Frequently Asked Questions about TESOL

TESOL teaching is a long established specialist field in all education sectors. TESOL units are available in undergraduate education programs. Postgraduate units and qualifications are available in TESOL and Applied Linguistics programs.

What do the acronyms mean?

TESOL

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages – includes Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander languages and dialects

ESL

English as a Second Language

EAL/D

English as an Additional Language or Dialect – term used in schools as part of National Schools Curriculum (formerly ESL)

ELT

English Language Teaching - English for overseas students learning in Australia

ELICOS

English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students.

What are the employment opportunities for teaching TESOL or EAL/D?

There are always employment opportunities in our field, especially as we're an aging workforce!
You can consider the following areas:

  • EAL/D (TESOL) specialist in Education Queensland, Catholic Education or Independent Schools
  • TAFE Queensland (English language for adult migrants)
  • Other providers such as non-government registered training organisations (RTOs) or community groups
  • Teaching overseas students in Queensland at schools or adults in ELT centres eg colleges and universities
  • Travelling and teaching English overseas

See:

https://tesol.org.au/resources/#resources-3

What qualifications do I need to be an EAL/D (TESOL) specialist in Queensland schools?

To work as an EAL/D (TESOL) specialist in Queensland primary and secondary schools you need a recognised teaching qualification, as well as registration with the Queensland College of Teachers. In addition, a Graduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in TESOL or Applied Linguistics would be an advantage or are required.

What qualifications do I need to teach English to adult migrants and refugees in Australia?

To work with adult refugees & migrants who have been granted permanent residency, you'll need the following qualifications:

  • an undergraduate degree
    plus
  • a Graduate Certificate, Diploma or Masters in TESOL or Applied Linguistics
    plus
  • a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

See: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/settling-in-australia/amep/about-the-program

What qualifications do I need to teach English to adult overseas students in Australia?

To work in the English Language Teaching (ELT or ELICOS) sector in Australia, you will need the following qualifications:

  • a recognised degree or equivalent and a recognised TESOL qualification
    OR
  • a recognised degree in education with TESOL method

See: www.neas.org.au/teaching/teachers/

I’d like to teach English overseas. What qualifications do I need?

The Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (CELTA) is recognised internationally as a basic TESOL teaching qualification. The CELTA is also sufficient for teaching in an ELT (ELICOS) centre in Australia.

See: www.cambridgeenglish.org/teaching-english/teaching-qualifications/celta/

Certificate IV in TESOL may be sufficient for teaching in an ELT (ELICOS) centre in Australia or for working overseas.

See: www.neas.org.au/teaching/teachers/

Qualifications - recommended links