What Does an English Teacher Do?

English teachers are responsible for teaching their students about the English language. They may cover topics such as grammar, spelling, pronunciation, and writing style.

English teachers often use a variety of different methods to teach these concepts. For example, they might assign reading or writing assignments that require students to apply what they’ve learned in class. They might also hold classroom discussions on various topics related to English language usage.

English Teacher Job Duties

English teachers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Planning and preparing lessons, including creating lesson plans, gathering materials, and developing activities to engage students in learning
• Monitoring student progress, providing feedback, and maintaining records of attendance, grades, discipline issues, and other information
• Evaluating students on their knowledge of various topics, such as grammar, usage, spelling, punctuation, essay structure, or vocabulary
• Conducting classroom activities such as lecturing, demonstrating, or administering tests and quizzes
• Maintaining discipline in the classroom by enforcing rules or disciplinary actions as necessary
• Interacting with parents or guardians to discuss their child’s progress or address any concerns they may have
• Preparing materials such as tests, handouts, and homework assignments
• Responding to questions or concerns from parents or students about course material or homework questions
• Preparing for class by selecting course materials, designing lesson plans, making copies of handouts for students

English Teacher Salary & Outlook

English teachers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the type of school they work in.

• Median Annual Salary: $41,500 ($19.95/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,500 ($33.89/hour)

The employment of English teachers is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade.

Demand for English teachers depends largely on student interest in studying a language other than their native language. As more students study languages in high school, demand for English teachers will increase. However, this growth may be tempered by declining enrollments in foreign language classes at the middle-school level.

Related: English Teacher Interview Questions and Answers

English Teacher Job Requirements

English teachers typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: English teachers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in English, English education or a related field. Some schools prefer candidates to have a master’s degree in English or education.

Many aspiring English teachers choose to major in English, creative writing or literature. Courses in these programs include the teaching of writing, literature, grammar, composition and creative writing.

Training & Experience: English teachers typically receive training through their education and experience. They may also receive on-the-job training from their current employer. This training may include learning the school’s curriculum, lesson plans and teaching methods.

Certifications & Licenses: English teachers are required to be certified and licensed in the state in which they teach. The requirements can vary from state to state, so you will need to research the requirements in your area.

English Teacher Skills

English teachers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to others. As an English teacher, you use communication skills to convey information about the English language to your students. You also use communication skills to convey feedback to your students about their progress in your class.

Organization: Organization is another skill that can help English teachers be more successful in the workplace. Since many English teachers have multiple responsibilities, such as grading papers, creating lesson plans and preparing for presentations, it’s important for them to be able to manage their time and tasks effectively.

Collaboration: Collaboration is the ability to work with others to achieve a common goal. As an English teacher, you may work with other teachers to create a curriculum or plan lessons. You may also work with students to help them improve their English skills.

Patience: As an English teacher, you may work with students who are learning English for the first time. This means that you may need to repeat instructions or answer questions multiple times. It’s important to be patient with your students and allow them to work through challenges on their own.

Creativity: Creativity is the ability to think of new ideas and solutions to problems. As an English teacher, you may need to come up with new ways to engage your students and keep them interested in the subject matter. For example, you may need to come up with creative activities to help students practice their English skills.

English Teacher Work Environment

English teachers work in a variety of settings, including public and private schools, colleges and universities, and adult education programs. They typically work full time, although some English teachers may teach part time or have other jobs in addition to teaching. English teachers typically work during the day, although some may teach evening or night classes. They may also teach on a rotating schedule that includes days, evenings, and weekends. English teachers may have to work overtime to prepare for classes or to grade papers and exams.

English Teacher Trends

Here are three trends influencing how English teachers work. English teachers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

More Focus on Writing

As the world becomes more digital, writing is becoming an increasingly important skill. This is especially true for students who are preparing to enter the workforce, as employers are looking for candidates who can write effectively and communicate clearly.

English teachers can capitalize on this trend by focusing on writing in their classrooms. This can include teaching students how to write effective resumes and cover letters, as well as helping them to develop their communication skills.

More Use of Technology in the Classroom

Technology is being used more and more in the classroom, which is having a major impact on the way that students learn.

English teachers can take advantage of this trend by using technology in their lessons. This can include using online resources to help students learn new vocabulary words or providing access to books and articles through e-books and databases. Additionally, English teachers can use technology to create more engaging lessons, such as by using video conferencing to have students interact with each other from different locations.

The Importance of Cultural Competency

Cultural competency is becoming increasingly important in education as schools strive to provide a more diverse learning environment for their students.

English teachers can utilize this trend by developing a deeper understanding of the cultures that they teach. This will allow them to better connect with their students and understand the challenges that they may be facing. In addition, it will also make them more attractive to potential employers who are looking for teachers who can work with students from all backgrounds.

How to Become an English Teacher

A career in English teaching can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important to consider your personal goals and interests when planning your career path, as well as the needs of the students you will be teaching.

If you want to teach English abroad, it’s important to have a strong command of the language and culture. You should also be familiar with the educational system in the country where you plan to teach. Additionally, many schools require that their English teachers have a degree in English or a related field.

Advancement Prospects

The most common way to advance in this career is to move from teaching at the high school level to teaching at the college or university level. This usually requires completing a master’s degree in English or a related field. Some high school English teachers may also move into administrative positions, such as department head or curriculum coordinator. With further education and experience, some English teachers may become English education specialists or consultants.

English Teacher Job Description Example

We are looking for an English teacher to join our team and help us provide quality education to our students. The ideal candidate should be a native English speaker with a bachelor’s degree in English, literature, or a related field. He or she should also have a teaching license or certification. The English teacher will be responsible for planning and teaching lessons, preparing and grading tests and assignments, and providing feedback to students. He or she will also be responsible for maintaining a positive and supportive learning environment in the classroom.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver engaging lessons in line with the curriculum and students’ needs
• Assess student progress and provide feedback to help them improve their English language skills
• Use a variety of teaching methods to cater to the different learning styles of students
• Encourage students to participate in class activities and discussions
• Help students develop their critical thinking and writing skills
• Prepare students for exams and assessments
• Keep up to date with developments in the field of English language teaching
• Attend training courses and professional development workshops
• collaborate with other teachers and staff members to plan and deliver lessons
• Maintain records of students’ attendance, progress, and grades
• Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children’s progress
• Perform administrative tasks such as ordering supplies and maintaining student files

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, education, or related field
• Minimum 2 years teaching experience (classroom and/or online)
• Native-level English fluency
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational and time-management skills
• Patience and creativity

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in English, education, or related field
• 4+ years teaching experience (classroom and/or online)
• Experience developing curriculum
• Experience with distance learning or online education
• Certification in teaching English as a second language (TESOL, CELTA, etc.)