Teaching English

Who stole my Waffles? asked:


It’s a career I’m interested in, but many of the colleges I’m interested in do not have an ESL Education major. Would it be possible to major in regular education first, then get ESL certification? Are there any other options?

Erin asked:


I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Illinois State (wish I took another route, but oh well) and I really would love to be an ESL teacher. I took Spanish and Arabic classes in college and would love to take more and incorporate that with my love for teaching children. I looked online and all I can find are online college programs for ESL certification. I would rather go to an actual campus than take online classes. Does anyone know how long it takes to be certified? How about the steps it takes to become an ESL teacher in Illinois or America. Thanks so much!

Laney asked:


Please only answer if you actually know the answer, even the Louisiana dept of ed doesn’t seem quite sure.

I got my CLAD multiple subject teaching credential in California, and now I am teaching ESL in Louisiana (all subjects). Nobody seems quite sure if my CLAD certification covers the bases so I don’t have to go through ESL certification in Louisiana or not.

Clad stands for Cross-cultural Language And Academic Development.

Obviously I would be pretty happy to find out that it does certify me!

Christine C asked:


I’m going to be a high school teacher and I’m going through my practicum this Fall. This past Spring, I was tutoring kids at a high school where the international population is pretty significant. A lot of the kids I tutored were smart, but they had trouble with the language. I was tutoring them in science and, arguably, Chemistry is my second language.

I want to get certified so I can relay the information in a more effective manner.

David J asked:


I want to become an ESL teacher in a foreign country. Japan, Europe, etc. Do I get a teacher’s certificate then get ESL certified or is there a degree in ESL or what? I cannot find anyone that will help me. People give me broad and general information that isn’t specific enough. Someone please let me know if there is a degree in ESL, if I need a teacher’s certificate and ESL certification. I no NOTHING about becoming an ESL teacher, Someone please help me.

phiguy08 asked:


I’m graduating after this year and am not an education or english major/minor. Can I still apply for and become certified in a TESOL or ESL program? I would be doing so in Kentucky.

Thanks in Advance!

Chanel asked:


I think I want to work as an ESL teacher…I’m looking for the best quickest way to get started.