Teacher - English as a Second Language (VIC)

Education and Training:

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 VCE. 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:

Teachers in all Victorian schools (government and independent) need to be registered by the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). For more information, visit the VIT website at www.vit.vic.edu.au.

Practical placements are usually required in education courses. Before undertaking practical placements in Victorian schools, you must obtain a Working with Children Check issued by the Department of Justice.

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

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

ESL teachers work for adult community education organisations, TAFE institutes, universities, private language schools and government-funded agencies. They also work in primary and secondary schools. The demand for ESL teachers is dependent upon current migrant intake levels and is linked to government policy on migrants entering Australia.