Why the need for TESOL Teaching?
The demand for English teachers around the world is unprecedented. Globalisation of business, travel and tourism, the internet, entertainment, and academic education means that the need for people everywhere to speak English has never been greater.
Over the last decade, the demand for QUALIFIED English teachers has grown. Overseas employers now seek out people who have completed at least some basic training in teaching English and people who have an understanding of what is required once they enter the classroom.
As a native speaker of English you are in high demand for teaching positions around the world. Not only do you bring your SPOKEN English to the classroom, but you also bring your innate UNDERSTANDING of the language – you know the unique way in which English functions in the real world, rather than just what can be learnt from a book – the slang, the idiosyncrasies, the customs of the language.
There are literally thousands of opportunities available worldwide right now. If you can speak English fluently with minimal accent, then you can TEACH English. You do not need any experience or a university degree to find teaching work and Teach International can help you every step of the way to become involved in this exciting and growing global industry.
Types of Employers
TESOL teachers are regularly employed in a variety of settings:
1. Language Schools
Children and adults around the world attend English classes (usually conversational) in private language schools. Classes are usually about an hour long, held once or twice a week for each group of students, but this varies. The benefits of working for private language schools often include:
- small classes (6-12 students in a class)
- highly motivated students (and usually paying a lot of money for their courses!)
- high quality curriculum and resources provided
Language schools are usually the most comfortable and supportive environments for new TESOL teachers.
2. Primary Schools, High Schools, Colleges and Universities
The need for “native English” teachers in the regular school systems around the world varies dramatically. For those who already have a teaching certification, adding a TESOL certificate to that will open many doors for you. However, in most of Asia, for example, the need is so great, that anyone with a TESOL certificate has access to many opportunities as well.
Many of the positions in the local school systems can be found on the internet, but others will also be found once you arrive in the country and you have some teaching experience.
Because the classes are larger, the students are less motivated and the curriculum is often not “Communicative”. Teaching in this environment can be much more challenging, but there are many benefits and rewards as well!
3. In-company or “Business” Classes
The demand for English in the business environment is enormous! Many English teachers land great opportunities to teach one or two-hour lessons once or twice a week in businesses. While you don’t need to have a background in business to teach business students, our online elective “Teaching Business English” is a great way to both prepare yourself and make yourself more marketable as you look for opportunities to supplement your income and get involved in your community.
4. Private Tutoring
If you have spent some time in a non-English speaking country, you may have noticed that many of the locals are very eager to practise their English with native English speakers. Their motivations will vary! Some want to attend English-speaking universities. Some want to understand and be understood when they travel. Others want their children to have more academic advantages. Still others desire to gain more satisfaction from watching English news, documentaries and movies. And of course, many locals enjoy being seen with "a foreigner".
