What does an esl teacher do?
An ESL teacher specializes in teaching the English language to non-native speakers of all ages, usually in a virtual setting. Their responsibilities revolve around devising lesson plans, organizing learning materials, evaluating progress, and coming up with strategies to make learners feel comfortable. Furthermore, they must maintain a healthy and safe learning environment, whether the lessons are in a one-on-one or group setting. When it comes to virtual learning, an ESL teacher must have the necessary equipment, a stable internet connection, and an obstruction-free teaching location.
Esl teacher responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real esl teacher resumes:
- Design syllabus and conduct various group activities to achieve basic conversational knowledge.
- Focuse instruction on grammar and authentic conversation, using many interactive techniques to achieve progress.
- Lead debates with advance students on topics including globalization, economics, and political history.
- Instruct all levels of elementary and kindergarten French entirely in the target language.
- Develop and execute diverse individualize lesson plans that addressed every child's language proficiency, learning ability, and learning style.
- Plan, prepare and hold IEP meetings.
- Create curriculum and lesson plans for k-12 classrooms.
- Adapt science, math and English curriculum for instructional conditions
- Introduce kindergarten class to drawing, painting, and mix media.
- Help write and gain approval for implementation of IB CP program.
- Utilize assessments, ELD standards, and classroom teacherinput when planning lessons.
- Tutor students in math, social science, English, reading and writing.
- Implement WIDA standards, incorporating mathematics, science and literacy, into lesson planning.
- Support new ELD teachers by providing resources and knowledge to implement into their classrooms.
- Provide classroom instruction and serve in a managerial capacity at this school for English-language and computer-skills training.
Esl teacher skills and personality traits
We calculated that 44% of ESL Teachers are proficient in Kids, Whiteboards, and Classroom Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Physical stamina, Communication skills, and Patience.
We break down the percentage of ESL Teachers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Kids, 44%
Work with groups of ten of kids ages 3-7 in a classroom setting.
- Whiteboards, 20%
Teach English to Non Native speakers, play games , phonics and other electric whiteboard interactive teaching.
- Classroom Management, 9%
Established clear class expectations by developing rubrics for all assessments a maintaining an impeccable classroom management.
- Curriculum Development, 5%
Collaborated with faculty members on curriculum development, joint-class activities, and extra-curricular activities.
- English Language, 3%
Developed learner-centered curricula and taught English language integrated skills to small groups of beginner and intermediate learners of English
- Grammar, 3%
Provided quality English education including grammar, conversational practice, pronunciation, and various integrated skills.
Most esl teachers use their skills in "kids," "whiteboards," and "classroom management" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential esl teacher responsibilities here:
Physical stamina. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an esl teacher to have is physical stamina. Their role and responsibilities require that "working with kindergarten- and elementary-age students can be tiring." Esl teachers often use physical stamina in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "incorporated nursery rhymes, physical activities, and other exciting games to keep kids attention. "
Communication skills. Many esl teacher duties rely on communication skills. "teachers need to discuss students’ needs with parents and administrators," so an esl teacher will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways esl teacher responsibilities rely on communication skills: "fostered language development, communication, and cultural acceptance and assimilation. "
Patience. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of esl teachers is patience. This skill is critical to many everyday esl teacher duties, as "kindergarten and elementary school teachers must respond with patience when students struggle with material." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "necessitated attention to detail, deep listening skills, patience, cross-cultural communication skills, and excellent understanding of english grammar. "
The three companies that hire the most esl teachers are:
- New Brunswick Public Schools9 esl teachers jobs
- Wayne RESA6 esl teachers jobs
- Boston Public Schools4 esl teachers jobs
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Compare different esl teachers
Esl teacher vs. Teacher-in-training
A teacher-in-training is a teaching professional who offers technical teaching assistance to teachers in developing effective behavior management and instructional strategies to support student learning. The teacher must collaborate with principals while employing diverse techniques to increase the effectiveness of student learning. By observing classes and then giving feedback to teachers about their teaching style, classroom management, and techniques are some of the responsibilities of a teacher-in-training. The teacher must also develop a wide array of curriculum materials and lesson plans for classroom instruction.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between esl teachers and teacher-in-training. For instance, esl teacher responsibilities require skills such as "kids," "whiteboards," "english language," and "grammar." Whereas a teacher-in-training is skilled in "staff development," "student achievement," "student engagement," and "yoga." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Teachers-in training really shine in the education industry with an average salary of $39,697. Comparatively, esl teachers tend to make the most money in the retail industry with an average salary of $52,367.teachers-in training tend to reach similar levels of education than esl teachers. In fact, teachers-in training are 4.4% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.4% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Esl teacher vs. Assistant language teacher
An assistant language teacher is in charge of performing support tasks for language teachers. Their responsibilities include preparing teaching and coursework materials, assessing student performance, taking attendance records, and holding lectures as a substitute for the teacher. They may also help students who are having trouble following and adjusting to the lessons, assisting them as needed. Above all, an assistant language teacher must monitor the students' progress, all while maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for everyone.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real esl teacher resumes. While esl teacher responsibilities can utilize skills like "kids," "whiteboards," "curriculum development," and "english language," assistant language teachers use skills like "cpr," "english-language," "language curriculum," and "elementary schools."
Assistant language teachers earn a lower average salary than esl teachers. But assistant language teachers earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $31,308. Additionally, esl teachers earn the highest salaries in the retail with average pay of $52,367 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Assistant language teachers tend to reach lower levels of education than esl teachers. In fact, they're 12.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for esl teachers in the next 3-5 years?
Dr. Diana Jones
Chair, Department of Kinesiology, Anderson University
Esl teacher vs. Substitute school teacher
A substitute teacher is liable for providing learning instruction and managing classroom settings in the absence of the regular teacher. They are responsible for checking student attendance, explaining homework, and maintaining classroom cleanliness. They generally report to the principal at the school to which they are assigned. They plan and prepare lesson plans and teach students a variety of subjects, including English, science, and mathematics. Moreover, they ensure that the students are disciplined, and talk with parents and discuss the progress.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an esl teacher is likely to be skilled in "whiteboards," "curriculum development," "english language," and "grammar," while a typical substitute school teacher is skilled in "substitute teaching," "after-school program," "math," and "grades k-12."
Substitute school teachers earn the best pay in the education industry, where they command an average salary of $37,999. Esl teachers earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $52,367.When it comes to education, substitute school teachers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to esl teachers. In fact, they're 5.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Esl teacher vs. Teacher associate
A teacher associate is responsible for assisting the teacher in classroom operations and providing teaching support for the students. Teacher associates develop learning materials according to the instructions of the headteachers, helping them to track students' progress and observing class behaviors. They also take class responsibility if the teacher is away, ensuring to keep activity records and attendance for reference. A teacher associate must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in handling students' difficulties and working with the teacher to develop techniques to address those challenges.
Types of esl teacher
Updated January 8, 2025
