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Nerensia
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
3
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What are some certifications an ESL teacher would have to have before becoming one?
I have always been the one who likes to know things before they happen. I like to be well prepared for what I may face.
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7 answers
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Hey there, this should help
ESL certification programs require a bachelor's degree in any field, with a preference for education, English, or linguistics. A teaching license is often required, especially for public schools. Common certifications include ESL certification, TESOL, and TEFL. ESL certification is the most common credential for teaching English to non-native speakers, while TESOL prepares teachers for teaching domestically and abroad. TEFL is ideal for teaching in non-English-speaking countries. Praxis exams are required in some states, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills tests and the Praxis Subject Assessment for ESL. Additional requirements include fieldwork/internship, language proficiency, and exams covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The process typically takes about 4-5 years, depending on the pace and program structure. By preparing in advance and understanding these steps, one can be well-equipped to handle the journey towards becoming an ESL teacher.
ESL certification programs require a bachelor's degree in any field, with a preference for education, English, or linguistics. A teaching license is often required, especially for public schools. Common certifications include ESL certification, TESOL, and TEFL. ESL certification is the most common credential for teaching English to non-native speakers, while TESOL prepares teachers for teaching domestically and abroad. TEFL is ideal for teaching in non-English-speaking countries. Praxis exams are required in some states, including the Praxis Core Academic Skills tests and the Praxis Subject Assessment for ESL. Additional requirements include fieldwork/internship, language proficiency, and exams covering reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The process typically takes about 4-5 years, depending on the pace and program structure. By preparing in advance and understanding these steps, one can be well-equipped to handle the journey towards becoming an ESL teacher.
Chris Weber
Special Education Teacher
1
Answer
Azle, Texas
Updated
Chris’s Answer
I am relieved to see someone is preparing before they enter education with asking such good questions!
ESL as a supplemental certification, speaking in Texas terms, is often a catch-all cert that requires a "highly-qualified subject are expertise" to be relevant. For example, you cannot teach in a classroom in Texas with only your ESL cert, you must have the ability to teach a subject and be informed by the sheltered instruction and unique needs of an Emerging Bilingual student and that is what the ESL cert is designed to show. Think about what subject you have enjoyed or find fascinating enough to gain your subject cert in, even if it is not something you thought you could ever teach! Generalists certs are helpful here because they are the most flexible of subject certifications and allow you to try and try again in different areas. Plus Principals need to fill their required areas with the most diversity-oriented educators and having multiple certs is a path to show you definitely know enough to step into that room, and, if you match that with a determined spirit to grow and accept constructive feedback through the evaluation process, the sky is the limit for you in this field.
Find a subject you love or are fascinated by and look at those certification requirements
Make a tentative plan and run it by a current administrator to see if it is the most marketable way to present yourself on paper
Take that feedback and tweak and tune your plan, not just thinking about what is a popular need now but plan what what is trending to be needed in the future.
ESL as a supplemental certification, speaking in Texas terms, is often a catch-all cert that requires a "highly-qualified subject are expertise" to be relevant. For example, you cannot teach in a classroom in Texas with only your ESL cert, you must have the ability to teach a subject and be informed by the sheltered instruction and unique needs of an Emerging Bilingual student and that is what the ESL cert is designed to show. Think about what subject you have enjoyed or find fascinating enough to gain your subject cert in, even if it is not something you thought you could ever teach! Generalists certs are helpful here because they are the most flexible of subject certifications and allow you to try and try again in different areas. Plus Principals need to fill their required areas with the most diversity-oriented educators and having multiple certs is a path to show you definitely know enough to step into that room, and, if you match that with a determined spirit to grow and accept constructive feedback through the evaluation process, the sky is the limit for you in this field.
Chris recommends the following next steps:
sadia sadia
Teaching
4
Answers
Attock, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
sadia’s Answer
That’s a great mindset to have! If you’re considering becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, here are some certifications that can help:
1. Essential ESL Certifications
These are the most recognized and widely accepted qualifications:
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
General certification for teaching English in various settings.
Offered by institutions like Arizona State University, TESOL International Association.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
Ideal for teaching English abroad or online.
Standard requirement for many countries and platforms.
Providers: International TEFL Academy, Bridge TEFL.
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
Cambridge University’s prestigious certification.
More intensive than TEFL/TESOL.
Highly preferred for teaching in Europe, the Middle East, and high-paying jobs.
DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults)
Advanced Cambridge certification for experienced ESL teachers.
Required for leadership roles, curriculum development, or teacher training.
2. Additional Qualifications
ESL Endorsement (for licensed teachers) – Required in some countries to teach in public schools.
PGCE in TESOL (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) – A good option if you want to teach in UK-based institutions.
Master’s in TESOL/Applied Linguistics – Preferred for university-level teaching or research roles.
3. Online Teaching-Specific Certifications
Teaching English Online (TESOL Extension) – Designed for virtual ESL teachers.
Teaching Business English/Young Learners – Specialized TEFL add-ons for niche markets.
1. Essential ESL Certifications
These are the most recognized and widely accepted qualifications:
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
General certification for teaching English in various settings.
Offered by institutions like Arizona State University, TESOL International Association.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
Ideal for teaching English abroad or online.
Standard requirement for many countries and platforms.
Providers: International TEFL Academy, Bridge TEFL.
CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
Cambridge University’s prestigious certification.
More intensive than TEFL/TESOL.
Highly preferred for teaching in Europe, the Middle East, and high-paying jobs.
DELTA (Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults)
Advanced Cambridge certification for experienced ESL teachers.
Required for leadership roles, curriculum development, or teacher training.
2. Additional Qualifications
ESL Endorsement (for licensed teachers) – Required in some countries to teach in public schools.
PGCE in TESOL (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) – A good option if you want to teach in UK-based institutions.
Master’s in TESOL/Applied Linguistics – Preferred for university-level teaching or research roles.
3. Online Teaching-Specific Certifications
Teaching English Online (TESOL Extension) – Designed for virtual ESL teachers.
Teaching Business English/Young Learners – Specialized TEFL add-ons for niche markets.
Elena Alvarez
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Elena’s Answer
Certifications for ESL teachers depend on where you plan to teach, as each state has different requirements. In Texas, you must have a teaching certificate and an ESL supplemental certification. This means you need to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, complete an approved Texas Education Agency (TEA) educator preparation program, hold a valid teaching certificate in Texas, and pass the TExES ESL Supplemental exam. The TExES ESL exam is a five-hour, computer-based test with 80 multiple-choice questions. It is scored from 100 to 300, with a minimum passing score of 240. The exam is administered at official testing centers. To find the specific requirements for your state, check your state's education website at https://educate.iowa.gov/educator-licensure/endorsements-list/k-12-english-second-language. For broader certification, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is a widely recognized option. If you plan to teach abroad, TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is ideal. Another respected option is CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), offered by Cambridge, which is recognized internationally. However, in most U.S. states, an ESL Endorsement is sufficient for school teachers as an addition to their teaching license. To increase earning potential, you can pursue a master’s degree in TESOL or Applied Linguistics.
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Nerensia,
Well good question! If you're aiming to be a super-prepared ESL teacher, there are a few key certifications you might consider. Most folks start with a TEFL certification—Teaching English as a Foreign Language—which is widely recognized and can be done online or in person. Then there’s CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) from Cambridge, which is also really respected worldwide. Some teachers go for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) as well—it's pretty similar to TEFL but varies by program.
If you're planning to teach in a public school in the U.S., you'll also likely need a state teaching certification with an ESL endorsement after you complete your degree. Each certification not only boosts your resume but also gives you extra confidence when you step into the classroom. So, while it might seem like a lot at first, each piece of certification really helps you be as prepared as possible for what you might face. Keep that curiosity alive—being well-prepared is half the battle! All the best and good luck hope this helped! 😉🤗
Well good question! If you're aiming to be a super-prepared ESL teacher, there are a few key certifications you might consider. Most folks start with a TEFL certification—Teaching English as a Foreign Language—which is widely recognized and can be done online or in person. Then there’s CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) from Cambridge, which is also really respected worldwide. Some teachers go for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) as well—it's pretty similar to TEFL but varies by program.
If you're planning to teach in a public school in the U.S., you'll also likely need a state teaching certification with an ESL endorsement after you complete your degree. Each certification not only boosts your resume but also gives you extra confidence when you step into the classroom. So, while it might seem like a lot at first, each piece of certification really helps you be as prepared as possible for what you might face. Keep that curiosity alive—being well-prepared is half the battle! All the best and good luck hope this helped! 😉🤗
sadia sadia
Teaching
4
Answers
Attock, Punjab, Pakistan
Updated
sadia’s Answer
B Ed 2.5 years
Hi Sadia, can you provide more detail to your answer?
Sharyn Grose, Admin
Aytan Burziyeva
English Teacher
1
Answer
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Aytan’s Answer
TESOL/TEFL