How to Become an English Teacher: Everything You Need to Know

If you ever thought about becoming an English teacher, you should know this: the path is clear but requires dedication. Here's what you need to do:

1. Get a Degree
2. Complete Teacher Training
3. Earn Certification
4. Build Teaching Skills
5. Consider a Master's (Optional)
6. Keep Learning

This article breaks down each step on how to become an English teacher, and you'll find a clear roadmap to follow.

If academic struggles get in the way, EssayPro can help. With our expert paper writing help, you can focus on reaching your teaching goals without the stress of schoolwork holding you back.

Need a Helping Hand?

Delegate your tasks to us!

Get Help

9 Main Duties of an English Teacher

An English teacher does more than just explain grammar rules. The role of becoming an English teacher includes the following:

• Planning lessons and grading work
• Improving writing and speaking skills
• Helping students one-on-one
• Leading literature discussions
• Teaching critical thinking
• Assisting with activities outside of class
• Introducing digital tools
• Mentoring students
• Inspiring a love for learning

Let's break down each duty below.

1. Planning Lessons and Evaluating Work

Lessons need structure, and grading helps track progress. A good English teacher keeps both organized.

• Create lesson plans covering reading, writing, and discussion.
• Adjust lessons based on student needs and progress.
• Grade essays, quizzes, and assignments with clear feedback.
• Track student performance to identify areas for improvement.

2. Improving Writing and Speaking Skills

Students need to communicate clearly. Writing and speaking practice builds confidence.

• Assign essays, creative writing, and reports.
• Teach sentence structure, grammar, and style.
• Organize debates, speeches, and presentations.
• Provide feedback to help students refine their work.

3. Helping Students One-on-One

Some students need extra help outside regular class time.

• Offer tutoring for struggling students.
• Give feedback on drafts before final submissions.
• Help students prepare for tests and presentations.
• Adjust teaching strategies for different learning styles.

4. Leading Literature Discussions

Books and poetry aren't just for reading; rather, they're for analyzing and debating.

• Guide discussions on themes, symbolism, and character development.
• Encourage students to express opinions and ask questions.
• Compare classic and modern literature for deeper understanding.
• Use short stories and poems for quick analysis exercises.

5. Teaching Critical Thinking Skills

English is also about thinking deeply.

• Teach students to question and analyze texts.
• Use media, articles, and real-world examples for discussion.
• Assign persuasive writing to develop argumentation skills.
• Encourage debates on current topics.

6. Assisting with Activities Outside Class

Learning happens beyond the classroom, too.

• Help with school plays, book clubs, or writing competitions.
• Organize field trips to libraries, theaters, or literary events.
• Assist in publishing a student newspaper or magazine.
• Support students entering essay contests.

7. Teaching Digital Skills and Technology

Technology is part of modern education, and English teachers should use it effectively.

• Teach research skills using online sources.
• Introduce tools for writing, editing, and presentations.
• Use educational apps to improve vocabulary and grammar.
• Discuss digital literacy and responsible internet use.

8. Advising and Supporting Students

Students need guidance, both academically and personally.

• Offer advice on improving study habits.
• Help with college essays and scholarship applications.
• Provide encouragement and motivation.
• Connect students with resources for extra support.

9. Inspiring Interest in Language and Learning

A great teacher makes English feel meaningful by doing the following:

• Sharing interesting books, articles, and media.
• Connecting literature to real-life issues.
• Encouraging creative writing and storytelling.
• Making lessons interactive and engaging.

How to Become an English Teacher

In order to become an English teacher, the path starts with a solid foundation in education and ends with applying for the right teaching positions. Below are the essential steps to get you there:

• Earn a Bachelor's Degree
• Get Your Teacher Certification
• Pass the Background Check
• Perfect Your Resume
• Apply for Teaching Jobs

Let's dive into each step for a clearer picture of what it takes.

Step 1: Start with a Bachelor's Degree in English

Earning a bachelor's degree in education, English, or a similar discipline marks the start of your journey. This serves as your foundation for understanding literature, language, and instructional strategies.

• Choose a Bachelor's Degree in English, Literature, or Secondary Education.
• Some schools offer teaching degrees with a focus on English.
• Gain knowledge in linguistics, writing, and literature during your coursework.
• Consider internships or student teaching to get hands-on experience.

See a related article: What can you do with an English degree?

Step 2: Obtain a Teacher's Certification

Once you've earned your degree, obtaining a teaching certification is crucial. This certification ensures that you're qualified to teach and meet educational standards. While requirements differ by location, most areas require you to pass exams and sometimes additional courses.

Here are common certifications you might need:

• State Certification: In the U.S., each state has its own certification process, often involving exams on teaching methods, subject knowledge, and classroom management.
• TESOL/TEFL: For teaching English as a second language, certifications like TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) may be required, especially if you plan to teach abroad.
• National Board Certification: In some places, you can pursue advanced certification to become a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), which demonstrates excellence in teaching.

Step 3: Pass the Background Check

Schools prioritize safety, so background checks are a standard part of the hiring process.

• Undergo a criminal background check to ensure you're fit to work with students.
• Some areas may also require fingerprinting as part of the process.
• Be prepared, since in order to become an English teacher, this step is crucial for your eligibility to work in educational settings.

Step 4: Polish Your Resume

Once you're ready to start applying for jobs, your resume must stand out. Highlight your education, certification, and any relevant experience.

• Include details of your degree(s) and certification.
• List relevant internships, volunteer work, or tutoring experience.
• Emphasize any teaching skills, like classroom management or lesson planning.
• Tailor your resume to each job, focusing on skills that match the job description.

You might also be interested in our guide on how to list education on a resume.

Step 5: Apply for English Teaching Jobs

Now, it's time to start applying for positions. This is where your skills and qualifications come together to land your first teaching role.

• Search for job openings at schools, tutoring centers, or online teaching platforms.
• Network with educators and attend job fairs to increase your chances.
• Prepare for interviews by reviewing common teaching questions and discussing your approach to teaching English.
• Don't be discouraged by initial rejections; teaching jobs can be competitive, but persistence pays off.

If English isn't your first language, don't let that hold you back from becoming a great teacher. Start by checking out our guide on how to speak English.

Essential Skills for English Teachers

There are certain key English teacher requirements that will not only help you teach the subject well but also connect with students and manage your classroom.

Let's break down the essential skills every English teacher should have:

• Strong English Skills
• Effective Teaching Methods
• Communication and People Skills
• Planning and Time Management
• Ongoing Learning and Growth

Now, let's explore each skill in detail.

1. Strong English Skills

An English teacher must have a strong command of the language. This includes grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and writing skills.

• Deep knowledge of grammar and syntax.
• Ability to explain complex language rules simply.
• Proficiency in both written and spoken English.
• Familiarity with various writing styles, from essays to creative writing.

2. Effective Teaching Methods

Teaching isn't just about knowledge; it's about how you deliver that knowledge. Effective methods help students learn and engage with the material.

• Use diverse teaching techniques to accommodate different learning styles.
• Incorporate technology and multimedia to make lessons more engaging.
• Encourage interactive learning through group work and discussions.
• Provide clear instructions and feedback to ensure student understanding.

3. Communication and People Skills

As a teacher, you'll communicate with students, parents, and colleagues regularly. Strong interpersonal skills help foster a positive classroom environment.

• Build trust and rapport with students.
• Maintain open and effective communication with parents and staff.
• Handle difficult conversations with empathy and professionalism.
• Foster an inclusive classroom where all students feel valued.

4. Planning and Time Management

Effective planning and time management are essential to staying organized and ensuring lessons run smoothly.

• Plan engaging and structured lessons that meet curriculum goals.
• Organize activities and assignments to keep students on track.
• Balance classroom time with grading, meetings, and other duties.
• Adapt lesson plans to address student needs and classroom dynamics.

5. Ongoing Learning and Growth

Teaching is a constantly evolving profession. Staying up-to-date and continuing your professional growth ensures you remain effective in the classroom.

• Participate in workshops, conferences, or professional development courses.
• Reflect on your teaching practices and seek ways to improve.
• Stay current with trends in education and new teaching tools.
• Be open to feedback from colleagues and students to continually grow as a teacher

English Teacher Pay and Job Prospects

Becoming an English teacher is a rewarding career, but it's also important to understand the financial and job market aspects. Let's take a look at how much English teachers can expect to earn and what the job outlook looks like.

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for an English teacher is about $68,028 per year, with the average salary being $63,544 per year. These numbers reflect the median pay, which means they represent the middle point of salary ranges based on real data from Glassdoor's users.

For high school teachers in general, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following for 2023:

• Median Pay: $65,220 per year
• Total Jobs (2023): 1,071,400
• Job Outlook (2023-33): -1% (Decline)
• Employment Change (2023-33): A decrease of 6,900 jobs

Despite the slight decline in overall employment for high school teachers, there's still good news. Around 64,000 openings are expected annually over the next decade. These openings won't necessarily be new positions but rather replacements for teachers retiring or transferring to other fields.

While the job outlook for high school teachers overall is declining slightly, there will still be plenty of opportunities due to teacher turnover.

Why Choose to Become an English Teacher

You might want to pursue an English teacher career since it offers numerous rewards beyond just a paycheck. Here are some key reasons:

8 Tips for Being a Successful English Teacher

To be a standout English teacher, it's important to go beyond textbooks and truly connect with your students. Here are some unique tips to help you make an impact:

• Plan your lessons, but be flexible enough to adjust as needed.
• Make every lesson feel like a conversation, not a lecture.
• Use real-world examples to make language learning relevant.
• Set small, achievable goals to help students build confidence.
• Create a classroom where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, not failures.
• Incorporate fun, unconventional methods, like games or creative projects, to keep things fresh.
• Always encourage student voices, letting them share their thoughts and ideas.
• Keep growing yourself, whether it's trying new tech tools or brushing up on literature.

By following these tips and acquiring English teacher qualifications, you'll create an environment where students feel excited and motivated to learn.

Final Words

This is it: the authentic way to change the world! Being certified is not enough to become an English teacher; you also need to help students develop lifelong skills and a love for the language. Every action you take contributes to making a significant and long-lasting difference in your students' lives.

Teaching isn't always easy, of course. When you encounter difficulties, EssayPro can help. Use our admission essay service, even if you're just applying, and let us handle your academic work so you can concentrate on being the fantastic teacher your students require.

FAQ