TEACHERS OF ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (TESOL) California Occupational Guide Number 556 Interest Area 11 1995
THE JOB
Most communities in California are home to many people for whom English is not their first language. Some communities have over 50 languages represented. As communities become more multilingual, the need for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) increases. These TESOLers, as they are known, teach adults and children basic English language skills including reading, writing, listening, and conversation. They teach in public and private schools in the U.S. and abroad. TESOLers teach entirely in English although the students in their classes usually have many different first languages. Therefore, it is not necessary for a TESOLer to speak any language other than English. However, a TESOLer who has learned another language will probably have a better understanding of their students' experience as they learn English and therefore be a more empathetic and skillful teacher.
As with most teaching positions, TESOLers must create lesson plans, prepare and grade exams, keep records, and work with students, parents, and other school personnel. People with certain personal qualities tend to be successful and happy in this career. These qualities include: flexibility, tolerance, independence, maturity, ability to work as part of a team, communication skills, enthusiasm for the job, and a sincere appreciation of people from different cultures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
TESOLers can work in a variety of settings. Some work in modern classrooms that include computers and other electronic tools. Others work in modest environments with limited resources of any type. Those working and living outside of the U.S. have the benefit of experiencing other cultures first hand over an extended period of time. The opportunity for extensive travel is also available to TESOLers working abroad since many positions provide long holidays and paid transportation.
Whether working in the U.S. or abroad, all TESOLers have the opportunity to spend time with, and get to know, people of many different cultures whose life experiences may be significantly different than their own. This can be one of the most interesting and rewarding parts of the job.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
There are many employment opportunities for TESOLers in the U.S. and abroad. However, the majority of jobs in the U.S. are part time and many are in adult schools teaching day and/or evening classes. These part-time positions pay an hourly wage rather than a monthly salary and rarely provide benefits. Hours are based on time in the classroom and therefore preparation must be done on the TESOLers own time. It is also difficult to advance into full-time salaried positions since there are relatively few of these.
These factors may be a disincentive for someone beginning their career. On the other hand, these same factors may meet the needs of someone who is retired and has a pension or other income and perhaps even continuing health benefits. Someone in these circumstances may be looking for a way to supplement their income while at the same time working relatively few hours per week doing interesting, challenging, and satisfying work.
TESOLers teaching in adult schools usually express a sincere love for the work they do. They also list several advantages over teaching in a traditional K-12 environment. Among these are: (1) Since the students are themselves adults, working with their parents is unnecessary; (2) most students are attending because they want to and therefore are very interested, attentive, and self-motivated; (3) behavioral problems tend to be non-existent; and, (4) students treat the teacher with a great deal of respect and are quick to express how grateful and appreciative they are.
Full-time jobs in the U.S. are usually in public and private schools. There are fewer of these positions and they are much more competitive, usually being filled by experienced TESOLers. Full-time positions are more abundant overseas and provide additional fringe benefits not usually offered in the U.S. These benefits are described in the next section of this Guide.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Salaries for California public school teachers start in the low $20,000s for new teachers and increase to the mid $30,000s for experienced teachers. Private schools tend to pay less than public schools. Hourly wages for TESOLers teaching in California adult schools vary considerably but tend to range from $13.00 to $17.00 per hour. Salaries for TESOLers teaching abroad vary depending on the country. Those considering a contract abroad should look at benefits as well as salary -- foreign benefit packages are often substantial.
Full-time TESOLers in the U.S. usually receive benefit packages that includes paid holidays, vacations and sick leave, health insurance and retirement plans. Part-time workers are usually paid an hourly wage but no benefits.
Positions for TESOLers abroad often provide all of the benefits of a full- time TESOLer in the U.S. plus additional benefits. These include free housing or a housing allowance, basic furnishings, all or part of utility costs, a baggage allowance, an allowance for local transportation, and paid travel for trips home once or twice a year. Employers may also give the TESOLer a bonus at the end of the contract.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
"Teaching English as a second language is not the same thing as teaching it as a first language. There is a foundation and methodology for this field of study which includes linguistics, second language acquisition, education practices, sociology, anthropology, psychology, testing and measurement, and related subjects." (Opportunities in TESOL, p. 5)
An undergraduate degree is required for entry into this field. Although those planning for a TESOL career often select English or a foreign language major, a TESOLer can have any major. Once a degree has been earned, most aspiring TESOLers then complete a certificate program in TESOL. The certificate coupled with paid or volunteer TESOL teaching experience qualifies the applicant to teach in many U.S. adult schools as well as schools abroad. TESOLers with more experience and those possessing advanced degrees have the best chance for the most coveted jobs both in the U.S. and abroad.
Aspiring TESOLers may pursue a Master's degree in TESOL rather than a Certificate. The primary difference in focus between these programs is that the Master's degree is linguistically and theoretically oriented whereas the Certificate program is practically oriented.
Some TESOLers want to specialize in teaching only adults or only children. Certificate and Master's programs offer course work specifically directed toward teaching these two populations.
In addition to TESOL training, those who wish to teach in public or private elementary, secondary schools, or adult schools must also comply with the same credential requirements as any other teacher. In California these requirements are determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
ADVANCEMENT
TESOLers with sufficient experience and aptitude can progress into quasi- administrative positions. Those with advanced degrees can teach and/or conduct research in colleges or universities.
FINDING THE JOB
TESOLers should begin their job search while still in school. This can be done through talking to people at the campus language center and placement office. Becoming an active member of professional organizations can also help. Since experience is vital, volunteering at a local school can be very worthwhile. Electronic bulletin boards also provide access to information about jobs. Attending conferences is another way to make contact with employers and other TESOLers.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
TESOL, Inc. 1600 Cameron Street, Suite 300 Alexandria, VA 22314-2751(703) 836-0774 E-Mail tesol@tesol.edu
Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) 1812 Ninth Street Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 445-7254 or 455-7256
Opportunities in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages by Blythe Camenson (1995). Available from VGM Career Books tel:(800)323-4900
Check with your local university extension for information about TESOL certificate programs.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Elementary School Teachers No. 10 Secondary School Teachers No. 57 Trade & Technical Teachers No. 404 Translators & Interpreters No. 408
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1)
Teacher, Secondary School 091.227-010 Teacher, Elementary School 092.227-010 Teacher, Adult Education 099.227-030 Tutor 099.227-034
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Teachers, Elementary School 313050 Teachers, Secondary School 313080 Teachers, Non-vocational Education 313170
(1) Another acronym, ESL (English as a second language), is also commonly
used.
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Division Group,
(916) 262-2162
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