TESOL vs. ESL certification: What educators should know

English remains the most commonly spoken language in the world.¹ As communities become increasingly multicultural and more people around the globe need or want to learn English, highly qualified ESL and TESOL educators are becoming increasingly important in educational environments. Demand for English-language instruction is expected to drive a 10% growth rate for teaching roles focused on English-language learners through 2031.²

ESL and TESOL are often used interchangeably, and while they do overlap, they are distinct. Future educators need to know how they differ to choose the right program to invest in for their teaching goals.

This blog walks through the differences between ESL and TESOL, choosing between the two certifications, and the benefits of a TESOL graduate certificate from KU.

Defining the credentials: Are TESOL and ESL the same?

The term ESL (English as a Second Language) typically describes teaching English to non-native English speakers in English-speaking countries. TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is similar but has a broader meaning. It can include teaching English to non-native speakers in both English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries.³

In non-English-speaking countries, English instruction may be called EFL, or English as a Foreign Language. TESOL is frequently used to describe teaching English in English-speaking countries as well, so the terms can overlap depending on the teaching environment.

Understanding the distinction between ESL and TESOL can help educators identify the teaching environments and student populations they want to work with–and choose a credential that aligns with their career goals.

The difference between ESL and TESOL in practice

The many terms for teaching English to non-native speakers can quickly become complex and confusing. Here is a quick guide on how to understand different classroom settings and student populations for ESL and TESOL educators:

ESL: ESL classes are for people who want to learn English in English-speaking countries. One of the most common settings is K-to-12 school systems, but ESL teachers also serve literacy centers for adults and community organizations that offer English courses⁴

TESOL: TESOL certification prepares educators to teach in the U.S. and in other countries, both English-speaking and non-English-speaking. Students could be international students in the U.S., students residing in other countries, or immigrants⁵

TESOL offers greater flexibility, as certificate holders can teach English either in their home country or abroad.

Choosing between an ESL endorsement and TESOL certification

First, remember that ESL endorsements are generally tied to a state teaching license, while TESOL certificates vary widely by program and are often broader professional credentials.

Most countries require a degree and some form of teacher training or certification to teach English in formal educational settings, but requirements vary significantly by country, employer, and teaching environment.

To teach ESL in public schools, educators generally need a bachelor's degree, a general teaching license, and an ESL endorsement.⁶ An ESL endorsement may be a good fit for educators who want to teach English learners in U.S. public schools or specialize in English-language development in a school setting.

Depending on the program, a TESOL credential may be designed for licensed teachers seeking additional specialization. These aspiring educators may not yet hold a teaching license, or they may be experienced professionals who want to teach English to speakers of other languages in settings outside the traditional school system. Programs may range from short-term certificates to graduate-level programs, with varying requirements.⁷

A TESOL credential may suit educators who want to teach English in a variety of settings, such as colleges and universities, adult education programs, private language schools, or international classrooms. Educators should consider both their intended teaching environment and the specific requirements of the state, school, or employer where they hope to work when choosing a program.

The benefits of a TESOL graduate certificate

A TESOL graduate certificate can help educators build advanced skills for teaching English-language learners and deepen their understanding of language acquisition, instructional strategies, and culturally responsive teaching. More than a short-term certification program, a graduate certificate provides in-depth academic preparation focused specifically on TESOL.

For educators already working in education, this specialized training can expand the populations and settings they can serve. A TESOL graduate certificate may also support career advancement by helping educators qualify for specialized teaching, curriculum development, or language-program roles.

Depending on the position, the employer, and the educator's existing qualifications, specialized TESOL expertise can increase career opportunities and earning potential over time. For example, the average salary for an ESL teacher is about $58,000 annually,⁸ while graduates of a TESOL master's program earn around $110,000 on average.⁹

For educators who want to develop expertise in teaching English to speakers of other languages, a graduate certificate offers an opportunity to build specialized knowledge and advance their professional credentials.

Advance your teaching career with KU SOE

Choosing the right credential helps educators develop the skills and expertise they need to effectively support diverse learners. For those looking to deepen their understanding of language instruction and expand their career opportunities, a graduate-level TESOL program can provide advanced preparation for working with English-language learners in a variety of settings, from local English courses to teaching abroad.

The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences offers online TESOL graduate programs designed to help educators develop specialized knowledge and practical teaching skills. These programs prepare students for the evolving needs of multilingual learners. Experienced faculty guide students through an advanced curriculum that offers added flexibility for working professionals.

Ready to take the next step? Explore KU's online TESOL graduate programs to find the option that aligns with your career goals. Contact KU admissions, set up a call with an advisor, or request program information to learn more about a program or financial aid options.