With the large number of first-generation immigrants in English-speaking countries, a considerable need has arisen for teaching English to those for whom English is not their native tongue. The curriculum for doing so is known as English as a Second Language (ESL) to differentiate it from the English courses taught to native speakers or to foreign speakers with more advanced English skills. With this need for teaching ESL has come a need for teachers who specialize in this art, especially those with ESL certification. Teachers who teach ESL are known as "teachers of English to speakers of other languages," which is usually abbreviated as TESOL.
The process for getting your ESL certification to teach ESL within the United States (which is somewhat different from the process for teaching ESL outside the United States) varies from state to state. However, in almost every case, it will require a bachelor's degree, though not necessarily in English, and a certain amount of specialized course work in techniques for teaching English to non-native speakers. To learn the precise requirements, you will need to contact the board of education or equivalent authority for teachers in the state where you wish to teach ESL and ask about the certification process. Another resource is the American TESOL Institute (ATI), which offers courses in ESL teaching skills and certification as part of these courses. For more information on ESL certification through ATI, consult the American TESOL Institute Web site.
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