Teacher - English as a Second Language

Summary

Teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL) teach, and assist other teachers to teach, students whose first language or dialect is not Standard Australian English to become proficient with the English language.

Duties & 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.

Specialisations

Adult Migrant Teacher

An adult migrant teacher teaches English to adult migrants whose native language is not English, in addition to such courses as 'an introduction to Australian society' to newly arrived migrants. Adult migrant education teachers work with individuals and groups. They may work for the state or territory government or in private organisations, in educational institutions and in community venues. They may also work in distance learning programs, Home Tutor schemes and English in the Workplace programs.

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 outside of school hours
  • patience in dealing with students of differing abilities and cultures.

Related Courses:

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