Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for an ESL Teacher

An ESL Teacher is a professional who specializes in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to individuals whose first language is not English. These educators play a crucial role in helping non-native English speakers develop their language proficiency and communication skills. In this blog post, we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for ESL Teachers.

Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.

Main Responsibilities of an ESL Teacher

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of an ESL Teacher:

Adapt

Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs of learners.

Address

Address cultural differences and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Address language barriers and challenges with patience and empathy.

Advise

Advise the classroom teacher in writing of discipline problems.

Align

Align language lesson plans with the school's approved curriculum and educational standards.

Assess

Assess students' language abilities through tests and assignments.
Assess students upon entrance and develop study plans for them.

Assign

Assign and correct any homework given.
Assign homework and evaluate students' performance regularly.
Assign homework and fill in the gradebook to evaluate students' performance regularly.

Build

Build an open, engaging community.
Build positive, meaningful relationships with colleagues, students, parents and families.

Collaborate with

Collaborate with colleagues to share best practices and resources.
Collaborate with parents and guardians to support students' language development.

Conduct

Conduct regular evaluation and provide weekly updates to parents.

Correct

Correct student papers when appropriate and when time permits.

Create

Create and teach customized lesson plans based on individual student needs.
Create lesson plans tailored to the language proficiency level of students.
Create opportunities for authentic language use in real-life contexts.

Deliver

Deliver exceptional learning experiences and outcomes for all students.

Develop

Develop additional quizzes / tests / assignments / exercises as needed.
Develop and implement strategies for language fluency and comprehension.
Develop and track student progress toward goals.
Develop IELTS prep Materials as needed.
Develop modified curriculum that is aligned to grade-level standards.
Develop students' vocabulary and language structure knowledge.

Encourage

Encourage active participation and engagement in language learning activities.
Encourage independent language practice outside of the classroom.

Engage

Engage in learning about racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in education.

Ensure

Ensure teacher-student and teacher-parent professional communications.

Establish

Establish and maintain standards of pupil behavior.
Establish clear learning objectives and expectations for students.
Establish efficient classroom management procedures.

Evaluate

Evaluate the progress of students and discuss results with students.

Facilitate

Facilitate and encourage student learning and report any issues / concerns to the Program Manager.

Follow

Follow lesson plans as completely and thoroughly as possible.
Follow the regular teacher's plans and take any school duties that are the regular.
Follow the regulation of Chinese government.

Foster

Foster a positive and inclusive learning community among students.
Foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment for language acquisition.

Help

Help the target student group to achieve dailyization of English.

Hold

Hold as confidential any information concerning staff, parents, or students.

Incorporate

Incorporate language-learning games and activities into lessons.
Incorporate multimedia resources and technology into lessons.

Instruct

Instruct English according to best practices and research-based methods.

Integrate

Integrate cultural content and sensitivity into language instruction.

Keep

Keep abreast of developments in ESL teaching methodologies and approaches.
Keep accurate records of student information.
Keep detailed records of tutoring sessions using Can-achieve Progress Card.

Leave

Leave a note for the teacher stating any absent students.
Leave blackboards, desks, and other equipment in order.
Leave classroom, desks and materials in order.

Log

Log all lessons, assignments and student progress.

Maintain

Maintain accurate records of student attendance and performance.
Maintain records of student evaluations and assessments.

Monitor

Monitor and encourage student activity, motivation and progress.
Monitor attendance and compile student data for periodic grant accountability reports.
Monitor student progress and provide feedback on language development.

Offer

Offer additional support to students with learning challenges or disabilities.

Organize

Organize and facilitate language practice sessions and conversation groups.

Participate

Participate in professional development opportunities and training sessions.

Perform

Perform administrative and team-based activities as needed.

Plan

Plan and lead daily data-driven small-group and individual tutoring sessions.

Prepare

Prepare, administer, and correct tests.
Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles.

Provide

Provide guidance on language pronunciation and intonation.
Provide individualized instruction and support to students as needed.
Provide language instruction that supports multiple learning styles and ability levels.
Provide one-to-one, small group or big-class teaching in English for clients of different ages.
Provide resources and recommendations for language learning outside of class.

Set

Set classes semester by semester allow you to see your students' progress.

Set-up

Set-up a call with a recruiter by emailing recruitment@vpcs.org.

Share student updates and progress reports with Fluent City staff.

Support

Support in discipline of students.
Support initial language screenings for new students as well as implementation of ACCESS testing.
Support students in overcoming language anxiety and building confidence.

Take

Take any problems that you might have to the Building Principal.
Take attendance carefully.

Teach

Teach an ESL class for students with beginner level skills.
Teach English language skills, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
Teach students through lectures, discussions and be able to assign students self-study work.

Understand

Understand evaluation and reporting requirements for grant funding.
Understand multi-level instruction for ELL.

Use

Use methods and materials appropriate for teaching English language learners.

Utilize

Utilize a variety of teaching techniques, such as role-playing and storytelling.

Work

Work closely with Center Program Director to meet students' academic goals.
Work from anywhere with a computer and stable internet connection.
Work from anywhere with a computer, webcam and stable internet connection.
Work in conjunction with families to support goals for student language development.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of an ESL Teacher:

Proficiency in English language grammar and syntax.
Knowledge of ESL teaching methodologies and approaches.
Familiarity with language assessment tools and techniques.
Ability to create effective lesson plans and instructional materials.
Understanding of language acquisition theories and stages.
Skill in using technology for language teaching and learning.
Knowledge of English language proficiency standards and benchmarks.
Ability to differentiate instruction for diverse learners.
Experience with English language proficiency exams (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).
Familiarity with language learning software and online resources.
Understanding of phonetics and language pronunciation.
Knowledge of linguistics and language structure.
Ability to conduct needs assessments and language diagnostics.
Proficiency in teaching English for specific purposes (e.g., business English).
Experience with classroom management techniques for language learners.
Knowledge of second language acquisition strategies.
Skill in providing corrective feedback on language errors.
Understanding of language teaching pedagogies and approaches.
Ability to integrate language skills in a communicative context.
Familiarity with multicultural and multilingual classroom dynamics.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of an ESL Teacher:

Excellent communication skills for effective language instruction.
Empathy and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse learners.
Patience and understanding in addressing language challenges.
Adaptability to different learning styles and preferences.
Creativity in designing engaging and interactive language activities.
Flexibility in responding to student needs and preferences.
Enthusiasm and passion for teaching and language learning.
Active listening skills to understand students' language needs and goals.
Positive attitude and encouragement to foster student confidence.
Collaboration and teamwork with colleagues and support staff.

Conclusion

ESL Teachers play a crucial role in helping non-native English speakers develop the language skills they need for academic, professional, and personal success. By possessing a combination of technical expertise and soft skills, ESL Teachers create inclusive and supportive learning environments where students can thrive and achieve their language learning goals.