Teaching English is an engaging, challenging and rewarding career that can take you around the world. As an English teacher, you may teach native speakers or have the opportunity to teach students who are learning English as a Second Language (ESL). This guide provides you with the information you need to become an English Teacher.
What does an English teacher do?
The job of an English teacher requires a comprehensive knowledge of the English language, sentence structure, grammar, and pronunciation. A deep understanding of teaching techniques, evaluation and student development are also implemented to teach a language. As a teacher, you will translate complex concepts into consumable sessions to teach your students the skills and techniques for learning English.
Do you need a qualification to teach English?
Yes, you will need a qualification to teach English, however, your level of qualification may vary depending on the level and country you want to teach in. Teachers in Secondary Education/High schools typically require a bachelors degree in education, teachers of students from other languages may only require a Certificate (level 5) qualification; such as the Trinity CerTESOL or Cambridge CELTA. Learn more about teaching qualifications here
Do I need teaching experience to become an English teacher?
You do not need to have prior teaching experience to start the Trinity CertTESOL. Through our Trinity CertTESOL course, you will gain a least 6 hours of direct teaching experience. This experience will help you to develop your teaching and adaptability skills required in the classroom and give you a holistic understanding of your future career.
I’m about to complete my degree but want to get into teaching, what can I do?
Your undergraduate degree will help ensure you are capable of the academic rigours of becoming an English teacher. If you’d like to explore the opportunities for English teachers, we recommend you start with a certificate in TESOL.
What do I need to do to become an English Teacher?
The typical route to becoming an English teacher is through a bachelor’s degree, however, there are many routes to becoming an English language teacher. To enter this rewarding career, we recommend:
- Get qualified – study a globally recognised qualification that will equip you with the skills to teach the English language.
- Get experience – there are many ways to get experience as a teacher, if you want to enter the classroom with experience our courses will provide direct teaching opportunities.
- Know your requirements – know your government’s regulations of working with students and complete any background checks you need to. For example, a DBS check is required in the UK to teach junior students.
- Grow as you go – doing the job will teach you lots about teaching English. As a teacher you’ll always be evolving, it’s one of the things that makes teaching great.
English Teacher Salaries and Job Prospects
According to the UK government, the average annual salary for a teacher is between £25,715 and £32,157, depending on location. Salary expectations may also differ in various parts of the world and on your qualification level. We do know that English is taught widely across the globe and is a highly desirable language to learn for students whose first language is not English. In our experience, there is a shortage of qualified English language teachers worldwide, and gaining a qualification in TEFL will provide you with excellent employment prospects anywhere in the world.
To learn more about our teaching qualifications and to become an English language teacher please click here
