Job Discussion Forums

[Little Algebra]

Which is more important in the regulatory sense, and in the practical sense for teaching ESL in the U.S.:
TESOL training long after earning a university degree in any subject; or TESOL training long after earning a language related degree?

Little Algebra

[dkcaudill]

I am currently attending college with plans to become an ESL teacher in the US. I hope to have a few years overseas in the middle somewhere, though.
Here's what I found when I talked to my State's ESL Consultant:
1. most importantly, to teach ESL in a US public school you must be a licensed teacher. for elementary(what I hope to do)this means a BS in education and taking the certification test. After that,
2. you will need an ESL Endorsement added on to your license, that, depending on the state, is between 15-45 hours of coursework


I live in Tennessee, our endorsement i approximately 3 courses away from a Master's degree. Oddly enough, TN does not offer any stipend on salary for ESL teachers, or tuition assistance. This is why I do not want to teach in TN...this is also why there are(according to the State Consultant) no ESL teachers currently looking for a job in my state. TN(and I assume other states) will allow you to teach a few years on a waiver while you pursue your endorsement.

I hope this helps, as I certainly had to go through the wringer a few times to find somebody who knew that basic information.

david