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What is an english language arts teacher and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Diana Jones,
Alexander Beringer
introduction image

An English Language Arts Teacher or an ELA Teacher is responsible for the further education of students in reading, speaking, and writing. This role is found within various education facilities, from kindergartens to high schools, and may have different duties, depending on what kind of place they work in.

However, it can be said that most ELA Teachers are surely tasked with planning lessons, grading papers or tests, maintaining classrooms, and providing a safe and educational space for their students. They will also need to interact with students' parents and guardians and help organize school projects and curriculum.

A potential candidate for this position generally needs to have a bachelor's in English, or they may need to gain secondary education, complete an internship, and pass a state test. Either one will lead to certification. Important skills include interpersonal, communication, and patience. While their salary is different depending on their level of education, on average, an English Language Arts Teacher earns $22.94 an hour.

What general advice would you give to an english language arts teacher?

Dr. Diana JonesDr. Diana Jones LinkedIn profile

Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University

General advice: I would encourage graduates to find a mentor who can guide them in their careers, stay on top of the latest technology, not be too hard on themselves, be flexible, be team players, be present, and care about their students.
ScoreEnglish Language Arts TeacherUS Average
Salary
3.8

Avg. Salary $48,483

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.1

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.52%

Asian 3.68%

Black or African American 9.91%

Hispanic or Latino 12.73%

Unknown 3.92%

White 69.24%

Gender

female 74.91%

male 25.09%

Age - 42
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 - 42
Stress level
8.1

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

English language arts teacher career paths

Key steps to become an english language arts teacher

  1. Explore english language arts teacher education requirements

    Most common english language arts teacher degrees

    Bachelor's

    68.6 %

    Master's

    25.5 %

    Associate

    3.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific english language arts teacher skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Language Arts14.96%
    Language14.32%
    English Language14.32%
    Classroom Management9.76%
    Curriculum Development4.23%
  3. Research english language arts teacher duties and responsibilities

    • Lead daily reading group of below-level, first-grade readers and teach mathematics to a small group of mentally gift first-graders.
    • Provide remedial programs for students who have not achieve language competency commensurate with their potential.
    • Attend a variety of professional development workshops centered on gift classroom resources, curriculum development/differentiation, and teaching English language learners.
    • Facilitate teachers in implementing a math program via training and mentoring.
  4. Prepare your english language arts teacher resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your english language arts teacher 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 language arts teacher 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 language arts teacher resume templates

    Build a professional english language arts teacher 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 language arts teacher resume.
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
    English Language Arts Teacher Resume
  5. Apply for english language arts teacher jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for an english language arts teacher 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 language arts teacher job

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Average english language arts teacher salary

The average english language arts teacher salary in the United States is $48,483 per year or $23 per hour. English language arts teacher salaries range between $37,000 and $62,000 per year.

Average english language arts teacher salary
$48,483 Yearly
$23.31 hourly

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How do english language arts teachers rate their job?

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English language arts teacher reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2022
Pros

Kids, teaching lessons, co-teachers, hours, weekends off, salary, holidays off, summers off, paid sick and personal days

Cons

Administration, observations, being told what to teach and HOW to teach it, expecting us to participate in things we might not want to or have the time for, staff meetings with no substance


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Pros

I would like to work. I do not like not working. I love being around people and still have a lot to offer.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Apr 2021
Pros

I enjoy teaching or giving knowledge to the children.

Cons

The educational system is very flawed, poor administration who don’t put children and learning first but their own self-interests. I don’t like how many school systems have handled the pandemic, total disregard for safety.


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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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