working in the evening, and sometimes at weekends. Part-time sessional work is very common. Most ESOL teachers work in classrooms, although some teaching may take place in community settings.

In the UK, salaries may range from around £13,000 to £36,000. Teachers earning a higher salary usually have a management role in addition to their teaching.

ESOL teachers should:

• have excellent personal skills in English
• have excellent knowledge of the English language
• have good communication and interpersonal skills
• get on well with people of all ages and from different backgrounds
• have an interest in different languages and cultures
• be confident, creative and self-aware.

Demand for English language learning remains high in the UK and opportunities exist in both the private and public sectors. Qualification requirements are different for each sector.

The public sector employs ESOL teachers in further education colleges, sixth form colleges, specialist colleges, adult and community education, work-based learning, offender learning and voluntary organisations.

Teachers in the public sector require the Diploma in Teaching English in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS ESOL), or equivalent.

The private sector employs teachers of English in commercial language schools and in holiday exchange programmes, usually for European teenagers. This type of role is usually called Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL).

EFL teachers need an initial teaching qualification and courses are offered on a full-time or part-time basis at centres worldwide.

Opportunities for more senior posts, such as course directors or course co-ordinators exist in both the public and private sector. Some teachers in the public sector may pursue postgraduate degrees to improve their career prospects. Other possible pathways for experienced teachers include writing teaching resources, teacher training and middle or senior management.

Further details