ESL Certification: Is it Mandatory to Teach in the United States? 

Many teachers wonder if it is mandatory to have an ESL Certification to teach in the USA, and the answer is that it depends on some factors that we will discuss below.

While Latin American teachers must obtain certain certifications to work as teachers in PreK-12 levels in the United States (such as the Credential Evaluation and State Certification), the necessity of ESL certification varies by state and employer.

What is ESL Certification? 

ESL certification (English as a Second Language) is a credential that certifies that a teacher has the skills and knowledge needed to teach English to students who are not native speakers in an English-speaking country. It is focused primarily on English teachers.

There are different types of ESL certification depending on the context. The most recognized are TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

There are also EFL (English as a Foreign Language) certifications, which accredit English teachers to teach the language in non-English speaking countries, such as in Latin America or Asia, for example. The most common is the TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). 

What is the difference between ESL, TEFL, TOEFL, CELTA, and TESOL? 

It is common to be confused between these certifications, but each has a different purpose. The main differences between them are:

• ESL (English as a Second Language): Refers to teaching English to non-native speakers who live in a country where English is the official language (e.g., immigrants in the USA). There is no specific "ESL" certification. Rather, ESL teachers often have certifications such as TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, among others.

• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language): EFL certification for teachers who will teach English in countries where it is not the primary language, such as in Latin America. There are many TEFL courses with different levels of recognition and quality.
• CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): Certification granted by the University of Cambridge. It is internationally recognized and is suitable for teaching English in English-speaking countries (ESL) and abroad (EFL).
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages): For teaching English to non-native speakers, whether in English-speaking countries or not. Some TESOL certifications have greater recognition than others, so it is advisable to research before choosing a program.
• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Exam that measures the level of English of non-native speakers for academic or migratory purposes. It is required by universities and employers in English-speaking countries. It is not a certification for teachers, but a test for students.

In summary:

• ESL is the acronym for English as a Second Language, and it covers all certifications to teach English as a second language in English-speaking countries.
• TEFL is a generic and accessible certification to teach English in countries where it is not the primary language.
• TESOL is a certification that accredits English teachers to work in both English-speaking countries and other countries.
• CELTA is a slightly more demanding certification, which also accredits English teachers to work in both ESL and EFL modalities.
• TOEFL is an English proficiency exam for students, not for teachers.

Do I need to get an ESL Certification to teach in the United States?

The need for ESL certification to work as a teacher in the United States varies by state and employer.

The criteria for requiring an ESL Certificate vary according to different factors, such as:

• State requirements: Each state has specific regulations for teacher certification. Some require teachers to have an additional ESL certification if they are going to work with English language learners.
• Type of school: Public schools may require additional certifications to teach students who are not native English speakers, while private schools may have more flexible requirements.
• Prior experience and education: In some cases, teachers with proven prior experience in ESL teaching may meet the requirements without needing to obtain a specific certification.

That is, each state and educational institution has specific regulations, so it is advisable to consult with the corresponding department of education for detailed information.

But even if you are not an English teacher and it is not a requirement, having an ESL certification can make a candidate more competitive in the job market. Obtaining this certification voluntarily is beneficial for Latin American teachers who want to teach in the United States, for the following reasons:

• Demonstrate competence: It serves to prove that the teacher has a solid command of the language and the competence to teach English as a second language.
• Improve job prospects: It can open doors to better job opportunities in public and private schools, or in ESL programs abroad.
• Increase salary: Some employers offer higher salaries to teachers who have ESL certification.
• Develop skills: It can help teachers to be better prepared to teach in multicultural classes and offer support to non-native students who are often learning English as a second language in school. This is quite common in schools in the United States.

How to get an ESL certification to be a teacher abroad?

If you want to obtain an ESL certification to teach abroad, follow these steps:

1. Research available programs

There are several certifying institutions for TESOL, TEFL, and CELTA, each with different approaches and requirements.

To choose the ideal certification for you, research the regulations of the U.S. state and the school where you would like to teach. Some may require a specific certification, or not require any.

1. Choose an accredited institution

Compare the duration and cost of different programs. Keep in mind that some programs may include internships and additional materials, which may influence the final price.

Research the reputation and accreditation of the institution offering the certification program. Make sure it is a recognized institution and that the certificate has international validity.

1. Complete the certification course

Depending on the program, it may include online, in-person, or hybrid training, in addition to teaching practices.

Pass the theoretical and practical exams required to obtain the certification.

1. Apply for jobs abroad

With your certification in hand, you will have a more complete resume and you can differentiate yourself when applying for job opportunities in countries with high demand for teachers with English as a second language skills.

At EdBinder you can find job offers in schools around the world, including different regions of the United States. Join for free and explore all available opportunities!

Learn about the basic requirements to be a teacher in the United States!

If you want to teach in the United States, it is important to know the general requirements for teachers in the country. Each state has its own requirements, but some of the most common are:

• University degree in education or the area to be taught;
• Work visa and Credential Evaluation for foreign teachers;
• Teaching license or certification from the state where you want to work (State Certification);
• In some cases, they ask to take exams of competence in English, pedagogical knowledge, and mastery of the subject you teach;
• In some cases, an ESL Certification is required for teaching English language learners;
• In some cases, prior teaching experience is required (depends on each job offer).

If you are interested in being a teacher in the United States, preparing with the appropriate certifications will open many job opportunities and allow you to provide a better education to your students.

Start your journey towards teaching abroad today! Join for free on EdBinder and find job offers for teachers in the United States.

‍