Language school teacher
Also known as: language school educator, ESOL teacher, TESOL practitioner, language school instructor, teacher in a language school, TESOL teacher
About this occupation
Language school teachers educate non-age-specific students in a language that is not their native language at a specialised school, not bound by a level of education. They focus less on the academic aspect of language teaching, as opposed to language teachers in secondary or higher education, but instead on the theory and practice that will be most helpful to their students in real-life situations since most choose instruction for either business, immigration or leisure reasons. They organise their classes using a variety of lesson materials, work interactively with the group, and assess and evaluate their individual progress through assignments and examinations, putting emphasis on active language skills such as writing and speaking.
Essential skills and knowledge
- give constructive feedback
- assess students' preliminary learning experiences
- adapt teaching to target group
- employ pedagogic strategies to facilitate creative engagement
- prepare lesson content
- monitor developments in field of expertise
- observe student's progress
- provide lesson materials
- adapt teaching to student's capabilities
- show consideration for student's situation
- manage student relationships
- assessment processes
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary (O*NET 25-1123.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Teach writing or communication classes.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Typical education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Investigative, Artistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Instructing, Writing, Speaking, Active Listening, Learning Strategies
US median pay: US$78,760 a year (2025), 57,720 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.7)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaVery important (4.1)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyVery important (3.8)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyVery important (3.7)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.4)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.3)
- Fine Art or Music or Drama and TheatreO*NET: Fine ArtsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Doctoral Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
- History Teachers, Postsecondary
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary
- Library Science Teachers, Postsecondary
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.