TESL

Teaching English As A Second Language

Teaching English as a Second Language or TESL can be a challenging but rewarding career path for anyone who wants to make a real difference in other people’s lives. When immigrants come to the US often they don’t speak English or don’t speak English well enough to get by or to get jobs. Many cities and states are implementing TESL programs that will help immigrants get the education they need to fit into American society and learn how to take care of themselves in the US. Even though there is not a lot of public money for such programs, they are necessary in order to help immigrants and other non English speakers adjust to life in the US. Teaching TESL can range from teaching advanced English grammar and sentence structure to the most basic tasks like reading street signs, maps, telephone books, medicine bottles, or product instructions. TESL also teaches non native English speakers how to understand shop clerks and street vendors so that they can purchase food and talk to a landlord. All the little actions that most native Americans take for granted everyday can be very confusing and scary to a person who doesn’t speak English.

Becoming A TESL Teacher

Anyone who is a native English speaker and has at least a bachelor’s degree is qualified to become a TESL teacher. Anyone who wants to TESOL does needs some specialized training in how to TESOL such as specific tips and tricks to explain tricky English grammar to non-native English speakers. People who are interested in learning TESL can take TESOL certificate programs online that will teach them the skills to teach TESL. There are many colleges that offer TESL training courses online but students should check out a school carefully before enrolling because not all TESL courses offered online are legit. It is possible to get TESL training and a TESL certificate online it just is always good to be sure that the school is accredited before enrolling in a TESL certificate program.

TESL Resources Online

TESL teachers can find all kind of resources online to help them teach TESL and keep their lessons fun and interesting. The TESL journal online has sections filled with TESL passive voice activities and exercises and other tips on teaching TESL using passive voice activities as well as forums where TESL teachers can give each other advice on TESL + creative writing and other TESL activities like teaching students how to ask for an item in a store or answer the telephone.