We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.

ESL Teacher

Save
March 29, 2024 Updated May 12, 2025 20 minute read

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is a career dedicated to instructing students whose primary language is not English. ESL teachers guide learners in developing their abilities in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding English. This field offers the chance to engage with diverse cultures and make a meaningful impact on students' lives by equipping them with crucial communication skills. For those passionate about language and education, a career as an ESL teacher can be an exciting and rewarding path, opening doors for students to access new opportunities in a globalized world.

The work of an ESL teacher is dynamic and multifaceted. It involves creating engaging lesson plans, assessing student progress, and adapting teaching methods to suit various learning styles and proficiency levels. Beyond the technical aspects of language instruction, ESL teachers often play a vital role in helping students navigate new cultural environments and build confidence in using English in their daily lives. This profession can be deeply fulfilling, offering the chance to witness students' growth and help them achieve their personal and professional goals.

If you are interested in foundational knowledge for teaching English as a foreign language, the following course provides an introduction to TEFL, its history, and essential teaching practices.

Share

Help others find this career page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Salaries for ESL Teacher

City
Median
New York
$57,000
San Francisco
$59,000
Seattle
$56,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$57,000
San Francisco
$59,000
Seattle
$56,000
Austin
$48,500
Toronto
$58,000
London
£38,000
Paris
€27,000
Berlin
€70,000
Tel Aviv
₪71,000
Singapore
S$60,000
Beijing
¥224,000
Shanghai
¥186,000
Shenzhen
¥165,000
Bengalaru
₹250,000
Delhi
₹42,900
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to ESL Teacher

Take the first step.
We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to ESL Teacher. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
Sorted from most relevant to least relevant:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Comprehensive reference grammar of the English language. It provides a detailed description of English grammar, from the smallest units of meaning (morphemes) to the largest (sentences). It includes extensive examples and exercises and is suitable for advanced learners and teachers.
Comprehensive reference grammar of English, covering all aspects of English grammar, from phonology to syntax to semantics.
Comprehensive handbook of grammar and second language acquisition, covering all aspects of grammar and second language acquisition, from phonology to syntax to semantics.
Comprehensive guide to second language acquisition, covering all aspects of second language acquisition, from phonology to syntax to semantics.
Comprehensive handbook of applied linguistics, covering all aspects of applied linguistics, from phonology to syntax to semantics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of TEFL. It is an essential resource for both new and experienced TEFL teachers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research and developments in TEFL. It is essential reading for TEFL teachers who want to stay up-to-date on the field.
Provides a comprehensive preparation for the Teaching Knowledge Test (TKT), an international qualification for TEFL teachers. It is essential reading for TEFL teachers who want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
Offers a detailed examination of different teaching methods and techniques used in TEFL. It provides practical guidance on how to implement these methods in the classroom, making it a valuable resource for TEFL teachers.
Textbook for students of English for Business (EFB). It provides a comprehensive overview of the skills required for business communication, such as presentations, negotiations, and email writing.
Provides a practical guide to the day-to-day realities of TEFL. It explores a wide range of topics, including lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment. It is an invaluable resource for TEFL teachers who want to improve their teaching skills.
Provides a practical guide to the day-to-day realities of TEFL, including lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment. It is an invaluable resource for TEFL teachers who want to improve their teaching skills.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of TEFL. It is essential reading for TEFL teachers who want to understand the field in depth.
Beginner's guide to English grammar. It provides clear explanations of grammar rules and includes plenty of examples and exercises.
Phrasebook and guide to English for travel. It provides essential phrases and vocabulary for travelers, as well as tips on how to communicate effectively in English-speaking countries.
Table of Contents
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser