Are you interested in learning more about English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teaching opportunities in Canada? Due to the demand for English language proficiency in Canada and the world, ESOL/ESL education is crucial to global communication and intercultural integration.
This blog will explore Canada's ESOL teaching opportunities, requirements you must know, and the labor market. Find out what the ESOL education landscape in Canada looks like to start your professional journey and make more informed decisions.
Whether you are an experienced ESOL teacher or a recent graduate aspiring to practice in Canada, discover all the opportunities to cultivate your teaching skills and embrace multiculturalism. Venture out to become catalysts for change in language teaching with Superprof!
To better understand the English teaching acronyms, we recommend you read our article "Working as an ESOL teacher in Canada."
What qualifications do you need to be an ESL teacher in Canada?
First of all, let's define an ESL teacher. English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors teach English to non-native speakers, and they often work in schools and other educational settings, teaching both children and adults. ESL teachers provide their students the tools to learn to read, write and speak English. Unlike traditional English teachers, ESL teachers educate non-native students who did not grow up speaking the language. And because of this, the path and requirements to become an ESL teacher will differ from those of a traditional English teacher.
To teach ESL in Canada, you must have:
- A Bachelor's degree in a field related to education or not.
- Obtain the minimum TESL, TESOL, or TEFL certification requirement recognized by TESL Canada, which sets the standards and accreditations for TESL, TESOL, and TEFL in Canada and worldwide.
- For ESL instructors, the minimum TESOL/TEFL/TESL certification requirement for entry-level ESL teaching positions in Canada is the TESL Canada Standard 1 certification, equivalent to a minimum of 120 hours of training.
- Be domiciled in Canada and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with the right to work in Canada.
On the other hand, if you are a foreign teacher, you must also be aware of the Canadian teaching requirements for foreign professionals. It would be best if you met the following criteria:
- Qualified degree, diploma, or certificate: If you hold a foreign credential, you must first determine whether it is recognized in Canada. If your degree, diploma, or certificate is recognized, you may need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) certifying that it is legitimate and meets Canadian criteria.
- Provincial teaching certificate: You will also need a provincial teaching certificate and a license, which you can obtain by joining a teachers' association in your province or territory.
- A recent criminal record certificate must be less than six months.
- A work visa or residence permit issued by the Canadian immigration service.
- If you are in the province of Quebec, you will require fluency in English or French.
- Provide two positive references from current or previous employment in the field of education.
We recommend that you do a much more thorough search of these criteria with the responsible official bodies where you live.
NOTE: Although the term ESL is often used in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, in the UK and Ireland, it has been replaced by ESOL. However, ESL and ESOL are often used interchangeably.
Are English teachers in demand in Canada?
One of the world's most thriving and respected ESL industries is the Canadian one, and the demand for certified TESL teachers in Canada tends to remain stable due to the influx of hundreds of immigrants, retirement, and economic growth in the country.
ESL educators are some of the most in-demand teachers, which is to be expected given that one in five children speak a language other than English at home in Canada. In other words, approximately 20% of the students in each public school classroom may require specific English language training to better adapt to the school system.
According to Job Bank, teaching career prospects are favorable in many Canadian provinces and territories. For example, the Northwest Territories and Yukon have a much higher demand for ESL teachers, so practicing in these provinces may be a good idea for new graduates. In Quebec, for example, you can find numerous teaching opportunities, especially if you are fluent in French. However, teaching in a province like British Columbia may require more ESL professional development.
How much does a Tesol teacher earn in Canada?
According to Talent Canada, the average ESL teacher's salary expectations in Canada is CAD46,000 per year, which may include TESL, TESOL, or TEFL instructors. However, this will depend on your years of experience. Generally, entry-level positions start at CAD38,600 annually, while most experienced workers make up to CAD76,600 annually.
Another factor that can influence average salaries is the region where you work. The salaries per region for ESL teachers are:
- Quebec: CAD61,400
- New Brunswick: CAD61,300
- Saskatchewan: CAD59,900
- British Columbia: CAD46,800
- Ontario: CAD45,800
- Alberta: CAD44,300
In professions or similar jobs to ESL teachers, the related salaries are:
- Professor - average salary: CAD99,200. University professors and lecturers teach courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students and also conduct research at universities.
- Language teacher - average salary: CAD50,500. A language teacher instructs students in the fundamentals of a particular language. A language teacher prepares course and classroom materials, assigns homework, corrects papers and tests, and creates individualized plans for students with special needs.
- Secondary teachers - average salary: CAD48,700. Secondary teachers prepare and teach academic, technical, vocational, or specialized subjects in public and private secondary schools.
- English teacher - average salary: CAD48,700. English teachers work in schools and other institutions and teach the principles of the English language, using various methods to deliver courses successfully. The responsibilities of English teachers may vary according to the student's academic level and mother tongue.
What types of teachers are in demand in Canada?
Some types of teachers who are also in good professional demand for qualified instructors are:
- University professors and lecturers: These professionals teach undergraduate and postgraduate students courses and are engaged in research. These professionals are in high demand in Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.
- Colleges and vocational teachers: These professionals teach applied arts, academic, technical, and vocational subjects to students in community colleges, agricultural schools, technical and vocational colleges, language schools, and other university-level schools. These professionals are in great demand in Quebec.
- Early childhood educators and assistants: These educators plan, organize and implement programs for preschool and school-age children. These professionals are in high demand in Nova Scotia and the territories of Canada.
- Postgraduate teaching assistants: These professionals are qualified students assisting faculty members with teaching responsibilities. These professionals are in high demand, mainly in Québec.
- High school or secondary school teachers: Secondary teachers work with students in grades 8 to 12. They teach academic, technical, vocational, and elective subjects. These professionals are in high demand in Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Elementary and Kindergarten teachers: These teachers work with children from Kindergarten to grade 7, teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic. These professionals are in great demand in Quebec.
It is essential to mention that changes in labor demand can be modified by several factors, such as the emergence of technology, new business models, and the changing priorities of workers.
Is it hard to get a teacher job in Canada?
If you want to work as an English teacher in Canada, you must know that finding the perfect job is a piece of cake! Either to gain more skills to become an ESL teacher or ESOL instructor or to earn extra money and expand your networks, one of the best ways to find English learners is through tuition online platforms. And Superprof is the best online tutoring site in Canada!
With Superprof's platform, you will join a worldwide network of ESL teachers and private ESOL instructors to offer the best tutoring services no matter where you are in Canada. Provide the best and most flexible language tutoring and set your rate per class through Superprof!
Visit the Superprof Canada website and select "tutoring jobs." With Superprof, opening your ESL teacher or ESOL instructor account is free. Are you ready to take your ESL classes across borders? Teach English as a Second Language with Superprof!
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