Education & Care

How to become an ESL Teacher

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

3–12 months

Typical pay

$42k–$62k

Starting from

No experience

Pay is an estimate of typical US entry-level pay for this role and varies by state, employer and shift. The timeline assumes you are starting from no experience and includes any licence or programme legally required — not just course length.

The route

1. 1

   2–4 months

   Get a TESOL or TEFL certificate

   120 hours is the recognised minimum for most employers.

   ◆ TESOL / TEFL (120-hour)

   Course that covers thisTeach English with 21st Century Skills (the 4Cs)Udemy · around $19.99 →
2. 2

   3–6 months

   Get classroom practice

   Adult education centres, community colleges and volunteer literacy programs.

3. 3

   1–3 months

   Decide on the setting

   Public schools need a full teaching licence with an ESL endorsement; private and adult programs do not.

4. 4

   6–18 months

   Specialise

   Test preparation and business English pay more than general conversation classes.

5. ✓

   Destination

   ESL Teacher

   Browse jobs now →

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