ESL stands for English as a second language and refers to the study of English by students whose first language is not English. TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
More than 5 million kindergarten through 12th grade students in the United States have limited English proficiency. Nearly 1.2 million adults in the United States are enrolled in state-run ESL programs.
Most ESL students in the United States are born in the United States. Schools are required to help ESL students try to achieve English proficiency.
The U.S. adult ESL population includes U.S.-born adults, new immigrants and refugees. Adult ESL students face challenges that include lack of time and money for ESL classes and lack of transportation to class.
TESOL teachers only need to be fluent in English; they don't need to be fluent in a foreign language. If you are interested in becoming certified, look for TESOL classes online or at your local college or university.