ESL (English as a Second Language) Teaching Certifications for Undergraduate Students

There’s a rising demand for qualified ESL teachers in both U.S. and international schools. In the U.S., about 5 million public school learners are English Language Learners (ELLs). But 27% of schools with ESL openings report them as “very difficult or impossible” to fill.

In foreign countries, more than 100,000 teaching positions are open every year, too. The global English Language Training (ELT) market grows 20% every year.

So, do you want to take advantage of the abundant job opportunities in the ESL market? If yes, consider earning ESL teaching certifications for undergraduate students. Certifications matter for teaching English to non-native speakers for many reasons.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to become a certified ESL teacher. You’ll know the types of certifications and online options. We’ll also discuss their benefits and career preparation.

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Why ESL Certification Is Important

There are three major reasons why ESL certifications matter. They achieve the following:

Meet school district and international hiring requirements.

Many employers require or prefer an English as a Second Language teaching license. Indeed, it’s a baseline qualification for these employers.

Validate skills in language instruction, classroom management, and cultural competence.

ESL teacher preparation programs provide intensive training in these aspects.

Enhance career opportunities at home and abroad.

You’ll gain formal ESL training and skills that boost your competitiveness. Also, you can demonstrate your initiative and commitment to learning.

Overview of Major ESL Teaching Certifications

Each of these credentials has a different focus, depth of training, and recognition. All are valuable to land jobs and advance in your career.

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

TESOL is among the best ESL teaching certifications due to its global recognition. The ESL certification is ideal for:

• Individuals planning to teach English to non-native speakers anywhere in the world
• Undergraduates and recent graduates aiming to earn a valuable certification
• Career changers transitioning into the ESL teaching industry

TESOL is a valuable credential for teaching roles in in-person and online programs.

The typical course structure features a combination of:

• Core modules in English language teaching methodology and lesson planning, among others
• Practical training, such as teaching practice observations
• Assessments like written assignments, lesson planning exercises, and teaching demos

The duration of TESOL programs varies, but it’s usually 100-150 hours.

TESOL certification for undergraduates provides many benefits, including:

• Adds value to your degree by validating English teaching skills
• Boosts employment prospects in the education and travel industries here and abroad
• Serves as a stepping stone to advanced English teaching certifications (e.g., CELTA)

TESOL programs are available in in-person, online, and hybrid formats.

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)

The TEFL certification is designed for individuals who want to teach English abroad. In these countries, English isn’t the primary language. As such, there’s a strong demand for effective ESL-certified teachers.

TEFL certification programs are available in in-person, online, and hybrid formats. You can then choose based on your lifestyle and learning preferences. Online ESL teacher certification programs offer more flexibility and convenience.

Regardless of learning format, TEFL certification programs usually feature modules on:

• Teaching methodology
• Lesson planning
• Language awareness
• Classroom management
• Assessment and feedback

You’ll also engage in practical teaching experiences. These can be peer teaching and/or teaching practice, depending on the program.

There’s no right or wrong choice in a TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA comparison. Instead, you must choose based on your interests and goals. TEFL is more common in foreign teaching jobs. TESOL is usually required or preferred in domestic jobs or multicultural settings. CELTA is an advanced certification for teaching adult learners.

CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)

CELTA is among the best ESL teaching certifications due to its global recognition. Cambridge University accredits the CELTA credential, a feature that boosts its respectability.

This is an ideal certification for teaching adult learners in ESL/EFL contexts. But its comprehensive approach makes it valuable in many settings, too. Colleges, language schools, and online ESL platforms have a strong demand for it.

But it isn’t an easy credential to earn either. The rigorous CELTA certification requirements include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• At least a high school diploma or A-levels (i.e., university entrance level)
• Demonstrate strong English language proficiency (i.e., C1 or higher on the CEFR)
• Pass a rigorous application process
• Show teaching potential (i.e., cultural awareness and communication skills)

You don’t need teaching experience or a college degree, as implied above. But having both can be an advantage in your application and training.

Then, there’s the intensive training format and cost that you must consider. You must complete at least 120 contact hours. This can take between 4-5 weeks (full-time) and 8-12 weeks or more (part-time). Such is the intensive training that it’s been described as “life-consuming but life-changing”.

The comprehensive training combines:

• Didactic courses in teaching methodology, learner-centered teaching, and more
• Teaching practice consisting of 6 hours of observed teaching in a real classroom
• Four written assessments (e.g., language analysis and teaching reflections)

There’s no final exam, but there are ongoing assessments.

The cost can be a significant factor for consideration, too. You can expect to spend $1,500–$3,500 on training and other costs.

How to Choose the Right ESL Certification

If you must choose one from the best ESL teaching certifications, remember these tips.

• Consider the teaching location where you want to teach. TESOL is ideal for US-based jobs. TEFL and CELTA are ideal for foreign jobs.
• Factor in the type of learners you want to teach – children or adults. CELTA is ideal for teaching adult learners.
• Consider the program delivery format and schedule flexibility. Online ESL teacher preparation programs are ideal for working students.

Online ESL Teacher Certification Programs

Online ESL teacher certification programs are well-suited for undergraduates balancing coursework. You can still meet your academic obligations while earning your ESL certification.

But online programs have their disadvantages, too. Limited hands-on teaching practice and in-person networking are among them.

Here are a few of the best accredited online programs.

• International TEFL Academy Online
• BridgeTEFL
• Coursera TESOL Specialization

In an online TEFL vs TESOL vs CELTA comparison, the same principle applies. Choose based on your interests and goals, such as where you plan to teach.

ESL Licensure for Teaching in U.S. Public Schools

If you plan to teach ESL in public schools in the U.S., you must meet state-specific requirements. A state-issued English as a Second Language teaching license is among them. Every state has its own ESL certification or endorsement requirement, so check first.

With that said, here are the general steps on how to become a certified ESL teacher.

• Earn a bachelor’s degree, preferably in education or English.
• Complete a state-approved teacher preparation program.
• Pass required state teaching exams (e.g., Praxis in many states or TExES in Texas).
• Apply for a teaching license in your state.
• Earn an ESL certification or endorsement.
• Pass the Praxis ESOL, a requirement in many states (e.g., New Jersey).

If you already have a current teaching license, you can add an ESL endorsement, too.

Steps for Undergraduates to Prepare for ESL Certification

ESL teacher preparation programs are the best option. But you can also take the following steps as an alternative.

• Take linguistics and second language acquisition courses.
• Volunteer in ESL tutoring programs.
• Join the TESOL International Association as a student member.
• Work toward a TESOL certification for undergraduates in your junior or senior year.

Career Opportunities with ESL Certification

If you earn one or more of the best ESL teaching certifications, you’ll find jobs in:

• Public and private K–12 schools
• Adult education programs
• International schools and language centers abroad
• Online English tutoring platforms

Plus, using your teaching English to non-native speakers certification results in good ROI. According to the BLS, ESL teachers earned  $59,950/year in median wages (May 2024). But the highest earners took in more than $95,750/year.

Conclusion + Call to Action

Earning ESL teaching certifications for undergraduate students is a smart investment. You can take advantage of the strong demand for qualified ESL teachers here and abroad.

But it’s important to start early for a career advantage. Take the right steps now, especially if you’re in your sophomore or junior year.

Comparison Table: TESOL vs TEFL vs CELTA

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I teach English abroad without certification?

Yes, but your job options will likely be limited. Most employers require an ESL certification.

Is CELTA better than TESOL?

Yes, if you’re an ESL professional who wants to expand your career opportunities. But if you’re an undergraduate, TESOL is the best option.

Can undergraduates take ESL certification courses?

Yes. Many ESL certification programs welcome college students.