Embrace Diversity and Empower Lives through Teaching English Learners

 

English Learners (ELs) represent the fastest-growing segment of the PK-12 population in US schools and across the world (Cho et al., 2021). While teaching this population of students requires certain skills and ability to work with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) individuals, it is a rewarding experience and fulfilling career choice as it can offer many benefits to you as a teacher. 

 

First and foremost, teachers of ELs get an important opportunity to make a significant difference on the lives of their CLD students by helping them acquire English language skills that enable them to communicate effectively and succeed in various aspects of life. While making this impact in their students’ lives, educators also learn about different cultures and languages around them that allow these teachers to appreciate diverse perspectives, fostering cultural understanding and tolerance.

 

Teaching ELs opens up different venues for educators’ personal growth and professional development. Working with CLD students hones teachers’ communication skills, making them a more effective communicator. Moreover, it enhances teachers’ patience, empathy, and understanding that are valuable qualities as they contribute to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in both the classroom and the school environment. Active involvement in EL education can also offer teachers opportunities, such as being part of the Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International Association, which holds annual conferences to bring together TESOL teachers and professionals from all over the world, where they can share their expertise and experiences in the field. 

 

Finally, becoming an EL teacher presents job stability and global opportunities. National statistics point to the high demand for EL teachers in US schools (Najarro, 2023). This demand can provide job stability especially when teachers are adequately prepared to work with CLD students. Furthermore, EL teachers often have the opportunity to teach in different countries, experiencing new cultures and broadening their horizons. 

 

UCM’s Master of Science in Education (MSE) in English Language Learners (ELL) degree program can help you realize your dream of becoming an EL teacher. Through the K-12 option of the program, you can obtain knowledge, skills, and credentials (such as Missouri ELL certification and a master’s degree in ELL) to effectively work with ELs in US schools. The TESL option of the program will prepare you to meet the particular needs of adult ELs in the United States or English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students of all ages abroad. Come join us to achieve your dream career as an EL teacher!

 

References:

Cho, S., Mandracchia, M., & Yang, J. (2021). Nurturing mathematical talents of young mathematically gifted English language learners. Handbook of Giftedness and Talent Development in the Asia-Pacific, 833-856.

Najarro, I. (2023, February 21). The English learner population is growing: Is teacher training keeping pace?. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-english-learner-population-is-growing-is-teacher-training-keeping-pace/2023/02 

TESOL International Association (2023). https://www.tesol.org/