The most common bachelor's degree earned by individuals intending to teach English as a second language is, in fact, a degree in teaching ESL. Many universities offer ESL teaching as a specific major. You can also get a bachelor's degree in education, English, linguistics, any foreign language, multicultural studies or speech. However, a degree specific to ESL teaching will likely open more doors for you as a prospective teacher.
Earning a master's or doctoral degree in teaching English as a second language can be extremely beneficial, though a graduate degree is not a prerequisite for landing an ESL teaching job. Continuing your education past the undergraduate level will help you expand your knowledge base, and completing a master's or doctoral dissertation can help you formulate your own opinions and ideas about ESL teaching methods and obstacles. Publication of your original work can also lead to opportunities in research positions. Advanced education also qualifies you to take on leadership roles in ESL facilities, such as a program directorship, department chair or educational consultant.
Most U.S. schools require that ESL teachers have a bachelor's degree, a teaching certificate and an ESL certification endorsement. Teaching certificates are awarded by colleges and universities to each student who successfully completes her teaching degree at the undergraduate level. Teaching certificates are also sometimes awarded to individuals who complete certain prerequisite coursework without officially obtaining a degree in teaching. The teaching certificate basically indicates that the individual holding it is fully qualified to teach.
Endorsements grant teachers the qualification to teach specialized subjects, such as music or language arts. A certificate of ESL endorsement indicates that you are qualified to teach English as a second language. ESL endorsements can usually be earned through completing a designated set of coursework that can also be credited toward your undergraduate or graduate teaching degree credit requirements. ESL endorsements can qualify you to teach to a certain population, such as K-12 students, or they may be more generalized, depending on the requirements and offerings of your particular university.