ESOL/EFL teachers plan, prepare and teach English lessons to groups or individuals. They use a range of teaching aids and methods, including textbooks, computers, video tapes, pictures and flash cards, games, role play, and question and answer sessions.

There is a growing demand for ESOL teachers in the UK. There are shortages of qualified ESOL teachers in London, and also in some rural areas (where migrant workers take up seasonal jobs). In the UK, there are opportunities for employment in further, adult and community education, state schools, higher education and commercial language schools. There are also opportunities to teach overseas. From September 2007, all new entrants wanting to teach in state-maintained further, adult and community education in England and Wales will be expected to be working towards the new award of Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS). There are no set entry requirements for courses leading to jobs in private language schools, but most entrants are graduates. To attain QTLS status it is necessary to gain a recognised and endorsed teaching qualification and an approved Level 4 certificate for adult ESOL subject specialists. Training can be full time, part time or taken in stages. It may be possible to combine training with paid part-time teaching. In all education sectors, there is considerable competition for senior and managerial posts. Some teachers do postgraduate degrees to improve their career prospects. Other possibilities include training ESOL teachers, opening a language school or writing books and other teaching materials.

have an excellent command of the English language
have good communication and interpersonal skills
get on well with people of all ages, from different backgrounds and cultures
speak clearly
be confident and energetic
have an interest in learning foreign languages.

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