To become an ESL teacher you usually have to study primary or secondary education at university with a major in ESL. Alternatively, you can undertake a postgraduate qualification (e.g. a Graduate Diploma of Education) specialising in teaching ESL after completing a degree in teaching, education or another relevant area (e.g. a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English).

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in primary or secondary education with a major in ESL. They may be available by distance education. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires a relevant bachelor degree. A number of universities in Australia offer postgraduate courses in education specialising in ESL. They may be available by distance education. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

ESL teachers in vocational (VET) institutions require experience in designing and delivering Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programs to adults. A VET qualification in training and assessment may also be required to teach at a VET institution. See the separate profile for Technical and Further Education Lecturer for full details.

Additional Information:

In order to be employed as a school teacher in NSW, you must meet the NSW Institute of Teachers accreditation requirements and pay the institute an annual fee. Teaching in government schools in NSW and the ACT requires registration with the Department of Education and Training in that state/territory. Contact the relevant department for further information.

Practical placements are usually required in education courses. Before undertaking practical placements in NSW schools, you must sign a Prohibited Employment Declaration and obtain a Working with Children Check, issued by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People. In the ACT, the Children and Young People Commissioner is in the process of introducing safety checks for people who work with children. A police clearance is required before commencing the practical component of teaching courses.

Teachers are required by mandatory reporting laws to report suspected cases of child abuse or neglect.