Becoming an ESL Teacher: Essential Equipment You Will Need

Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to be a native English speaker to teach English! An ESL (English as a second language) teacher instructs students whose first language isn’t English. They help to build students’ skills in writing and reading and teach them to communicate effectively in English. To become an ESL teacher, you’ll need equipment to establish a fun, thriving, and flourishing classroom. 

For maximum productivity and versatility, there are some essential devices an ESL teacher needs. So, we have got you covered with a list of essential equipment that can be highly beneficial. 

A Document Camera or WEBCAM

Every ESL teacher will find this device useful for a multitude of reasons. While it shares many similarities to its predecessor, the transparency projector, it also projects every image visible in the class and, thus, does not require transparency. This camera documents in real-time and can be projected onto a screen. It also does not have to cost an arm and a leg. Reviews at https://www.looxcie.com/best-cheap-webcam/ suggest opting for a webcam with a microphone filter that cancels background noise. The reason why this device is so essential for an ESL teacher is because it provides users with the ability to showcase students’ work. Students will find this a motivational tool as they get to see their progression. This will also help the teacher point out a student’s progress and allow them to notice any student that may need more one-on-one in certain skills. 

A Screen or Promethean Board

You cannot purchase your document camera and have no screen to project it on, which is why we are recommending all ESL teachers opt for the Promethean board. This board is a screen in its most modern form, providing a writing surface and a computer that allows you to write and draw. It is also large enough so your students will be able to see clearly and enjoy the view of exploring this new method of teaching. It also provides visuals, rather than just written information, to help students whose first language isn’t English. It’s interactive, as it allows the entire class to engage in the lesson which will boost participation. 

These boards are growing increasingly popular in all classrooms, but most ESL teachers have found it helpful in their classes, as it helps and supports learning English for non-native speakers with an easy and fun method. 

An Overhead Projector

A mounted overhead projector will be very helpful for an ESL teacher as you will be making use of images when instructing a class. A projector will allow you to access all the artwork that the internet offers. This teaching tool is great for visual presentations in class as it helps the students engrave images in their brains. Apply this tool into your teachings and you will quickly notice how effective it truly is. 

A Laptop

The first thing you will need as an online ESL teacher is a laptop. This is a given and you probably have one already. Just make sure that you have a quality laptop that can store any lesson plans and won’t falter when you need it the most. You will need this laptop to instruct your ESL classes and reach your students across the globe. 

Secure and Reliable Internet Connection

The first thing an ESL teacher needs to teach online is a reliable and secure internet connection, in order to connect with students from all over the world and access lesson materials, as well as the teaching platform. 

You will need relatively good speed in order to establish a good connection across all locations and between each company. 

A Headset

You will want to splurge a little to make sure you get a quality headset that wouldn’t wear out after several uses. You may wonder why you need one, but all ESL online companies require teachers to wear one. It is professional and you will find it extremely helpful for both you and your students. This will help you get into work mode when you put them on and you will notice that the quality of sound on your online classes is much better; this is important because students will need to hear your pronunciation clearly. 

The best thing about being an ESL teacher is that you are able to help your students excel in the language by using a real-life approach. This perspective primarily focuses on helping non-native speakers converse in English and get jobs. The class will be introduced to an environment that inspires them to use English in their daily lives so they can achieve their goals, travel abroad, and work wherever they please.