Job Description:

ESL stands for English as a Second Language. ELL stands for English Language Learners. These two labels and even the term “bilingual education” are used in schools to recruit and hire teachers specifically for teaching students whose first language is not English. The number of non-English-speaking students in the U.S. continues to grow every year, creating demand for bilingual teachers and for those who teach English as a second language. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 133,000 new middle and high school teachers will need to be hired in the next 7 years.

Bilingual teachers are an asset to a school, and generally focus working with students whose first language is not English. Teachers may instruct ELL or ESL classes, or may instruct general education classes where students who speak English as a first language are combined with students whose first language is not English. The activities of a bilingual teacher are similar to the typical activities of a teacher, but also include planning for the needs of English Language Learners and communicating with their parents.

Median Salary:

Elementary School: $47,870

Middle/High School: $49,470

Job Requirements

All states require teachers to meet their basic teaching credentials which is usually a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Though each state is different, to qualify for bilingual education, you should be able to speak a second language to provide instruction in both English and your student’s native language. Additional training and certification may be required by your state to fill a vacancy in a bilingual position.

Job Outlook

Employment of schoolteachers is expected to grow by 26 percent before 2016.