Are you a language enthusiast and an aspiring English educator in Canada? If you are passionate about teaching English and want to explore new horizons, Canada offers plenty of opportunities for English teachers. This blog will help you discover everything you need to know about working as an ESOL/ESL teacher in Canada.
As we all know, Canada is famous for its inclusiveness and interculturalism, where English teachers can cultivate their craft and find a tapestry of teaching opportunities. Whether you imagine yourself teaching non-English speakers or guiding them on their path to professional success, are you ready to embark on a fascinating teaching journey? Let's dive into this enriching experience together!
But first, it's essential to differentiate and identify the many acronyms and abbreviations used in English teaching that often get mixed up. For example, are ESOL and ESL the same in Canada? What does TESOL mean? If you've done some research, all these abbreviations have probably confused you a bit, and believe us, you're not alone. Let's discover the precise usage of ESL, ESOL, and more English teaching abbreviations in the field.
English teaching acronyms and meanings in Canada:
- ESL: English as a Second Language (ESL) is traditionally used to describe non-native English-speaking students studying English in a country where the first language is English. For example, if a Chinese student come to Vancouver to learn English, he or she might be called an ESL student or someone studying ESL.
- ESOL: To differentiate the term ESL, new acronyms have arisen to describe the same field of study. Since many English learners can already speak a second language, a third language, and so on, we can not assume that English would be their second language. This is why language experts replaced the ESL acronym and began using English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
- CELTA: Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Other abreviations are:
- TEFL: Teaching English as a Foreign Language (also known as EFL teachers);
- TESL: Teaching English as a Second Language (also known as ESL teachers or ESL instructors);
- TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (also known as ESOL teachers);
NOTE: Although the term ESL is often used in Canada, the USA, Australia, and New Zealand, in the UK and Ireland, it has been replaced by ESOL.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.
Can I work as an ESL teacher in Canada?
To teach ESL in Canada, you must meet the university requirements of a BA degree in any area and have a TESL, TESOL, or TEFL certification recognized by TESL Canada. TESL Canada is the leading accrediting organization for TESL, TESOL, and TEFL courses in Canada and the world, and sets the standards for English teaching training and certification courses offered by colleges, universities, language schools, and major institutes.
The methodology of TEFL, TESOL, and TESL is very similar, and all are considered renowned certification courses for students to become teachers to immigrants in English-speaking countries. The TESOL, TEFL, and TESL acronyms do not infer any meaning on quality; what matters is the quality of the program, the training, the tutors, and meeting the standards set by TESL Canada.
To sum up, the Requirements to work as an ESL teacher in Canada are:
- Bachelor's degree (in any field);
- Minimum requirement of TESOL/TEFL/TESL certification accredited by TESL Canada;
- Be domiciled in Canada and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with the right to work in Canada.
The TESL Canada for Instructors of ESL states that the minimum TESOL/TEFL/TESL certification requirement for entry-level ESL teachers is the TESL Canada Standard 1 certification equivalent to 120 hours of training.
Can a foreigner work as a teacher in Canada?
Canada offers a wide variety of English teaching jobs and professional development for ESOL teachers. However, although as a foreigner, you can work as a teacher in Canada, the path to becoming an English teacher may differ from province to province.
Provincial and territorial governments manage their school systems and set the standards for teaching positions in Canada. And while standards are similar across the country, there may be some local differences. If you want to become an ESL teacher or ESL instructor, you must do two things:
- Obtain a TEFL, TESL, or CELTA certificates;
- Find the provincial and territorial requirements for teaching English. Obtaining the TEFL, TESL, or CELTA certificate does not replace provincial professional certificates and requirements to work.
Since the TEFL, TESL, or CELTA language teaching certifications are often internationally recognized, you can obtain them in Canada or your home country. Just make sure that the certificate you choose meets the standards set by TESL Canada.
Since there is already job competition among local English teachers, we recommend that you acquire more skills to differentiate your profile. And this really applies to all professional careers in Canada and the world. For example, mastering another language like French will give you more opportunities to apply to bilingual and international schools.
Other requirements you may need as an English teacher in Canada are:
- Recent teaching experience.
- Fluency in English or French.
- Familiarity with the culture and education system.
- Personal references.
- Criminal record check.
Can I work in Canada with a TESOL certificate?
Of course, you can! TESOL-certified teachers are qualified to work in Canada, the USA, or internationally. Depending on the institution in Canada, generally speaking, the minimum qualification to teach English in private language schools is the TESOL or TEFL certificate.
Now, if you do not yet have a bachelor's degree but want to work as an ESL teacher in Canada, it is recommended to complete a TESOL Diploma (with a duration of 450 hours) instead of a TESOL Certificate (150 hr when it is the Standard certification) or (300 hours when it is the Advanced Standard certification). For example, a TESOL Advanced Certificate of 300 hours is widely accepted for employment in some private language schools.
If you have a degree in a related field, a TESOL Foundation Certificate could be a good start to working as a teacher. Now, if you have a bachelor's degree but your degree is in an unrelated field, you may want to consider completing a TESOL Diploma or Postgraduate Diploma.
How do I become a certified ESL teacher in Canada?
To become a ESL teacher certified in Canada, you must complete at least 100 hours of TESL/TEFL/TESOL training, plus 20-hour practical teaching for adults, and a Bachelor's degree in any discipline. And of course, become certified teachers in the province where you intend to teach. The TESL Canada professional certificate does not replace provincial professional certificates where they exist.
If you want to complete TESL training, you can find TESL and TEFL courses that meet national standards at the University of Alberta, TESL Diploma Program, University of Calgary Continuing Education, Thompson Rivers University, University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Acadia University, OnTESOL - Coventry House International, Canada College, and Briercrest College & Seminary.
Can you make a living teaching ESL?
Yes. Teaching English provides excellent opportunities on either a part-time or full-time basis. Teaching professions offer flexibility and convenience, including the ability to work remotely.
According to Talent Canada, the average ESL teacher's salary expectations in Canada is CAD46,000 per year. 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
Where can I work as an English teacher?
If you want to start gaining experience as an English teacher in Canada and acquire more skills to become an ESL teacher, or if you are already an ESL instructor and want to earn extra money, one of the best ways to find ESL learners is through private lessons. Train to be the best private ESL teacher in Canada with Superprof!
Superprof is the best online tutoring site in Canada. You can start practicing to become the ideal private English teacher and spread your passion for the language through the best ESL lessons. With Superprof's platform, you will join a worldwide network of private tutors to offer your services - the answer is just a click away!
Visit the Superprof Canada website and select "tutoring jobs." With us, opening your account is free, and you will discover the most flexible way to work in Canada! Are you ready to get started?
And there you go! Teach English as a Second Language and become an international ESL teacher with Superprof!
Are you ready to find the best Canadian and international learning experience?
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