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English as a Second Language Teacher - Adults: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Do you have a strong grasp of the English language? Do you have excellent communication skills? Does the thought of teaching people of diverse cultures excite you? Then maybe a career as an English as a second language teacher should be your first choice.
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Occupations in Alberta

English as a Second Language Teacher - Adults

English as a second language (ESL) teachers provide English language and life skills instruction. They teach newcomers, international students, and other adults whose first language is not English.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Educator, English as an Additional Language (EAL) Instructor, English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Instructor, Teacher

NOC Codes

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

  • 4131: College and Other Vocational Instructors

2006 NOC-S

  • E121: College and Other Vocational Instructors

2011 NOC

  • 4021: College and other vocational instructors

2016 NOC

  • 4021: College and other vocational instructors

2021 NOC

  • 41210: College and other vocational instructors

2023 OaSIS

  • 41210.00: College and other vocational instructors
Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2020

The main goal of ESL instruction is to help newcomers and international students speak English well enough to take part effectively in an English-speaking setting. ESL programs help learners develop skills in the following areas:

  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Pronunciation and intonation
  • Spoken fluency
  • Writing and composition
  • Grammar and vocabulary
  • Communication, including context and intercultural exchange
  • Learning strategies
  • Understanding of common English phrases
  • Digital literacy

Beginner-level ESL courses tend to focus on topics that will help newcomers become involved in their communities. They also help overseas students develop basic English proficiency. Themes might include:

  • Renting accommodations
  • Using public transit
  • Banking and shopping
  • Using telephones
  • Getting health or medical care
  • Travelling
  • Making friends
  • Taking part in leisure activities
  • Preparing for citizenship

ESL teachers provide cultural orientation as well as language instruction. This helps ESL learners adjust to Canadian life quickly and successfully. Field trips (to banks, grocery stores, shopping malls, cultural centres, and job sites), guest speakers, and research projects help newcomers learn about Canada. These activities also encourage them to share aspects of their own culture and country.

Intermediate- and advanced-level classes tend to focus on improving fluency and communication skills. They also provide transitional support for those wishing to go on to further training or learning opportunities.

ESL classes may include an employment component. Topics might include interview strategies, work vocabulary, and workplace communication strategies. Some ESL classes help people prepare for specific workplaces or jobs, or prepare for further education. International students often plan to return to their own countries. However, they expect to use English for personal development, to complement studies in their home countries, or for business, commerce, or academic purposes.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

Hours and classroom facilities vary greatly. Classes may be taught:

  • In academic settings (public schools, language centres, post-secondary schools, private institutes)
  • In community facilities (community centres, places of worship)
  • At job sites (factories, hospitals, hotels, offices)

Class sizes vary from one-to-one tutoring situations to academic classes of 20 or more students.

Interests & Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

College and Other Vocational Instructors

2006 NOC: 4131

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
INNOVATIVE

Interest in co-ordinating information to develop curricula and prepare teaching materials, course outlines and examinations

DIRECTIVE

Interest in administering and marking tests and papers to evaluate students' progress and in supervising independent or group projects, field placements, laboratory work or hands-on training; may serve on committees concerned with matters such as budgets, curriculum revision, and course and diploma requirements

SOCIAL

Interest in instructing students, providing individualized tutoring and advising on program curriculum and career decisions

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation. 

It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.

Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.

A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.

A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

A Quick Guide

You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2020

ESL teachers need:

  • Communication skills
  • An interest in language
  • Imagination, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm
  • Commitment and adaptability
  • A sense of humour
  • Strong organizational skills
  • The ability to work in a multicultural environment and show respect for other values and cultures
  • The ability to create an environment in which students feel comfortable and willing to participate
  • The ability to make classes relevant to the needs and interests of diverse groups

They should enjoy co-ordinating information and preparing teaching materials. They should also enjoy supervising and evaluating student progress, and helping students achieve their goals.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

College and other vocational instructors

2016 NOC: 4021

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 147 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Mar 04, 2023 and Dec 20, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Excellent oral communication
Tasks: Prepare teaching materials and outlines for courses
Tasks: Deliver lectures and presentations
Effective interpersonal skills
Organized
Reliability
Flexibility
Tasks: Prepare reports
Tasks: Prepare, administer and mark tests and papers to evaluate students' progress
Client focus
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 87
Tasks: Prepare teaching materials and outlines for courses 87
Tasks: Deliver lectures and presentations 83
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills 80
Construction Specialization: Organized 80
Construction Specialization: Reliability 77
Construction Specialization: Flexibility 75
Tasks: Prepare reports 73
Tasks: Prepare, administer and mark tests and papers to evaluate students' progress 72
Construction Specialization: Client focus 70
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Minimum Education Varies

There are no consistent academic requirements for teachers of adult ESL classes. Employers set their own hiring policies, requirements, and standards. As a result, required qualifications vary greatly. However, many employers prefer to hire applicants who have a bachelor’s degree and professional certification.

School boards generally require a bachelor of education (B.Ed.) degree or teacher’s certificate with a specialization in teaching English as a second language (TESL). Some post-secondary schools require a graduate diploma or master’s degree in TESL or applied linguistics.

It is not necessary to be fluent in another language to teach ESL to adults. However, learning a second language provides insight into the language learning process.

Work-related expertise is required to teach courses designed to prepare people for work in specific workplaces or jobs.

Private and public post-secondary schools may offer short training courses for people planning to teach English as a second language overseas.

For information about professional certification and recognized training for certification, see Certification Requirements.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Bow Valley College
NorQuest College
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Saskatchewan

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2020
  • Certification Not Regulated

No legislation currently regulates this occupation. However, many employers prefer to hire applicants who have professional certification from Teachers of English as a Second Language Canada (TESL Canada) or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Canadian employers who prefer TESL Canada certification often require applicants to have the Professional Standard Two rather than Professional Standard One. There is also a Professional Standard Three certification for those with a graduate TESL degree. The TESL Canada website provides a list of training programs that meet Professional Standards One and Two, and another list for Professional Standard Three.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2020

ESL teachers work for:

  • Agencies and organizations serving newcomers
  • Post-secondary schools
  • Private schools
  • School boards

There are few permanent teaching positions available in this occupation. For most ESL teachers, work tends to be on a short-term, contract basis or part time.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

College and other vocational instructors
2016 NOC: 4021

77.0% of people in this occupational group work in:

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

College and other vocational instructors
2021 NOC: 41210
Medium
Demand
15,600
Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list
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iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

College and other vocational instructors
2016 NOC: 4021
3.1%
Annual Growth
(Above Average)
384
New Positions

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Many ESL teachers are paid by the hour. They may be paid for actual classroom teaching time (contact hours) rather than the substantial amount of time they spend preparing. Some teachers are hired on short-term or sessional contracts. Others have permanent positions with benefits and a negotiated pay grid.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

College and other vocational instructors

2016 NOC: 4021
Average Wage
$43.55
Per Hour
Average Salary
$77,676.00
Per Year
Average Hours
33.6
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 4021 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

B: Good Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $16.00 $40.14 $28.81 $28.70
Overall $23.94 $55.87 $43.55 $46.58
Top $26.19 $100.00 $54.33 $50.00

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
Manufacturing
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $77,676
Manufacturing $92,762
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $98,158
Educational Services $78,634
Health Care & Social Assistance $65,561
Public Administration $89,246

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
26%
26%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
24%
24%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
2%
2%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Languages (other than English)
  • Science
  • Health, Recreation and Human Services
    • Human and Social Services
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Education and Library Studies
  • Humanities and Languages
Other Sources of Information
Updated Mar 31, 2020

Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL) website: www.atesl.ca

Teachers of English as a Second Language Canada (TESL Canada) website: www.tesl.ca

Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) International Association website: www.tesol.org

Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.

Updated Mar 31, 2020. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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