What ESL Employers Actually Look For
It's not about your degree. It's about what you can do in a classroom.
Most new teachers assume ESL employers care most about qualifications. They don't. Your TEFL certificate gets your foot in the door, but it's not what gets you hired. What actually matters: 1. Classroom management ability 2. Energy and adaptability 3. Cultural sensitivity 4. Willingness to follow the school's system 5. Reliability (seriously, this is huge) Schools have been burned by teachers who quit mid-contract, show up late, or refuse to teach kids after saying they would. Being dependable puts you ahead of half the applicant pool.
Can you handle a class of 30 six-year-olds?
This matters more than your GPA.
Are you flexible with your schedule?
Schools need to know you won't say no to a Saturday class.
Tip
The bar for getting hired at many ESL jobs is lower than you think. But the bar for getting hired at GOOD ESL jobs is higher than most people prepare for.