Many people will tell you that it doesn’t matter what degree or certification you get, but the truth is that it does. The degree or certification will depend on your career goals and how much time and money you want to get a certificate. Here are the different education paths you should take when deciding what type of ESL degree/certification you should get.
1. TEFL Certification
If your goal is to teach English abroad, a TEFL certificate will do you the best. It’s among the least expensive and shortest ESL certifications courses that allow you to teach. The short, four to six-week courses are good for people who know they want to teach but would like some time to prepare before taking a job overseas. If you already have a degree and can get into an intensive course that meets 40 hours per week for three or four months (or even longer), then that will be the best route for you to take.
2. B.A. in TESOL/Linguistics
If you want to teach ESL stateside or back home, getting a Bachelor’s degree will be your best bet. If English is not your mother tongue, you may want to consider studying linguistics or teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) since you will learn about second language acquisition and how it differs from first language acquisition. You may also want to consider looking into an online college certifications program for this type of degree.
3. MA in TESOL
If you’ve already got a Bachelor’s degree and want to learn more about the pedagogy of teaching ESL, you should consider getting a Master’s degree. You’ll focus on second language acquisition and how people learn languages, as well as best practices on how to teach them. You don’t need a first degree in TESOL or linguistics to get an MA in TESOL.
4. MATESOL
If you already have a Master’s degree and want to go into administration or research at an ESL program, you should get a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language (MATESOL). You’ll focus on how schools can best prepare students to learn English as a second language and how you should run those schools. You will also learn about best practices for teaching English as a second language to students at various levels of English proficiency and learning styles.
If you’re unsure what to get, go with a TEFL certification. It will allow you to teach English abroad while allowing you to prepare. If you’re not sure if you want to teach ESL or not, then go with a Bachelor’s degree in TESOL/Linguistics. You’ll learn the most and meet the most people with this degree. When deciding what type of ESL degree/certification you should get, keep in mind your desired role in the field. Location, pay, and whether to teach kids or adults can help cement your resolve when deciding the right career path for yourself. Regardless of which certification you end up pursuing, teaching English as a native or second language is a rewarding career path.
