If you’re currently a licensed elementary, middle or high school teacher who is interested in expanding your teaching capabilities and strengthening your ability to teach English to non-native speakers, you might consider heading to graduate school to focus on TESOL. This guide to TESOL meaning and careers explains why you might consider this path in your education career.

TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. The TESOL acronym can refer to courses, certification programs or degree programs that equip teachers to work with students whose native language is something other than English. TESOL is a broad umbrella term that can encompass teachers who work in English-speaking countries, such as the U.S., as well as in other countries that have a different dominant language.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Within the TESOL umbrella, there are two other acronyms that you should be familiar with. TESL refers to Teaching English as a Second Language. This certification is geared toward teachers who wish to teach students within an English-speaking country. However, just like the TESOL certification, a TESL certification could also be used internationally.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Similarly, TEFL refers to Teaching English as a Foreign Language. These courses and certification programs are designed for teachers who wish to teach English to students within a country in which English is not the native or dominant language.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

In short, TESOL and TESL are similar enough that the terms are often used interchangeably, whereas TEFL focuses on teaching English abroad in a non-English-speaking country. If you aren’t quite sure yet where you’d like to teach English, you might consider choosing a TESOL certification instead of the TEFL, as the former can be more versatile than the latter. 

The world is a wonderfully diverse place, with 7,159 languages in active usage.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Although many of those languages are considered endangered — with fewer than 1,000 living speakers^{(See disclaimer 3)} — the sheer number of languages that exist today highlights the diversity of the global community. If you’re a teacher who appreciates diversity and enjoys connecting with others, you might consider pursuing an education specialty in the TESOL field.

Some compelling benefits of pursuing a career in the TESOL field can include:

• Cultural competence: TESOL teachers may enjoy learning about other cultures while they’re working with their students. Teaching English to non-native speakers can allow you to broaden your perspective and enrich your understanding of the world and its people.
• Global mobility: As a TESOL teacher, you might choose to teach English to non-native speakers in the U.S. or in another English-speaking country, such as the UK or Canada. Or, if you have an adventurous spirit, you might decide to travel to a country that doesn't speak English as a dominant language, such as South Korea or Japan. You'll be able to immerse yourself in a different culture and see the world as you travel.
• Professional confidence: Taking TESOL courses can even appeal to teachers who plan to stay in their current position. With a firmer understanding of how best to work with speakers of other languages, you may find that you can work more effectively with students in your current classroom — especially if your current classroom includes speakers of other languages.
• Varied work settings: TESOL teachers can choose from a varied range of work settings. You might work in elementary, middle or high schools. TESOL teachers can work at private or public schools, as well as in adult education settings, such as vocational training or literacy programs. TESOL teachers can also work for nonprofit organizations, private tutoring companies and international corporations. Geographically speaking, a TESOL teacher might pursue work in the U.S. or virtually anywhere around the world.^{(See disclaimer 4)} 

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.

K-12 English Language Instruction

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.

Adult ESL Education

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.

Teaching English Abroad

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.^{(See disclaimer 2 )}However, each country will establish its own specific requirements, and some are stricter than others. 

The common requirements for many different countries include:^{(See disclaimer 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

Designed for licensed teachers who are interested in pursuing the TESOL field, GCUs Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree program offers a flexible choice for examining TESOL competencies, with both online and evening classes available.

You’ll cover topics such as: 

• Language models and prototypes
• Principles and linguistics and language acquisition theories
• Student assessments
• Literacy development using multicultural literature
• Culturally inclusive curriculum, learning materials and teaching strategies

You’ll complete a combination of didactic classes and practicum/field experience hours.

Only you can determine if pursuing a graduate degree with a TESOL focus is the right choice for you. 

As you reflect on your options, you might consider asking yourself the following questions:

• Do I have a passion for language and communication?
• Do I enjoy working with students from a varied range of cultures and backgrounds?
• Am I open to broadening my mindset and global perspective?
• Do I have the necessary patience and adaptability to help ELLs succeed in the classroom?

If you’re passionate about empowering others to better navigate the world around them, then earning a graduate degree with a TESOL focus could be right for you. Grand Canyon University invites you to apply to the Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages degree program, designed for currently licensed teachers. Fill out the form on this page to speak with a university counselor about joining our Christian learning community.