Online ESL Degree Provides a Teacher with Flexibility and Opportunity

ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers instruct a group of diverse students whose native language isn't English. With the influx in particular of Hispanics and Asians, there will no doubt be an increased need for ESL teachers in the United States. ESL teachers integrate real-life situations as they help students to understand, read, write and speak English. As a teacher, I have always been impressed by how quickly non-English-speaking students assimilate the language.

If you are seeking a job in the field of education, an ESL degree might just give you an advantage over other applicants. The ESL degree will also enhance your effectiveness in today's diverse 'regular' classrooms. Not many universities offer a bachelor's degree in ESL; a master's degree in ESL is more common. Since most teachers earn post-graduate degrees anyway, a common choice for becoming certified in ESL is for a teacher to earn a master's degree in that field. Since teachers are already working full-time, they appreciate the flexibility online ESL degrees afford.

State Requirements

Most states have standards in place for certifying ESL teachers. Before embarking on a degree program, contact your state's Department of Education for specific requirements. You will generally need a bachelor's degree, teaching certification, and an ESL certificate to be endorsed as an ESL teacher. You can receive additional information and resources from the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) website.

Consideration

Speak to the potential online university's faculty adviser. This might help you figure out if an online ESL master's degree program is right for you. The advantages are flexibility and self-pacing. However, online programs require discipline. A teacher can simply earn 18-25 credits in an ESL certification program to teach English as a Second Language, but the master's degree program delves deeper into all aspects of ESL. Earning a master's degree in ESL typically takes about a year to complete online, depending upon the individual.

Enrollment

You must complete a bachelor's degree program before applying to a college's ESL online master's degree program. Applications can generally be found online. You will need to provide grade transcripts from your undergraduate work. There are many online ESL degree programs, so be sure the one you choose is recognized by your state's Department of Education.

Coursework

Map out an entire plan regarding required classes and when you plan to take them. This will help you to stay on track. Common courses cover subjects relevant to working with students from other cultures as they learn to read, write and speak English. Coursework might include methods for teaching ESL, ESL curriculum development, issues in ESL education, and theories of second language acquisition. You will be required to log classroom supervision hours. The university and local school district personnel coordinate this effort. A degree program offers a more in-depth look at ESL's role in education today as opposed to a simple ESL certification program. Many schools require a master's practicum.

Focus

Professors will distribute assignments and expectations through a website or email. There will also be online discussions, reading requirements, tests, and lesson plans. Stay on track with your workload. Online instructors are accommodating and supportive. Stay in touch with them.

Online Master's Degree: Is It Right for You?