English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers
Overview
Introduction
English as second language (ESL) teachers specialize in teaching people of all ages the English language. Their students may be immigrants, refugees, children of foreign-born parents, or children who may be living in a home where English is not spoken as the primary language. ESL teachers are also known as teachers of English to speakers of other languages.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The median yearly salary of adult basic and secondary education and literacy teachers and instructors was $53,630 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Earnings ranged from less than $32,370 to more than $89,710 a year. Teachers employed at elementary and secondary schools had mean annual earnings of $62,200. English language and literature teachers who worked at junior colleg...
Work Environment
Many ESL teachers work in primary and secondary classrooms. While the job is not physically strenuous, it can be tiring and trying. Some school environments can be tense if drugs, gangs, and other problems are present. Although there has been increased media coverage of school violence, the number of students who report having been threatened or injured with a weapon on school property has actu...
Outlook
Opportunities for ESL teachers are expected to decline through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Enrollment in ESL programs has decreased in recent years, and government funding for ESL programs has also declined in some geographic areas. Employment will continue to decrease if the number of immigrants and refugees that come to the United States continues to slow as a resul...