8 Ways To Boost Your ESL Teaching Resume And Professional Development
6th February 2023
ESL teaching is a highly competitive field. In order to get your foot in the door, you need to have an impressive resume that showcases your skills and experience. However, once you’ve landed a job, what’s next? How can you stand out from the rest and advance your career?
The answer is professional development. By pursuing opportunities for professional development, you can show your dedication to your career and improve your skills as an educator.
In addition, you can start with our recommended 120 Hrs. International TEFL Certification Course definitely gives a required boost to your resume and it will also give you an edge over your competitor as well in this competitive ESL teaching market.
So, without delaying any further, let’s explore 8 ways to boost your ESL teaching resume and professional development. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned veteran, these tips will help you take your career to the next level!
1. Get TESOL/TEFL Certified:
One of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment to the ESL field is to get certified in TESOL/TEFL. With this certification, you will be able to show employers that you have a firm understanding of ESL teaching and have mastered the techniques necessary to effectively teach students who are learning English as a second language. When pursuing a TESOL/120 Hrs. International TEFL Certification Course, it’s important to choose a course that will best meet your goals and needs.
Consider the kinds of classes you want to teach, the age range of your students, and the type of institution you plan to teach in. Once you’ve chosen a course that suits your needs, the next step is to purchase any materials required for study, such as textbooks and other learning resources, and begin studying.
2. Attend a Conference:
Attending conferences for ESL teachers is a great way to keep up with the latest trends in the field and network with other professionals. At a conference, you can learn about cutting-edge research in language education, attend workshops, and connect with other professionals in the ESL field. Conferences are also a great opportunity to meet like-minded individuals and exchange ideas.
In addition to professional development, attending conferences can help boost your resume by showing that you’re dedicated to staying on top of the latest innovations in the ESL field. Many conferences also provide certificates of attendance that you can add to your resume or portfolio.
3. Volunteer to Present at a Conference:
Another great way to boost your ESL teaching resume is to volunteer to present at a conference. By presenting at a conference, you will be able to showcase your knowledge and experience, as well as share valuable insight with other professionals in the ESL field.
It is also a great way to network with other teachers and build relationships that can open doors for future opportunities. When volunteering to present at a conference, it’s important to make sure that you’re comfortable with the topic at hand and that you possess the necessary background knowledge in order to effectively present on the subject. Doing a bit of research and practicing your presentation ahead of time will help you feel confident when the time comes to take the stage.
4. Write a Blog or an Article:
Another great way to boost your ESL teaching resume is to write a blog or an article about a topic related to ESL teaching. This is a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and experience and show potential employers that you’re up-to-date on current educational trends. When writing a blog or an article, it’s important to make sure that your content is relevant, interesting, and of high quality.
Consider topics such as best practices for teaching ESL, strategies for engaging ESL students in the classroom, or ways to differentiate instruction for ESL students. Once you have a topic in mind, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’re providing accurate and up-to-date information.
5. Be Active on Social Media:
Being active on social media can be a great way to boost your ESL teaching resume. Platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are great ways to stay in touch with the latest trends in the ESL field and network with other teachers. When using social media, it’s important to make sure that you’re posting relevant and interesting content.
Showcase your teaching skills by sharing tips, resources, and ideas for working with ESL students. You can also share any events or conferences that you’re attending, as well as any articles or blogs you’ve written. This is a great way to show that you’re engaged in the field and actively pursuing professional development.
6. Join or Start an ESL Teachers’ Association:
Joining or starting an ESL teachers’ association is a great way to show your commitment to the field and meet other educators. An ESL teachers’ association is a great resource for sharing ideas, discussing current trends in the ESL field, and connecting with like-minded individuals. Many associations also provide members with access to training, conferences, and other resources.
When joining or starting an ESL teachers’ association, it’s important to do your research and make sure that you’re joining an organization that aligns with your goals and values. Once you’ve identified a few associations that seem like a good fit, research their mission, vision, and goals and determine which one is the best for you.
7. Get Additional Training in Related Areas:
In addition to TESOL/120 Hrs. International TEFL Certification Course, getting additional training in related areas is a great way to boost your resume. Consider training in digital teaching, translation and interpretation, second language acquisition, and curriculum/materials development. Each of these areas offers further insight into teaching English as a second language and can demonstrate to employers that you’re serious about your career.
When pursuing additional training, it’s important to research the types of training available and choose the ones that best suit your needs. For example, if you’re interested in teaching English online, consider enrolling in an online course on digital teaching or a course on teaching English with technology.
8. Give a Talk at your Local Library or Community Centre: Giving a talk at your local library or community centre is a great way to raise your profile and share your knowledge with a wider audience. Depending on your area of expertise, you can give a talk about a specific topic related to ESL teaching or offer advice on how to best teach English as a second language.
When giving a talk, it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared and confident in your presentation. Research your topic in-depth and practice your talk ahead of time. Consider using visuals and other props or handouts to make your presentation engaging and interactive.
To End With
ESL teachers who want to boost their resumes can pursue professional development in a variety of ways. They can do 120 Hrs. International TEFL Certification Course or take different kinds of courses, attend conferences, and join professional organizations. By increasing their knowledge and expertise, ESL teachers can make themselves more attractive to potential employers.