English as a Second Language (ESL) Teachers

Opportunities for ESL teachers are expected to decline by 13 percent through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Enrollment in ESL programs has decreased in recent years, and government funding for ESL programs has also declined in some geographic areas. Employment will continue to decrease if the number of immigrants and refugees that come to the United States continues to slow as a result of political and economic developments. Opportunities for ESL teachers will grow if economic or political developments in the future are more favorable to immigration.

Despite this prediction, there will continue to be demand for ESL teachers of adults through the next decade because of the large number of immigrants and other non-English speakers who already live in this country (as well as those who are able to immigrate here in the future), particularly in North Carolina, Florida, New York, Texas, and California. Opportunities will also be good in parts of the Midwest and Plains states, as these areas have recently begun to attract large numbers of immigrants. Jobs will be available in school systems, community and social service agencies, and at community colleges.