Teachers of English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) are required to help people that speak other language to learn English language. They are responsible for teaching reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to their students. They use various classroom activities and teaching methods to help learners with English language exams at different levels.

ESOL teachers usually perform many of the following tasks:
• Ensuring suitable learning resources to their students.
• Monitoring progresses.
• Preparing lessons.
• Working with individual students.
• Analysing language abilities.

• Having interpersonal abilities.
• Being organised.
• Having problem solving skills.
• Having good written and spoken communication abilities.
• Being creative.
• Being able to deal with students from different backgrounds.
• Having classroom management skills.
• Being patient and tolerant.
• Being able to motivate others.
• Having strong interest in multicultural issues.

ESOL jobs in private schools do not require specific academic qualifications, but it is recommended to have a training scheme related to initial assessment of personal English language knowledge and skills. Courses offered in the public sector require English language Level 3 as a minimum. People who want to work in Higher Education will need a postgraduate degree and relevant working, teaching, and researching experience.

Candidates who want to teach English as a Foreign Language in the private sector need to have the Trinity College London Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or The Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults. The Diploma in Teaching English (ESOL) in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS ESOL) is a suitable option for some applicants because it combines two types of qualifications.