Depending upon the type of certification you plan on obtaining--English as a second language (ESL), English Language Learners (ELL), Teaching English as a second language (TESOL), or English as a foreign language (EFL)--and where you plan on teaching, education and certification requirements can vary, particularly from state to state.
Generally, an ESL or an equivalent certificate is issued by an individual state if a candidate plans to teach in a public school. Otherwise, certification is awarded by a college or university after the student has successfully completed an approved ESL course of study or its equivalent.
If you wish to pursue ESL teacher certification, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree with a concentration in teaching ESL, although a master's or doctorate degree in teaching ESL is also available and worth considering. According to education-portal.com, majoring in or concentrating on a foreign language is highly recommended, though not necessary. An ESL course of study usually includes courses in linguistics, multiculturalism, second-language acquisition and teaching grammar and pronunciation, education-portal.com states.
Beginning teachers in public schools are generally required to hold a bachelor's degree and meet all other requirements for teacher certification in their state, including passing all state-required proficiency tests and successfully completing a student teacher assignment. Each state issues its own licenses or certificates to public school teachers depending upon the state's specific requirements, including passing proficiency tests in ESL.
English Language Learners (ELL) are classified as public school students who are not fluent enough in the English language to succeed academically. According to education-portal.com, in some states ELL certification requirements are intended for teachers who hold a master's degree in education and who plan to teach in English language classrooms that include ELL. Other candidates for ELL certification include undergraduate education majors preparing to teach ELL students exclusively. Check with your state board of education to determine its specific course requirements for ELL certification.
Teaching English as a second language (TESOL) certificates are usually issued to people with degrees in education, although other certificates are available to those with as little as one year of college and some mastery of a foreign language, according to education-portal.com. Certification usually requires one year of teaching experience.
TESOL is usually defined as providing direct language instruction to college students and adults who need some additional English language instruction.
English as a foreign language (EFL) programs offer certification for those who plan to teach English in a foreign country. These programs are designed for those who hold at least a bachelor's degree, and generally take one year to complete.
Certified EFL teachers are qualified to teach in schools, colleges and universities, as well as to work with private individuals in non-English-speaking countries. In the United States, EFL teachers may also be qualified to work with adult immigrants or refugees.