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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 appeal to you? Then a career as an English as a second language teacher may be an option for you.
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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, 2025

The main goal of ESL instruction is to help newcomers and international students become confident users of English, so they are able to communicate and take part effectively in English-speaking settings. ESL programs help learners develop skills in the following areas:

  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Pronunciation, stress, and intonation
  • Spoken fluency
  • Writing and composition
  • Grammar and vocabulary
  • Communication, including understanding the influence of 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, 2025
  • 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.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
S
Social
This occupation
You
E
Enterprising
I
Investigative
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

College and other vocational instructors
2023 OaSIS: 41210.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Social

    Social jobs are about helping and working with people. People in these jobs enjoy teaching, caring for others, or giving advice. They often work in schools, hospitals, or community centres. These jobs involve talking, listening, and supporting others. Examples include teachers, nurses, and counsellors.

  • 2
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

  • 3
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 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
2023 OaSIS: 41210.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

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

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2025

ESL teachers need:

  • Communication and interpersonal skills, adapted to each learner’s situation
  • Organizational skills
  • An interest in language
  • Imagination, energy, creativity, and enthusiasm
  • Patience and empathy, to provide support and encouragement to students who may struggle with language acquisition
  • Commitment and adaptability, to adjust teaching methods to meet diverse learner needs and changing classroom dynamics
  • A sense of humour
  • Time-management and organizational skills
  • The ability to work independently
  • 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 assess student progress, provide constructive feedback, and adapt teaching strategies based on assessment outcomes
  • The ability to make classes relevant to the needs and interests of diverse groups

They should enjoy coordinating information and preparing teaching materials. They should also enjoy supervising and evaluating student progress, and helping students achieve their goals. They should have a commitment to continuous professional development and ongoing learning, to stay updated with teaching methods and educational trends.

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 103 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 14, 2024 and Nov 04, 2025.

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.
Tasks: Prepare teaching materials and outlines for courses
Excellent oral communication
Organized
Effective interpersonal skills
Tasks: Prepare reports
Tasks: Deliver lectures and presentations
Tasks: Prepare, administer and mark tests and papers to evaluate students' progress
Tasks: Conduct course and program evaluation or review
Tasks: Teach students through lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations and laboratory, shop and field studies
Client focus
Tasks: Prepare teaching materials and outlines for courses 62
Construction Specialization: Excellent oral communication 62
Construction Specialization: Organized 58
Construction Specialization: Effective interpersonal skills 57
Tasks: Prepare reports 54
Tasks: Deliver lectures and presentations 50
Tasks: Prepare, administer and mark tests and papers to evaluate students' progress 48
Tasks: Conduct course and program evaluation or review 48
Tasks: Teach students through lectures, discussions, audio-visual presentations and laboratory, shop and field studies 47
Construction Specialization: Client focus 46
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2025
  • Minimum Education Varies

Educational requirements for teachers of adult ESL classes can vary widely, as employers set their own hiring policies and standards. While there is no consistent standard, many employers prefer candidates with 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
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, 2025
  • 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), Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), or Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA).

Canadian employers who prefer TESL Canada certification often require applicants to have TESL Canada 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, 2025

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 Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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
Warm
Job Market
12,400
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 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
©
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, 2025

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 2021 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

2021 NOC: 41210
Average Wage
$44.20
Per Hour
Average Salary
$74,791.00
Per Year
Average Hours
31.2
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
11.9
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 41210 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 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 $18.00 $44.47 $32.59 $34.24
Overall $21.00 $57.40 $44.20 $43.34
Top $25.00 $62.19 $50.23 $55.00

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
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Educational Services
Health Care & Social Assistance
Public Administration
ALL INDUSTRIES $74,791
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services $27,087
Educational Services $77,112
Health Care & Social Assistance $60,020
Public Administration $98,518

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
42%
42%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
34%
34%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
7%
7%
Vacancy Rate
5%
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, 2025

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

Cambridge English, Certificate in English Language Training to Adults (CELTA) website: www.cambridgeenglish.org

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, 2025. 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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