English Language Teacher Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an increasingly globalized world, the demand for English Language teachers is constantly growing.

As language barriers dissolve and communication expands, the need for skilled educators who can shape, nurture, and guide our linguistic journey grows ever more pressing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an English Language teacher?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decode the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of language teaching,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable English Language Teacher job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get straight to it.

English Language Teacher Duties and Responsibilities

English Language Teachers are tasked with helping students develop their English reading, writing and speaking skills.

They use a range of teaching methods and materials to engage students and assist them in improving their command of the English language.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Develop lesson plans in line with curriculum objectives
• Present lessons in a comprehensive manner and utilize audio/visual means to facilitate learning
• Assess and monitor students’ progress and provide feedback
• Provide individualized instruction to each student by promoting interactive learning
• Create and distribute educational content (notes, summaries, assignments etc.)
• Maintain a tidy and orderly classroom
• Collaborate with other teachers, parents and stakeholders and participate in regular meetings
• Plan and execute educational in-class and outdoor activities and events
• Observe and understand students’ behavior and psyche and report suspicions of neglect, abuse etc.
• Develop and enrich professional skills and knowledge by attending seminars, conferences etc.

 

English Language Teacher Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated English Language Teacher to help students improve their English skills.

The English Language Teacher will be responsible for planning, organizing and implementing an appropriate instructional program in a learning environment that guides and encourages students to develop their language proficiency.

Our ideal candidates are passionate about teaching and mentoring, have a deep understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, and possess excellent communication and motivational skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and deliver instructional activities that facilitate active learning experiences
• Develop schemes of work and lesson plans
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
• Prepare classroom for class activities
• Provide a variety of learning materials and resources for use in educational activities
• Identify and select different instructional resources and methods to meet students’ varying needs
• Evaluate and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction
• Assign and grade class work, homework, tests and assignments
• Provide appropriate feedback on work
• Encourage and monitor the progress of individual students

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as an English Language Teacher or similar role
• Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) or English Education
• TEFL/TESOL/CELTA certification is a plus
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation
• Ability to build rapport with students
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Knowledge of online learning platforms and modern educational techniques

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: English Language Teacher
• Work Environment: Classroom setting, with potential opportunities for online teaching.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Head of English Department or Principal.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and teaching philosophy, and samples of lesson plans or curriculum you have developed to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an English Language Teacher Do?

English Language Teachers play a crucial role in schools, language institutions, and sometimes as private tutors.

They specialize in instructing students whose first language is not English.

Their primary task is to teach students the English language skills which include reading, writing, speaking and listening.

They use a variety of tools and techniques to facilitate learning and to make the process engaging and effective.

English Language Teachers often focus on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and language usage.

They develop and implement interactive activities, such as games, songs, and discussions, to reinforce language learning.

Apart from teaching, they also create lesson plans, prepare teaching materials, and evaluate students’ progress.

They may provide additional support to students who are struggling and give feedback to help students improve.

In some cases, they may also teach cultural aspects of English-speaking countries to help students understand and use the language more effectively in different contexts.

English Language Teachers are also responsible for maintaining discipline in the classroom and fostering a positive learning environment that encourages student participation and confidence in learning English.

 

English Language Teacher Qualifications and Skills

An English Language Teacher must have a range of qualifications and skills that align with the responsibilities of the role, including:

• Advanced proficiency in the English language in both written and verbal forms to provide clear and effective instruction to students.
• Strong understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and literature to effectively teach and communicate concepts to students.
• Instructional skills to plan, develop, and implement lesson plans that meet the educational standards and the students’ needs.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Communication skills to clearly explain complex language concepts to students, discuss students’ progress with parents, and collaborate with other educators.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and overcome educational challenges and obstacles that students might face in the learning process.
• Patience and empathy to understand and respond to the needs of students with different abilities and learning styles.
• Cultural sensitivity to respect and accommodate students from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Educational credentials such as a Bachelor’s degree in English or a related field and a teaching certification depending on the regulations of the specific region or country.

 

English Language Teacher Experience Requirements

English Language Teachers generally require a bachelor’s degree in English, Linguistics, Education or a related field.

Many positions also require a teaching certification or a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate.

Entry-level positions may accept candidates who are recent graduates and have minimal teaching experience, but who have completed student teaching assignments as part of their degree program.

Candidates with 1-2 years of experience may have taught English in schools, community programs, or international settings.

These professionals often gain practical experience in lesson planning, classroom management, and curriculum development.

Professionals with 3-5 years of experience are often proficient in advanced teaching methodologies, have demonstrated an ability to motivate students, and may have experience working with diverse populations or teaching English as a second language.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a Master’s degree in TESOL or a similar field and may have leadership experience, such as a department head or program coordinator position.

They are expected to guide newer teachers, develop curriculum, and participate in administrative decisions.

Some positions, especially those at the university level or in prestigious schools, may require a PhD and published research in English language teaching methodologies or related fields.

 

English Language Teacher Education and Training Requirements

To become an English Language Teacher, candidates typically need a bachelor’s degree in English or a related field, such as linguistics or foreign languages.

Most employers also require a teaching qualification, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) for teaching English in non-English speaking countries.

In many countries, a master’s degree in English or in teaching English as a second language (TESL) is preferred, especially for teaching at a higher educational level.

English Language Teachers are also required to be proficient in the English language, have strong communication skills, and a good understanding of language structure and linguistics.

Additionally, some institutions require teachers to have experience in teaching, whether gained through voluntary work, internships or in employment.

Continuing education is also important in this field, as teaching methodologies and understanding of language acquisition continue to evolve.

Therefore, many teachers choose to engage in ongoing professional development activities to update their skills and knowledge.

Some countries also require English Language Teachers to be licensed or certified.

The licensing process typically involves meeting the education and experience requirements, passing a background check, and demonstrating proficiency in the English language.

 

English Language Teacher Salary Expectations

An English Language Teacher can expect to earn an average salary of $54,350 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can fluctuate depending on factors such as level of education, years of teaching experience, location, and the type of institution where they teach.

 

English Language Teacher Job Description FAQs

What skills does an English Language Teacher need?

An English Language Teacher needs excellent communication skills, both for teaching the English language and for understanding student’s needs.

They should have a strong understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and literature.

They should also have instructional skills to develop lesson plans, teach concepts in a way students can understand, assess student performance, and provide feedback.

 

Do English Language Teachers need a degree?

Yes, English Language Teachers usually need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in English, Linguistics, or a related field.

Many schools require a master’s degree in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) or a similar field.

Additionally, teaching positions typically require a teaching certification, depending on the region and type of institution.

 

What should you look for in an English Language Teacher’s resume?

In an English Language Teacher’s resume, look for a strong educational background in English or a related field, as well as a teaching certification.

Experience in teaching English, especially to the age group you are hiring for, is a crucial factor.

Further training in TESOL, TEFL, or similar programs is beneficial.

Also, consider their ability to develop curriculum and lesson plans, assess student performance, and effectively use different teaching methodologies.

 

What qualities make a good English Language Teacher?

A good English Language Teacher is patient, understanding, and adaptable to different learning styles.

They should have a strong passion for teaching and the English language.

They need to be culturally sensitive, especially when teaching English as a second language.

Good teachers are also lifelong learners, constantly updating their knowledge and teaching techniques to provide the best learning experience for their students.

 

Is it difficult to hire English Language Teachers?

The difficulty in hiring English Language Teachers can vary depending on the location and the qualifications required.

In regions where English is not the first language, there might be a high demand for native or fluent English speakers, making it challenging to find qualified candidates.

However, offering competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment can attract quality teachers.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate layers of what it truly means to be an English Language Teacher.

And you know what?

It’s not just about teaching grammar.

It’s about shaping minds and inspiring dreams, one English lesson at a time.

Armed with our reliable English Language Teacher job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every English lesson is a step towards a brighter future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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