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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