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I'm interested in becoming an ESL teacher. I worry because of my age (54). Will there be a demand for ESL in the next few years? I am in the NE. Is an understanding of a foreign language a requirement for becoming an ESL teacher?
I'm interested in becoming an ESL teacher. I worry because of my age (54). Will there be a demand for ESL in the next few years? I am in the NE. Is an understanding of a foreign language a requirement for becoming an ESL teacher?
No. As long as you speak english you're good. You dont need to speak another language because you'll have students that speak other languages. If you start speaking another languages to a particular student the others might feel left out
I'm interested in becoming an ESL teacher. I worry because of my age (54). Will there be a demand for ESL in the next few years? I am in the NE. Is an understanding of a foreign language a requirement for becoming an ESL teacher?
Not at all, the biggest thing that you will focus on is helping the students read, write and speak English fluently. You are going to need to have an understanding of the most effective methods to accomplish this.
ESL is always a need. When I got my MA in TESOL, it was only offered in two places. You can now obtain an MA in TESOL all over the country. It is definitely a growing field and most districts (in larger cities) list it as a high needs area, right up there with special education, math, and science.
I have been a certified ESL teacher for over 25 years.
You will need to get a teaching credential though. Some districts allow you to get a job while you work on your credentials.
First of all, a great big thank you to all who have responded to my question. So, you don't think my age will be a factor? I am sure to some schools it might,but I mean in general, do you think I will face a lot of age-related discrimination?
First of all, a great big thank you to all who have responded to my question. So, you don't think my age will be a factor? I am sure to some schools it might,but I mean in general, do you think I will face a lot of age-related discrimination?
There is really no way to know about your age being a factor.
I haven't worked for 10 years, I have 17 years of experience but took 10 years off to stay home with my kids. I am now going back to work and it did take a little while to get a job lined up. I honestly don't know if my age was a factor, or the fact that I have a 10 year gap in my work history.
But I think that if you are in a hard to fill needs area (math, science, special education, ESL) you will be in better condition to land a job.
I'm almost 53 and just got a job in a new place. I am certified ESL, Reading, and Elementary Ed, and believe it or not, the Elementary Ed cert is the one I got hired for, despite the other two being considered "shortage areas" in the state I'm moving to. I've never felt age discrimination, but I'm also a little quirky and try to keep on top of 'youth culture'. Not to say that I like it, but I have kids in their 20's so they keep me updated on what's 'cool', so when I interview with a 12 year old admin, I can speak their language, ha ha.
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