Teacher - English as a Second Language
(Teacher - Adult Migrant Education)
Fact Sheet
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Demonstrating differences in the spelling of similar sounding words |
Teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) teach, and assist other teachers to teach, students whose first language is not English to become proficient with the English language.
Duties and Tasks
Teachers of ESL may perform the following tasks:
- teach students basic or advanced English language skills
- teach students individually and in small groups out of the regular classroom, or assist students within normal classroom settings
- diagnose and assess English language competency in students whose first language is a language other than English
- provide assistance to regular classroom teachers by designing special teaching programs for students with English language difficulties
- provide advice concerning the community services available to assist students with English language difficulties
Quick Facts
School subjects that include some aspect of English provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an English-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HISTORY provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a history-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of the PERFORMING ARTS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a performing arts subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are teaching and teacher support jobs in areas such as early childhood, primary, secondary, vocational and higher education, and in special education, as well as other training jobs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to help, inform, teach or treat them. Activities include discussing personal issues, listening to people's problems, and providing advice, instruction, information or treatment to meet their needs.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
Jobs in this group usually require completion of a recognised Bachelor Degree, or extensive relevant experience. Some jobs also require post-graduate study, such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master Degree.
Personal Requirements
- an understanding and acceptance of cultural differences
- an excellent grasp of English language structure
- able to identify the needs of individual students
- very good communication skills
- high-level organisational skills
- prepared to work out of school hours
- patience in dealing with students of differing abilities and from different cultures