Teaching English as a Second Language (Grades K-12)
For people who live in the United States and don't know English well, life can be tough. Even taking a bus or buying a soft drink becomes a challenge — let alone succeeding in school or at work. Luckily, teachers certified to teach English to non-English speakers can help. These instructors love knowing that every single lesson makes a huge difference in their students' ability to get through the day. If you too want to make a direct, positive impact on people's lives, you may want to consider teaching English as Second Language (ESL).
Career Potential for ESL Majors
- Public school ESL teacher
- ESL instructor in the private sector or overseas
What Will I Learn to prepare me to teach ESL?
Develop the content area knowledge and the pedagogical background to teach English as a Second Language
- In public school K-12 classrooms with the certification major
- In the private sector with the non-certification major
Special Features of the Teaching English as a Second Language Major
- Study abroad
- Internship opportunities
- Language clubs
- Foreign language learning center
The employment opportunities in this feed are a sample from Career Services’ Handshake portal. Some positions may require additional certifications. Handshake is available to current SUNY Cortland students and alumni.
Get Involved in the Second Language Community
College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with extracurricular opportunities:
- Tutor our international students and community members
- Participate in and assist with SUNY Cortland’s Virgina Levine Second Language Educators Conference
- Join the ESL Club