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What is an english as a second language instructor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
David McMahan Ph.D.

It can be incredibly difficult to learn a new language, let alone master it. Luckily, there are language instructors who dedicate their time to teaching others how to speak, write and understand new languages in ways that self-learning may not be able to accomplish. The duties of a language instructor vary, but in general, their work revolves around delivering lectures to students, assigning activities, creating learning material, and monitoring students' progress. Most language instructors work in educational institutions, but others offer private services to clients as language tutors.

If you want to become a language instructor, a college diploma in the language you want to teach is a great advantage; however, it is not always necessary. If you are fluent in that language and have the ability to teach it to others, you may find many job opportunities as a language instructor, both locally and abroad. As a language instructor, you can earn around $38 an hour or roughly $58,000 a year, on average.

What general advice would you give to an english as a second language instructor?

David McMahan Ph.D.David McMahan Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Charles A. Dana Professor of Religious Studies, Franklin and Marshall College

Keep open to possibilities beyond the narrow range of what your diploma lists as your major or minor. Whatever job you get trained for today, in 10-20 years, it may be very different. Or it may not exist. Focus on obtaining and maintaining flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and passion for learning. Being an interesting person is as vital as any credential.
ScoreEnglish As A Second Language InstructorUS Average
Salary
4.1

Avg. Salary $52,775

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.9

Growth rate 12%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.28%

Asian 11.30%

Black or African American 7.09%

Hispanic or Latino 10.11%

Unknown 4.92%

White 66.29%

Gender

female 64.80%

male 35.20%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

English as a second language instructor career paths

Key steps to become an english as a second language instructor

  1. Explore english as a second language instructor education requirements

    Most common english as a second language instructor degrees

    Bachelor's

    65.9 %

    Master's

    22.5 %

    Associate

    4.7 %
  2. Start to develop specific english as a second language instructor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Classroom Management21.66%
    Curriculum Development11.03%
    English Language10.84%
    Grammar6.53%
    Language Acquisition4.05%
  3. Research english as a second language instructor duties and responsibilities

    • Distribute marketing materials to community organizations and businesses and lead community outreach strategy on behalf of ESOL department regarding various programs/schedules/opportunities.
    • Prepare class and syllabus materials and draw up lesson plans for adult students from various countries
    • Develop syllabus, structure classes and administer grades.
    • Design and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans in English grammar and phonics.
  4. Prepare your english as a second language instructor resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your english as a second language instructor resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an english as a second language instructor resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable english as a second language instructor resume templates

    Build a professional english as a second language instructor resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your english as a second language instructor resume.
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
    English As A Second Language Instructor Resume
  5. Apply for english as a second language instructor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an english as a second language instructor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first english as a second language instructor job

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Average english as a second language instructor salary

The average english as a second language instructor salary in the United States is $52,775 per year or $25 per hour. English as a second language instructor salaries range between $38,000 and $72,000 per year.

Average english as a second language instructor salary
$52,775 Yearly
$25.37 hourly

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How do english as a second language instructors rate their job?

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English as a second language instructor reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2023
Pros

The transfer of knowledge and the joy on the student's face when they understand


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021
Pros

Making a difference in the lives of students and their families.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2021
Pros

Help my students overcome blockages and become fluent in English

Cons

It is wonderful to see your students fluent in a foreign language


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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