A Brief History of the ESL Education Major
ESL, in a nutshell, is the study of English as a second language. Individuals from other cultures often enroll in ESL programs to build competency in written and spoken English. ESL has become increasingly valuable to students, businesses, and schools as more people begin to work on the international scale. ESL opens up a wealth of career opportunities for students.
ESL graduates position themselves for employment around the globe. They may teach international students in the United States who want to learn English as a second language. Those with another language under their belt have an advantage, as they may even be able to work as interpreters and translators in industrial sectors. Generally, ESL graduates work closely with students to ensure that they gain the linguistic skills necessary to improve their speaking, reading, and communication in English. As global connectivity continues its meteoric rise, the demand for ESL teachers will make it a great career choice for educators.
Delving Into the ESL Education Major
Many online colleges and universities offer ESL education at various levels, from the associate all the way up to the doctoral degree level. Through online programs, students are able to complete their ESL education training without sacrificing personal goals. Students should note, however, that most teaching programs require a bachelor’s or a master’s in the field, making it advantageous to pursue an advanced degree.
The student curriculum will vary from program to program, but all ESL education majors will complete coursework in instructional methods, curriculum development, linguistics, psychology, and human development. During the course of their studies, ESL teachers may also undergo training in second-language acquisition theory and linguistics, working with students from a variety of cultures, and using technology as a teaching tool. While most schools do not require knowledge of a second language to teach ESL, it can be helpful in understanding some of the challenges of language acquisition.
Degree Levels:
Associate
Graduate degrees are required for a career in ESL education. The associate degree serves as a foundation for a bachelor’s degree completion program. This academic level is geared toward students seeking to fulfill the general education requirement necessary to advance to the next academic level.
The associate program’s general education requirements at many online institutions are typically compatible for transfer to a four-year college or university, where students can then pursue a bachelor’s program. In addition to basic arts and humanities, coursework at this degree level may include educational psychology, introductory psychology, adult learning, and fundamentals of training.
Bachelor’s
The bachelor’s program is ideal for students who may have already received credits for the basic liberal arts and introductory classes and would like to further their career. The purpose of the bachelor’s curriculum is to build upon the knowledge acquired in the first few years of ESL education training.
At this degree level, students develop the skills and knowledge necessary to teach English as a second language. Coursework may include but are not limited to adult education fundamentals, applied linguistics, and working with learners from diverse cultures.
Master’s
Students who wish to teach ESL usually obtain a major in education with a concentration in Teaching English as a Secondary Language. This degree level is ideal for students who are already licensed in single or multiple subject areas and are interested in teaching English as a second language.
Course content and reading materials will focus on language acquisition theories. The overall aim of the master’s curriculum is to prepare theoretically informed and practically equipped students for a career in ESL education. Master’s degree graduates may go on to become teachers, consultants, program administrators, and curriculum developers.
Doctorate
At the doctorate level, students are ready to dive into research-oriented coursework. Along with their collaborative partners, they investigate various cultural and economic factors surrounding ESL education. Doctorate candidates examine the theoretical and research foundations of language and literacy, as well as instructional strategies for foreign students.
Learning alongside other professionals offers insight and support to doctoral students while simulating a professional work environment. This degree level will enhance your skills to work in aiding the training and development of ESL programs. Many students who graduate with a doctorate degree in higher education go on to teach students at the highest level. Some publish books relevant to the education field.
Supplementing Your ESL Education Major
The versatility of an ESL education major makes it convenient to supplement your degree with additional training. Teachers must be able to work with students who come from various cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds. ESL educators must be understanding and respectful of their students irrespective of their background or circumstances. It is important that educators know how to communicate with their students effectively. They must be able to anticipate the difficulties that learners may have with English. In some situations, ESL teachers will have to be creative to get their job done. Thus, it may be advantageous to complete second language acquisition training. This will help teachers understand the linguistics challenges of their students.
In addition, students may choose a minor in sociology or cultural anthropology to strengthen their cultural knowledge and interpersonal communication skills. Students can broaden their knowledge beyond the theory of language. Through additional studies in social sciences, they can discover how family cultures can impact the classroom and gain a conscious knowledge of language as a system. Teachers use this knowledge to develop appropriate academic goals and techniques that help students speak, listen, write, and communicate effectively in English.
ESL graduates can secure employment in a variety of specialties and academic settings. They can become ESL professors, associate professors, educational technology consultants, or literacy program coordinators. Many programs require a minimum of bachelor’s degree for these positions.
Learn More About the ESL Education Major
- Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Open Courseware: ESL Training
- Multicultural Education & ESL Education
The ESL Education Major in the Job Market
Teachers who specialize in teaching English skills to foreign born students play a vital role in the evolution of today’s academic environment. ESL professors also help students prepare for success in passing the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). Through specialized training, ESL education equips students with the skills necessary to meet the challenges of an increasingly global and diverse student population. Their ability to relate knowledge of English to other languages pays huge dividends in the job market.
With more businesses and families now migrating around the globe, the demand for ESL educators remains high. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that jobs in this specialization will grow faster than average for all occupations. ESL education offers rewarding career in assisting students from other cultures develop proficiency in speaking and writing the English language. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job opportunities in English as a Second Language are expected to grow faster than average, making it a smart choice for educators seeking more job security.
With jobs at all levels of education, not just with children, graduates of an ESL Education program should have many options when it comes time to look for a job, making the process easier and hopefully more successful. Opportunities are best for ESL teachers in states with high immigrant population, such as California, Texas, New York, and Florida. ESL teachers earn anywhere from $39,000 annually to $71,000, according to PayScale.
