7 Ways to Serve with TESOL
Learning a new language is a difficult challenge for many people. When someone moves to a new culture with a new language, this challenge impacts every area of life. The ability, or inability to effectively communicate, affects how we learn, work, shop, socialize, and so much more. How broadly language and communication is ingrained in our lives also appears in the various ways you can serve with TESOL training. You can work in a variety of settings and all over the world. Anywhere people are trying to learn English as a secondary means of communication.
Here are seven different ways you can apply your English Language Learner education.
K-12 Schools in the United States – As families come into the United States, their children must be able to be comfortable in school and ready to learn. U.S. schools need highly trained and qualified English Language Learner professionals working as classroom teachers, as English Learner support personnel, in bilingual programs, and in many other roles.
Refugee Resettlement Programs – Moving to the United States is often an unexpected event under great stress. Refugee programs provide a great deal of support to these individuals. English Language Learning is a critical component so that new U.S residents can be ready to work, learn and communicate.
Community or Church-Based ESL Programs – Many community and faith-based programs work to fill the gaps left by school and government programs. These roles can be paid or volunteer, but they still provide excellent service to the community.
Mission Organizations – Working with English Language Learners is an excellent way to take that community service mindset and serve outside the United States. Many missionaries find that English learning is a critical need when they witness in many countries. This role can help missionaries meet an important need and serve and witness for Christ at the same time.
University-Level or Private Intensive English Programs – For many people new to the United States, their first experience is as a college student. Almost all colleges and universities have English proficiency requirements, but the transition for a non-native speaker can still be challenging to navigate. Serving in this setting can focus on adapting to cultural differences and higher-level English skills to ensure academic excellence for non-native speakers.
Schools and Language programs outside of the United States – English is the most commonly spoken language in the world when you include both native and non-native speakers. People all over the globe see being able to speak English as a critical skill. Effective English Language Learner instructors are needed to serve worldwide, which can be an exciting career path.
Online Tutoring and Teaching – Many options listed above may not require travel or relocation. Many organizations seek individuals to serve the English Language Learner population through online platforms. TESOL can provide an engaging career that allows you to interact with people worldwide from your home.
