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[quote=Anonymous]
I'll probably "out" myself by posting here, but oh well.

I started out in Spanish in New York state (undergrad was Spanish and another major), moved here in 1989 and started in ESOL and Spanish.  I had taken a master's degree in ESOL in New York (but had not used it there).  I was in ESOL in two districts here (including FCPS) for 23 years total.  Two years ago I switched to a core area (I got HS certification in one of the big four).  I am glad I switched.

ESOL is very, very challenging and with the kinds of students they are seeing and the numbers, it is a burn out area.  You are not just teaching English.  Teaching English would be a picnic compared to what you need to do.  Many students have not been schooled or have been schooled at very low levels.  Many students suffer psychological issues due to their separation from parents for many years (and subsequent reunification).  Many students are living in poverty situations (renting rooms and parents working all the time). You have to deal with these issues because they are the huge elephant in the room.  HUGE.

I loved ESOL students and I still do, but my age is making it difficult for me to have the energy level to deal with so much.  I am exactly the kind of teacher they would love to hire for ESOL (speak Spanish fluently, have tons of experience with the population they are seeing, know how to diagnose issues and provide support, know tons of strategies and materials, etc.).  I would not mind taking a job sharing situation in ESOL or doing something to help these students after I retire.  I would also consider helping right now if they made it attractive for me (like more pay!).  I am putting a child through college and I could use more money.  But I would not teach ESOL for the same pay that I make now (and my job now is MUCH easier).  I would feel exhausted.

The other thing is that many people think that anyone can teach ESOL as long as they speak English.  This is so far from the truth.  As long as this attitude is out there, it will be hard to attract good teachers to ESOL (and they are desperately needed).

ESOL teachers have to be really, really flexible and able to adjust curriculum quickly as needed.  It's a very multidisciplinary approach to teaching.  You are providing background content knowledge in addition to teaching English.  When it is done correctly, it requires a lot of planning and thought.  It cannot be done with a set curriculum although some people seem to think this is possible.  It's not possible because the students come in with incredibly varied backgrounds and you are constantly assessing what they need (and adjusting).  And this goes on year after year because you never have the same group of students you had the year before.  Of course you draw from things you have done, but you also are constantly creating based on needs.  It's exciting if you like being creative (which I do) and being a problem solver.  You have students entering your room at all times of the year so the room is incredibly dynamic.

If you are looking to stretch yourself as a "real teacher" (not paint by the numbers) and learn A LOT and put in long hours, teach ESOL.  Teaching ESOL made me a very good teacher in many ways.

I forgot to mention that you need certification.  I took a 42 credit master's program in New York, but I think you can do it more quickly as a certification only through George Mason.  My program required a lot of linguistics so I know a lot about grammar in English and various other languages.  That helped me to think about the problems students were having with learning English.

I am still a teacher, but not in ESOL.  My ESOL experience has made me a more patient and supportive person I think.

Good luck.   [/quote]

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