Cecily Zamora
If you have a law degree and want to become an English teacher, you may be able to do so without getting another bachelor's degree. In some places, such as California, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to teach English at the elementary level. However, this degree can be in any subject, not necessarily English. Additionally, alternative certification routes exist for people who have a bachelor's degree in a non-education field, such as law. These alternative routes can lead to teaching licenses and certifications. While a degree is not always necessary to teach English, it is usually required to obtain a work visa. Furthermore, a degree may increase your chances of employment in competitive markets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum academic requirement | A bachelor's degree in English or Education from an accredited institution |
| Alternative certification | A bachelor's degree in a non-education field |
| TEFL certification | Required in some countries |
| PGCE course requirement | Degree needs to be at least 50% in the subject you wish to teach |
| Salary | Depends on where you live, how long you teach, and how much you invest in your education |
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What You'll Learn
Minimum academic requirements
The minimum academic requirement to become an English teacher varies depending on the location and level of teaching. In California, for instance, the minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in English or Education from an accredited institution. This is followed by teacher training and the state's teaching certification exam. Some schools in California may also offer internship programs for candidates with a bachelor's degree.
In the UK, you can get accepted onto a PGCE course with a non-English degree if you have an A-level in English. However, your degree needs to be at least 50% related to the subject you wish to teach.
In some countries, a degree is not required to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL). However, a TEFL certificate is often preferred or required. In Europe and Latin America, for example, many schools prefer to hire teachers in person rather than through online job boards, and online English teachers are in high demand. In Asia, the market for English teachers is big, and most popular countries, including China, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, and Vietnam, require teachers to have a university degree. However, Cambodia and Laos provide opportunities for English teaching without a degree if the teacher has a TEFL certificate. In the Middle East, the requirements are stricter, often requiring a Master's degree, a TEFL Diploma, and several years of experience.
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Alternative certification
In some states, such as California and Texas, alternative certification programs can lead to a post-graduate certificate or a master's degree. After completing the program, prospective teachers must pass state exams to obtain their teaching license. For example, they may need to complete a Praxis exam, which measures classroom skills.
If you are considering teaching at a private school or community college, alternative certification programs can be a good option as they allow you to earn a teaching certificate while employed as a teacher. Additionally, if you are interested in teaching English abroad, a TEFL certificate may be more valuable than a degree, and many countries, such as Cambodia, do not require a degree to teach English.
For those with a law degree, alternative certification can be a viable path to becoming a teacher. If you are teaching subjects related to law, you may qualify for alternative certification. However, if you are transitioning from a law career to teaching, you may need to go back to school to obtain an education degree or pass state certification tests that include testing on teaching skills and subject matter knowledge.
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TEFL requirements
To teach English as a foreign language, a TEFL certificate is essential. This certificate can be obtained through a variety of courses, both online and in-person, with the 120-hour course being the industry standard. Some courses are more advanced, such as TESOL and CELTA, and have stricter entry requirements. While a bachelor's degree is often preferred, it is usually not required for enrolling in a standard TEFL certification course.
TEFL certification requirements vary depending on the provider, so it is important to research carefully. Some countries and schools may require a bachelor's degree, especially to meet visa requirements, while others may not. For example, in Cambodia, there is a high demand for English teachers, and most schools will hire teachers without a degree if they have a TEFL certification. On the other hand, most Middle Eastern countries have strict TEFL job requirements, with many requiring a Master's degree, a TEFL Diploma, and/or several years of experience.
It is worth noting that schools increasingly include TEFL certification in their job advertisements as a baseline requirement. Additionally, a certificate in teaching young learners or teaching business English can help make candidates more employable.
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PGCE course acceptance
To become an English teacher, the minimum requirement is a bachelor's degree in English or Education. However, if you have a law degree, you can still pursue a career in English teaching by undertaking a teaching qualification, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). PGCE courses are available for prospective primary and secondary school teachers and typically combine academic study with classroom experience and school placements.
To be accepted onto a PGCE course, certain requirements must be met. Firstly, applicants must hold an undergraduate degree awarded by a recognised UK higher education provider or an equivalent qualification. Additionally, specific entry criteria may be outlined by the training provider, and it is important to ensure that your qualifications and experience align with these requirements. For those wishing to teach pupils aged three to eleven, a standard equivalent to a grade C/4 or above in a GCSE science subject examination is also necessary.
If your degree does not closely relate to the subject you intend to teach, you may still be able to apply for a PGCE programme by undertaking a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course. This can be completed before commencing your initial teacher training and will help prepare you for the PGCE. It is worth noting that PGCE providers may require you to take an SKE course as a condition of your offer.
PGCE courses are available through university-led or school-led programmes, with the majority of programmes leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). University-led programmes offer a balance between studying and placements, allowing for reflection and interaction with other trainee teachers. In contrast, school-led programmes provide more opportunities for classroom experience and immersion in school life.
The PGCE is a recognised qualification that can enhance your employability as a teacher. It is a popular graduate route into teaching, particularly in England, and can open doors to teaching internationally. The course usually takes one year to complete full-time and is often challenging due to the need to balance academic studies with teaching responsibilities. However, part-time and distance learning options are also available to provide flexibility.
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Salary expectations
The salary you can expect as an English teacher varies depending on several factors, including your level of education, years of experience, and location.
In the United States, the median salary for English teachers at the middle school level is $59,660 annually, while high school teachers earn a median salary of $61,660. At the entry level, English teachers make around $39,990, and those in the top 10th percentile can earn up to $99,660 per year. Public school teachers tend to earn more, making up to $10,000 more per year than their counterparts in private schools. Additionally, teachers with a master's degree in English or education can expect to earn up to $5,000 more annually.
The majority of school districts in the U.S. determine teacher salaries based on strict schedules that consider experience and education. Therefore, your pay will likely increase with more years of experience and higher educational qualifications.
If you're considering teaching English abroad, salaries can vary significantly depending on the country. For example, in South Korea, English teachers can expect to earn between $1,700 and $2,650 per month, while in Qatar, salaries range from $2,400 to $4,500 per month. These salaries often come with additional benefits, such as housing and flight reimbursements.
It's important to note that the requirements to teach English abroad can vary by country. While some countries may require only a bachelor's degree, others may prefer a master's degree or a teaching certificate, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate.
Overall, your salary expectations as an English teacher will depend on your specific qualifications, experience, and the geographic location where you choose to teach.
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Frequently asked questions
To become an English teacher, you need at least a bachelor's degree in English or Education. However, alternative certifications are available for those with non-education degrees. These alternative routes allow individuals to obtain a license to teach in public schools. Additionally, a PGCE (teaching course) may be an option for those with an A-level in English.
The requirements vary depending on the institution and location. Some institutions may require additional testing or coursework, such as a course in U.S. history. It is important to contact the specific institution or school district to understand their requirements.
A degree in English provides the necessary academic, instructional, and communication skills for teaching. It also offers a deep understanding of grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation, and vocabulary, which are essential for teaching English.
Salaries for English teachers vary depending on location and level of education. For example, in California, an entry-level English teacher's salary can range from $35,370 to $51,204 per year, depending on the area.
Yes, after completing your bachelor's degree and teaching internship, you will need to pass your state's teaching certification exam. This exam tests your knowledge and professional skills relevant to teaching. Additionally, if you plan to teach English as a foreign language (TEFL), a TEFL certification is often required or highly preferred, especially in certain countries.
