Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) may also be known as Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), or Teaching English Limited Learners (TELL). A related field, Bilingual Education, may also qualify an individual to teach ESL. Teachers may work in their own country with immigrants and visitors, teach English abroad, tutor privately or specialize in preparing students for standardized tests such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The basic degree needed for a career in TESL is the Bachelor's degree in one of several subject areas, plus additional endorsements (attachments to teaching certificates which indicate additional fields of specialization) and certificates as needed. A Master's degree in TESL is also available, and Ph.D. level work in ESL and related fields leads to careers in research and administration. For those interested in teaching in private institutions or abroad, a certificate in TESL can be obtained from a number of training schools on campus and online.
Those wishing to teach ESL in the K to 12 setting generally work toward a Bachelor's degree in education. Students who obtain a B.A. in Education can also obtain endorsements to their teaching credentials in areas such as Bilingual Education or Teaching English Limited Learners by completing additional coursework in these areas. Endorsements are granted by state credentialing agencies and are generally valid for the duration of the teaching credential.
Another route to preparation for teaching ESL is the Bachelor's in English, which includes study of the structure and history of the English language. While the B.A. in English is not a teaching degree, students can include education coursework or take an additional certificate program to obtain teaching credentials in TESL.
Students who receive a B.A. in any foreign language can also teach ESL, usually with additional coursework in Applied Linguistics (a practical study of English grammar and structure), or they can obtain a teaching certificate from a private institution or community college, which qualifies them for teaching in a variety of settings, generally outside of K to 12.
For those interested in teaching on the K to 12 level, a Bachelor's in other subject areas such as math can be combined with additional endorsements, such as bilingual education or TESL. These endorsements allow teachers to work in their subject area with students who have limited competence in English, or to teach ESL classes in addition to their regular subjects. Universities and colleges offer on-campus and online opportunities for teachers to obtain additional endorsements, both year round and in summer intensive programs.
On the Master's level, degree programs dedicated to TESL are available. Usually combining Applied Linguistics with courses in pedagogy and selected topics in education, the Master's in TESL prepares students for teaching ESL in colleges, adult education and private institutions. Students with a Master's in TESL can also work toward a doctorate, focusing on research and administration.
Students who obtain a Master's degree in a foreign language can also qualify to teach English as a Second Language with additional coursework in Applied Linguistics or a certificate in TESL from an outside institution. Graduates in these programs may teach abroad in the country of their specialization, or at home with immigrant speakers of that language, as well as in other adult and higher education settings.
Students pursuing a Master's degree in education (MEd) may also teach ESL with coursework in Applied Linguistics, or a certificate from another institution. MEd graduates may also work as program administrators and designers, and continue their studies on the doctoral level. Students who obtain a Master's in Education generally do not teach in K to 12 classrooms, but work with students on the adult and college levels.
Students pursuing a doctorate in education can choose to concentrate on subject areas related to teaching ESL, usually with the goal of preparing future teachers, researching or administering programs. They may also teach, usually in programs of higher education, but frequently focus on research, pedagogy and program development.
A doctorate in English or foreign languages can also prepare for a career in teaching ESL, with coursework in applied linguistics or pedagogy, or a certificate obtained from another program. While those obtaining a Ph.D. in these fields may pursue research or teacher training opportunities, positions in public and private institutions are also available.