ESL Certification for Teachers

With the United States becoming more diverse in population, the need for teachers with ESL certification is higher than ever. The teacher benefits from having the certificate, as it can mean more job opportunities. To become certified to teach ESL, your state is likely to require additional student teaching and exams be completed.

General Education Certificate

A general education teaching certificate is required before you can become certified as an ESL teacher. The general education certificate is received after completing a four-year Bachelor's degree in education and satisfactorily passing a state exam. It helps to enroll at a college that focuses on ESL within their courses. This makes it easier for you to become acquainted with ESL and how to effectively teach students in ESL classrooms.

ESL Certificate

It should be noted that states vary between the requirements for a ESL certificate. Some states require you to have a master's degree in education before you are able to try for ESL certification. Others require you to take additional courses such as linguistics before you are considered eligible to teach ESL.

Student Teaching

A teaching internship is required in order to get a general education certification. Some states also require applicants for an ESL certificate to be an intern in a ESL setting before they can become certified. This is usually done while still in college for a Bachelor's in education, and your college assigns you to specific classrooms that will gain you the exposure you need to become certified in ESL.

Exams

A state examination is required for all teachers to become certified in general education. Some states include specific sections that allow for an ESL certification as well. Others states may require a separate test be completed and passed before the certificate is granted. Future exams are also required to renew your certification.