One of the most compelling reasons to pursue the TESOL field is the variety of career options. What can I do with a TESOL degree? From K-12 schools to adult education, there are plenty of possibilities.
With a firm foundation of TESOL competencies, licensed teachers might decide to teach English to speakers of other languages in K-12 classrooms in private or public schools in the U.S. Like other K-12 teachers, TESOL teachers need to be licensed, have a firm grasp on student assessment techniques and effective teaching strategies. It’s also helpful to have an understanding of the various challenges that English language learners (ELLs) face, both linguistically and culturally.
As a licensed K-12 English teacher, you would be responsible for creating a supportive and welcoming classroom environment that values all cultural backgrounds. You would develop lesson plans, teach lessons, grade assignments and help students one-on-one. K-12 TESOL teachers can also serve as advocates who strive to empower their students, give them a voice and ensure they have access to the resources and support they need.
Some teachers may prefer to work in adult education, rather than in K-12 settings.
Like K-12 teachers, adult education TESOL teachers will do the following:
- Develop English language lesson plans that align with the curriculum and educational goals
- Deliver English language lesson plans and work with students one-on-one when they need extra help
- Adjust teaching methodologies to suit the needs of individual students
- Grade assignments and tests
Unlike K-12 TESOL teachers, those who work in adult education may tailor their lessons toward helping their students navigate the workplace, such as by teaching common phrases used in different workplaces. They may also help their students connect to community resources and services, such as job placement services. In addition, adult education TESOL teachers are likely to help their students prepare for the citizenship exam.
TESOL teachers who have a love of travel and cultural immersion may decide to pursue teaching positions overseas. You can choose between teaching English in a country that predominantly speaks English and teaching English in a country in which it’s not the dominant language.
Before choosing this career path, it’s important to understand the requirements. Certificate credentials are accepted worldwide for TESOL, meaning that you can likely pursue opportunities in a vast range of countries.2 However, each country will establish its own specific requirements, and some are stricter than others.
The common requirements for many different countries include:5
- An ability to speak English fluently or as a native language
- A bachelor’s degree
- A TESOL or TEFL certificate
- A valid passport
- An ability to pass a criminal background check
- A visa that allows you to work in the country
