ESL jobs in Chicago are plentiful and show every sign of continuing to grow in numbers. There are opportunities for both US citizens interested in literacy programs and for non-US citizens who want the experience of working abroad.
Why Teach ESL in Chicago?
For most ESL teachers, part of the appeal of teaching English as a second language is the chance to travel to exotic locales and see the world while working. Although working in Chicago obviously fulfills this travel desire for non-US based ESL teachers, accepting an ESL job in Chicago may not be an obvious choice for ESL teachers who are American citizens. US citizens who choose to stay in cities like Chicago generally do so in the name of promoting literacy.
Using ESL programs to promote literacy, especially among first generation immigrants, is a crucial facet of ESL programs in the US. In cities like Chicago that have large immigrant populations, these programs are considered to have important social implications. These kinds of ESL jobs in Chicago usually come through well-funded social organizations, such as Literacy Chicago, rather than traditional routes like colleges and businesses.
The important thing to know when looking for an ESL job through social organizations, however, is that they often offer a mix of volunteer and paid positions. If you are new to teaching ESL, volunteer work through one of these social programs can be a boon for your resume. If you have experience under your belt and only want a paid position, you may need to dig a little bit deeper to find a paying ESL job through one of these groups.
ESL Jobs in Chicago – What You Need to Know
If you are getting your feet wet with a volunteer position, you will find there are very little guidelines in the way of requirements. Most literacy organizations offer full training to their volunteers, so your own educational background may matter very little. If you are looking for a paid position on the other hand, the requirements for teaching ESL in Chicago can be stringent – certainly more stringent than requirements outside of US territory.
The specific job requirements will vary from position to position, but expect to need at least a Bachelor’s degree and often either a teaching certificate or a dedicated ESL teaching certificate. Some positions also require advanced degrees. As a general rule of thumb, the stronger your educational background, the more pay you can demand.
In addition to these general rules, all non-US citizens should be aware that they will need to seek the appropriate visa and work permits to work in the US. For people from non-English speaking countries, there may also be a language exam involved in attaining the proper paperwork.
One final thing to keep in mind about teaching ESL in Chicago: the salary for teaching ESL is often relatively low (depending on the kind of work you are doing). This kind of salary may be acceptable for work in some developing areas, but living expenses in a large city like Chicago can be high. If you have concerns about the cost of living in Chicago, search for a job that offers a living stipend or housing in addition to a base salary.
Finding ESL Jobs in Chicago
If you think teaching ESL in Chicago might be right for you, the following sites are a great place to start your search:
- Literacy Chicago ESL Program has job listings, plus valuable information about living and working in the Chicago area.
- ESL Employment lists ESL jobs around the world, including Chicago based jobs.
- Transitions Abroad is especially helpful for non-US citizens interested in working in the US
- Chicago’s Craigslist page is a great place for finding private tutoring ESL jobs.
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