Teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) or English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) work with students to improve their English reading, writing, and oral communication skills. Teachers may work with students of all ages and may also choose to work abroad. Most states require ESL teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, teaching certification, and an ESL certification endorsement. ESL teachers prepare and deliver lessons using up to date teaching theories, methods, and materials to help their students learn to communicate effectively in English; elementary level students will focus on the basics while more advanced students may be preparing for job interviews or further academic work. Computers are becoming increasingly popular in ESL classroom, and as a result, ESL teachers should also become familiar with technological advances as well. According to PayScale.com’s most recent data, ESL teachers’ wages vary according to the ages of students they teach. Elementary school ESL teachers earned a median salary of $40,976; middle school ESL teachers earned $44,718; high school ESL teachers earned $48,079; and special education ESL teachers earned $50,050. Salaries also varied by teaching experience from $29,479 for those with less than one year as an ESL teacher to $53,367 for those with 20 or more years’ experience. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that among adult education teachers, opportunities will be especially good for ESL teachers, particularly in states with large immigrant populations such as California, Texas, New York, and Florida. Other parts of the country are also experiencing an influx of immigrants, creating an increased need for ESL teachers throughout the country. Degrees for ESL Teachers ESL teachers often need a bachelor’s degree and specific ESL teaching training, either in a certificate or degree program. Certificates Asuza Pacific University: Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate Drexel University: Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Certificate Master’s Degrees Asuza Pacific University: MA Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Northcentral University: MEd English as a Second Language (ESL)/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Western Governors University: MA English Language Learning/English as a Second Language (PK-12) Doctorate Degrees Northcentral University: Phd English as a Second Language (ESL)/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Dave’s ESL Cafe English Job Maze ESL Jobs World ESL Teachers Board Linguistic Funland! TEFL.net