According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 67.8 million U.S. individuals spoke a language other than English at home, as of 2019. With an increase in multilingualism in the U.S. comes an increase in children who speak languages other than English as well, creating a need for educators who can address their language needs.
Teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) can be a fulfilling and worthwhile career choice. Since English literacy is in high demand worldwide, educators in this field can assist students of all ages as they develop English language skills to succeed in work, life, and school. The online Master of Science (M.S.) in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program from the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) enables teachers to engage English language learners (ELLs) in the classroom with instructional techniques and linguistic knowledge.
Students in this online program will analyze how linguistic, academic, and cultural factors — as well as their own experiences — influence learning and teaching success. Graduates can help improve their students’ grasp of English with the instructional tools and knowledge gained from earning this online M.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Top Career Options for Graduates With a Master’s in TESOL
For those interested in a master’s degree in TESOL, the career options are promising. Graduates can pursue jobs as private tutors, in government and nonprofit organizations, working with K-12 students in public and private schools, and in higher education.
The primary duty of a TESOL educator is to teach non-native speakers how to understand, speak, read, and write in English. Working with students from different cultures requires TESOL educators to be creative, adaptable, and sensitive to cultural differences. Below are some of the top jobs available to TESOL teachers:
- Curriculum leader. A curriculum leader is in charge of improving the curriculum within a school by reviewing course materials and making suggestions. They ensure the curriculum adheres to state and national requirements, review student assessment methods, act as an intermediary between school leadership and teachers to facilitate communication, and mentor and support educators. According to Indeed, the average annual salary for a curriculum leader is $70,488, depending on experience and geographical location.
- Instructional designer. Instructional designers incorporate technology into the learning process. By researching advancements in educational technology, they develop curriculums and compile materials and educational resources. They advise schools by assessing their needs and recommend educational technology suited to their students’ needs. According to the S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median pay for this position is $63,740 per year, or $30.64 per hour.
- ESL instructor. An ESL (English as a second language) instructor works with students of all ages to communicate in English. They focus on teaching their students how to speak, read, and write English. Some of the most important skills for an ESL teacher are flexibility, expert communication, and sensitivity to cultural differences. The average annual salary for an ESL instructor is $59,720, but it can vary according to experience and employer.
- Academic advisor. Colleges and universities typically employ academic advisors. They meet with students and recommend the best course of action to complete their degrees. Academic advisors are responsible for knowing the academic requirements needed for students and can aid students if they’re struggling academically. The BLS shows that the median yearly pay for this position is $60,510, or $29.09 per hour.
About UMSV’s Online M.S. in TESOL Program
This online degree program imparts a combination of sociocultural context, lesson-planning instruction, language knowledge, and evaluation techniques valuable to ELL teachers. This program also offers opportunities to collaborate with other educators and advocate for policies that support ELLs and their families.
Learn more about UMSV’s online M.S. in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages program.
