Teaching English seems like an easy career choice for many Canadians. English is, after all, an official language, and is an international language spoken around the world. If you are already fluent and literate in the language - and are considering a career in teaching - why not get started?
Becoming an ESL teacher, however, takes much more than simply being able to speak the language. As a teacher, your work involves planning, adapting, and developing instruction for students who may be at different phases of their learning journey. You must curate content appropriate for the students you are working with, and create language-rich experiences where students can build their vocabulary and build the capacity to converse spontaneously with others.
In some cases, your students have endured trauma or other interruptions to their learning before entering your classroom. Beyond teaching language skills, you may also be teaching students how to read and write for the first time.
If this sounds challenging - it is because it is! Teaching is not for the faint of heart. However, the rewards you get from being able to see this students you teach progress and start speaking a new language are truly valuable. You will make connections with others, learn about new cultures, and perhaps even be inspired to learn a new language yourself.
This article is all about the art of teaching ESL in Canada. But first, let’s explore the basics and learn about the different types of English teachers out there.
Newcomers to Canada come from a variety of linguistic backgrounds, and many are eager to learn English when they arrive. For this reason, there are many exciting opportunities for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers to work.
What is the Difference between an ESL teacher and an English Teacher?
An ESL, or English as a Second Language teacher, is an educator that focuses on teaching English to multilingual learners. Canada is a country that receives thousands of newcomers every year, many of whom stay and settle and others that come for the sole purpose of acquiring English. An ESL teacher helps to accelerate the process of learning a new language for students, through explicitly teaching conversation and grammar and engaging students in interactive, immersive activities.
English teachers, on the other hand, teach language and literacy skills to students that are native or proficient English speakers. Unlike ESL teachers, English teachers will focus more on teaching literature, more advanced writing and reading strategies, and help students acquire a level of language proficiency that is appropriate for college and university.
Typically, students that complete an ESL course pathway or develop proficiency eventually take English courses where they will learn higher level literacy skills.
If you have just finished secondary school or postsecondary school you may be wondering exactly how you can see the world while still gaining work experience and earning money. This is where teaching English as a second language (ESL) abroad is an excellent option.
Is there a Difference between an ESL Instructor and an ESL Coach?
You may have heard of the term “ESL Coach” which is a type of instruction more connected to supporting students who are looking to pass English proficiency exams required to enter University, College, or a professional field. Such tests include the CELTA, CELPIP, and more.
ESL coaches help older students prepare for proficiency tests by administering practice tests, coaching them to pass the oral communication components, and working with them to ensure they score the highest possible score. These tests are critical to pass: without an acceptable score, many students and professionals may be unable to gain entry into a degree program or acquire licensure in their industry.
Becoming an ESL, or English as a Second Language Teacher is a career that attracts many Canadians. ESL teachers can work in a variety of contexts: abroad, online, as a tutor, as a classroom teacher, or in a private language school.
What are ESL Teacher Requirements in Canada?
To become an ESL teacher, you can take different pathways depending on what your long term goals are. If your goal is to simply teach ESL abroad, online or in a privately run education organization in Canada, you can become a teacher by earning your Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) certification. Long standing ESL teaching institutions like Cambridge also offer teaching training programs, including those that prepare educators to become leaders or administrators.
If your goal is to teach ESL and other subjects in a publicly funded school board or an established private school, you may need to become certified as an educator in a Canadian province through local provincial bodies. This is a great option if you see teaching as a long term career, and want to have as many options as possible as an educator. To pursue this option, you will typically need an undergraduate degree and a bachelor of education degree. Once you have graduated with an education degree, you can apply to receive a teaching license from your province. For example, in Ontario, the Ontario College of Teachers grants teaching certification to those who have met the requirements in Ontario.
Once you are a certified teacher, you can take additional qualifications in ESL so you can apply for jobs as an ESL teacher in a school board.
English is an international language, and people from all over the world are always trying to learn. To meet the needs of students and drive engagement, you will want to make sure your lessons are responsive and relevant to the needs and interests of your learners.
How do I Plan ESL Classes or ESL Lessons for Adults?
Whether you are a licensed teacher in your province or you have chosen to focus on ESL instruction only, you may work with adults. Adult newcomer students are a unique and fun group to work with. In many cases, they have completed some or all of their schooling in their country of origin, meaning they arrive in classes with strong learning skills and a rich academic background. For teachers, this is an excellent opportunity to work with students that are eager and motivated to learn.
Teaching adults, however, does not mean you will be limited to boring grammar activities or checking homework. As an educator, you can be incredibly creative with your lesson planning, incorporating interactive games and role play activities.
Here are some guidelines for planning ESL Lessons for Adult Learners.
Know Your Students’ Level of Language Proficiency
The most useful and important starting point for planning is to know where your students are at. In some cases, newcomer English Language Learners (ELLs) come with some knowledge of English, and other times, they are starting from scratch. Even in a beginner ESL class, you can have students at different starting points.
To find out where your students are at, start with a diagnostic that will enable you to see what they can do not only in English, but in their home or primary language. Depending on the organization you work with, you may find that students have already been assessed using a province based English assessment criteria or a scale like WIDA or CEFR.
Once you know where your students are, and what their interests and strengths are, you can start planning lessons that will be interested and challenging for them.
Find Content that is Appropriate for Adult Learners
Adult ESL learners are a group that require materials that are simple enough for students to have an entry point, but have themes and narratives that are interesting to older learners. For this reason, you may find it easier to use materials based on current events and other non fiction topics like science or geography. There are some publishers that create readers and materials at a lexile level appropriate for emergent English speakers - find out what is out there, and avoid using books that are to child-like, even though they may seem like the appropriate level for learners.
Starting a career as an ESL teacher is an excellent way to spend a gap year, diversify your background of work experience, and possibly even travel abroad. Learn all about becoming an ESL or ESOL teacher.
What About Planning ESL Lessons for Kids?
If teaching kids is your preference, the approaches you use will be quite similar. However, you can have fun using resources that are specifically developed for kids that are colourful, game oriented, and age appropriate.
How Do I Find English Teaching Jobs Abroad?
To find English teaching jobs abroad, you can use job boards set up by international schools or teaching agencies. Many TESL schools can also help you find an employer when you finish your teaching certification, so you can start working right away.
How Do I Start Teaching English Online?
Alternatively, you can start building your teaching career online by being a virtual tutor. This is an excellent role for those who prefer a remote work lifestyle, or want to get teaching and work experience relatively quickly. As a tutor, you will work with English learners on a one-to-one basis. They may have specific learning goals, want practice with conversation, or need help with work in their courses. You will collaborate with students and their families to determine what kind of support will help them reach their goals.
To become an online tutor, you can set up a profile with Superprof Canada. To do this, you can create an account with the site. With an account, you will be able to post your teaching profile. This might include a quick bio, your background as a teacher or as a student, and the services and prices you are offering.
Why delay your teaching career? Become a tutor on Superprof today!
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