English is an extremely popular language in the UK and the USA. With the number of people living abroad, the need for skilled English teachers is rising. Even the government wants to help out: there is now a scheme to teach English as a foreign language (FFEL) for people working overseas. If you have a passion for writing, this could be an opportunity for you to teach other people English!
There are many ways to get yourself into the top ranks of English teachers, including taking an English Literature course. This will give you the foundation of English writing, which is an essential ingredient in teaching English as a foreign language. The first few years of study should cover grammar, writing and composition, and even theory.
The first few years of English teaching will give you plenty of practice, as you will be faced with a lot of questions. You may find yourself having to repeat sections of lecture, or answering students’ queries.
Another excellent way to get into the profession is to study for a degree in English at university. A degree is essential if you want to work as a teacher, as it proves that you are able to read and write at a high level. And once you’re in the field, it becomes very easy to apply for jobs in your chosen field.
Another option for English teaching is to undertake a postgraduate English Literature degree. This will give you a great grounding in writing. You’ll also learn to communicate effectively with students, which can only be helpful in the future.
If you already have a degree, it’s a good idea to keep in touch with your professor in order to keep yourself in good shape. In fact, some professors will be willing to give you extra help, such as helping you to revise your assignments, or editing your own papers. or work.
English teachers in the field are in great demand these days, and it is worth taking a look around. If you’re thinking about studying for an English degree, you may have already come across some companies offering English courses online. You could also consider joining a local university to become a teacher assistant or tutor to others. These are both very rewarding careers and will pay well.
As a teacher, you will also need to demonstrate certain criteria – most importantly, you will need to have excellent communication skills. A strong command of English, along with excellent listening and written skills is a must.
Other qualifications that you’ll need to show are a degree in English, preferably from a university that specialises in English. You should also have experience of working in an English classroom, so you will be able to help students who are not native English speakers.
Some schools might also prefer that you are a qualified teacher, in other words, someone who has worked in a classroom setting in an English institution for several years. As a teacher, you will be responsible for a large number of classes. and a lot of teaching – there will be many students in your class, and many hours in a day.
English is a hugely popular subject – even though English as a foreign language is a highly competitive industry. Many employers look for people with a high level of English – so, as long as you’re experienced and have a clear command of the language, you should be able to stand out.
