English is a fascinating subject that many people enjoy teaching in Canada, where people majorly speak English. So if you are an English speaker and love to help others learn, this could be a great career path for you. Learn more!
However, before you venture into the English teaching profession, there is vital information you should have so you do not miss out on anything. For example, you should know the qualifications you must have to teach English in Canada and the salary expectations because they vary from country to country and can also depend on the school where you will teach English.
In addition, you should also see some fantastic reasons why teaching English in Canada is an excellent career choice. This guide will discuss everything you need to know about the requirements and qualifications of a competent English teacher in Canada.
Why Teach English in Canada?
The UN has ranked Canada as one of the countries with the highest standard of living in the world, coupled with the fact that the country is extremely safe and peaceful with many natural beauties and views that can keep you encouraged and calm at all times.
Since Canada is a developed western country, it is expected that the cost of living will be high compared to some other countries. However, that, notwithstanding the average income of most employees in Canada, is more than enough to outweigh this high cost of living. So in relation to salaries and income, the cost of living is considered low.
In addition, you can choose where you want to live in Canada if it is a city with a low or high cost of living because different cities have varying expense rates. However, do not forget that salaries may also vary according to the cost of living in various areas in Canada.
Canada experiences low snowfall and has an average temperature of 1-degree celsius, so when considering the weather, it is moderate and suitable for everyone. Also, accommodation is affordable in many areas in Canada, and talk of the cuisine; it is incredible and memorable. Read about the various types of English teachers.
In terms of transportation, Canada has a very reliable and affordable transportation system; there is subsidized transport, and the major mode of transportation in the country are buses; also, you will find good routes even from the farthest suburbs to the city center.
Aside from the numerous benefits, Canada brings to its populace, teaching English is also a fantastic career choice because the experience you will gain could open doors to many other career opportunities anywhere in the world.
What Qualifications do I Need to Teach English in Canada?
If you are looking to teach English in Canada, there are some requirements you must meet, and while some may be compulsory, others are to make you stand out from the crowd. English Teachers are in high demand in Canada, but the competition is still very high, so in your resume, you must add every skill and qualification you can lay your hands on.
Therefore, here are the qualifications to become an English teacher in Canada, which may also be valid for other countries.
Earn a Bachelor's Degree
The minimum requirement to teach English in Canada is a bachelor's degree. If there are other learning positions without a degree, it would be a practicum where people teach English under supervision to gain relevant experience during their studies.
Many institutions in Canada will be willing to give you top-notch ESL training if you have attained a bachelor's degree in English. The bachelor's degree you need doesn't have to be an English major it can also be related to the English profession. For example, you could get a degree in writing, education, literature, etc.
In addition, the bachelor's degree will give you the proper foundation you need for your ESL program.
Complete an ESL Program
After obtaining a bachelor's degree, you should get ESL training, depending on the type of English teaching job you want. There are different certifications for different types of English teachers: TEFL certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), TESL certificate (Teaching English as a Second Language) and TESOL certificate (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).
Each of these certifications requires different ESL programs, and the programs will have different lengths and focus. You might even be required to complete a practicum that allows you to practice English teaching under the supervision of a licensed ESL teacher. So you must carefully consider and choose the type of ESL certification you need and where you want to get the training.
Consider Learning a Second Language
Since you are preparing to become an English teacher and most schools do not require their English teachers to speak other languages, you might feel you only need English and not other languages.
However, it isn't so; learning another language is quite beneficial, especially if you plan to move abroad.
When pursuing your bachelor's degree, universities usually offer courses in other languages that you will be free to study simultaneously with your bachelor's degree. However, if you did not utilize that opportunity, you can still do it now.
It is not a compulsory requirement to know another language other than English. Still, it can help you better understand the English language and what your students are going through as you teach them ESL lessons. It can also give you ideas for activities and better strategies to teach your students.
If you want to learn another language now, regardless of your schedule and level. Superprof is an incredible online learning platform where you can learn any language of choice according to your pace and schedule.
Obtain a License
Now that you have attended an ESL training program and have a bachelor's degree, you are almost qualified to teach English in Canada, but you still need to obtain a license.
You will receive a license or certificate after your ESL program, and depending on the city you plan to teach in Canada, you may need to register with specific associations. For example, in Ontario, you will need to pay a membership fee with TESL Ontario if you have a TESL certificate and live there. However, this license or certificate will give you complete freedom to pursue a career as an English teacher anywhere in Canada, so you can apply to any English teacher openings; you can even teach English online in Canada.
Consider Getting a Master's Degree
You can enjoy many job opportunities with a bachelor's degree and an ESL certificate in Canada, but if you want access to higher positions such as a college or university teaching position, you must have a master’s degree to qualify.
However, even when you do not want to teach in such positions, having a master's degree can improve your chances of getting English teaching or related jobs.
You may even be able to negotiate higher pay or a promotion at your current job if you could get a master degree alongside the right teaching skills. It takes two years to obtain a master's degree in most institutions, but the numerous benefits will last you a lifetime.
Can you Teach English in Canada Without a Degree?
Teaching English without a degree in Canada and in many other countries is generally impossible because most ESL jobs are usually in schools or other learning platforms. So you will need at least a bachelor's degree and an ESL Certificate.
However, the most lenient English teaching job will require you to be a native English speaker, and this is usually a homestay job or a few online learning platforms.
Are English Teachers in High Demand in Canada?
Teaching is a very lucrative career and is currently one of Canada's most in-demand jobs. Although many people already speak English in Canada, people still need to learn proper grammar and improve their English.
So yes, English teachers are in demand in Canada; in addition, they are one of the highest-paid teachers in the world, plus they are well respected for their great contribution to society and the world at large.
Can I Teach English Online in Canada?
When you acquire the necessary certifications to teach English in Canada, you can choose to teach online anywhere and earn English teacher salary. Teaching online offers more flexibility and ease, and fortunately, Canada has numerous online learning platforms that will be willing to accept your applications if you meet their requirements.
In addition, these platforms will allow you to teach students from different backgrounds, even outside Canada, and you will not have to meet them in person. This can significantly increase your expertise and teaching skills over the years. See how long it may take to become an English teacher.
Whether you want to teach English to gain experience, earn money, or improve your English, it is important you first learn the language on a reliable platform, and Superprof is the best place to do so. Hence, if you live in Canada and want to enjoy the best English lessons, search for an English teacher on Superprof immediately to get started.
Did you like this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
