If you are a teacher or have a degree and consider switching careers, teaching English as a second language could be the next step for you. The demand for ESL teachers is on the rise, and there is a plethora of opportunities for those who are qualified. Here is a short guide about teaching English as a second language and the benefits of getting qualified.
M.Ed. English as a Second Language
For those with a bachelor’s degree and who want to teach English as a second language, achieving an ESL master’s degree is a straightforward way to do it. Merrimack College offers competency-based MEd programs that can be completed online. The program combines coursework and field-based experiences and allows you to earn your degree at your own pace. There are 9 courses to complete, which amounts to a total of 36 credit hours, and you can get qualified in just 8 weeks. It is a great option for people who want to achieve their degree while they work.
High Demand For Qualified ESL Teachers
There are an estimated 4.9 million English language learners (ELL) in U.S. public schools currently. With an increase of 28 percent nationwide, now is the time to get your degree. The demand for qualified ESL teachers is higher than ever because of the growing number of children who have immigrated to the United States from foreign countries. With an increase in ELLs, there is an increase in job opportunities for well-educated teachers with ESL certification. In addition, experienced teachers and educators have access to further opportunities within their educational careers if they invest in their own learning. Although many conventional teaching positions do not require an ESL qualification, teachers who are qualified to teach English as a second language may be favored over those without this specialist degree.
Reaching Out to the Community
One humanistic advantage of gaining your ESL M.Ed is that you can reach out to ELLs within local communities. ELLs and their family may only be confronted with the English language in a public setting. As a qualified ESL teacher, you can provide assistance for people within these communities and help them grow stronger.
Branching Out
Outside of the public school environment, there are plenty of opportunities where you can earn more with a master’s degree in ESL. Those with an ESL degree can branch out to other educational roles; for example, you can work as an instructional coordinator, a program manager, or help design curricula. If you want to stay within teaching, you could become an online teacher or tutor ELLs privately in community centers or within their homes.
Overseas Opportunities
For those looking for a complete change of scenery, an ESL master’s degree can help you teach English as a foreign language in other countries. With a master’s degree, you can benefit from a higher paid salary and opportunities in administration and within universities.
Disclosure: This article was written by a guest author.