Teaching English as a second language (ESL) and bilingual education are rapidly growing fields, as more teachers are needed to provide instruction for students new to the English language.

Just how bad is the shortage? According to the New Haven Register, approximately 10 percent of students in American public schools in are non-native English speakers, yet less than 1 percent of educators are ESL teachers. These numbers are also expected to rise over the next few years, with larger numbers of immigrants coming to the United States.

Shortage Locations

Each year, the United States Department of Education issues a report of teacher shortage areas across the nation. In its most recent report, the Department of Education identified numerous areas facing critical shortages of ESL teachers. The locations are:

• Arizona: ESL and bilingual education

• Arkansas: ESL

• Connecticut: Bilingual education

• Delaware: English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and bilingual education

• District of Columbia: ESL

• Idaho: English as a new language (ENL)

• Indiana: ENL

• Iowa: ESL

• Kentucky: ESL

• Maine: ESL

• Maryland: ESOL

• Massachusetts: ESL

• Minnesota: ESL

• New Hampshire: ESOL

• New Jersey: ESL and bilingual/bicultural education

• New York: Bilingual education

• North Dakota: ESL

• Ohio: Teaching English as a Second Language

• Oregon: Bilingual/English language learner

• Rhode Island: ESL and bilingual Spanish

• South Dakota: ENL

• Tennessee: ESL

• Texas: Bilingual/ESL

• Vermont: ESL

• Virginia: ESL

• West Virginia: ESL

• Wisconsin: ESL

Every state has its own department of education, so be sure to check with individual state offices for licensing information and educational requirements before applying for any position.

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According to the Common Core State Standards Initiative, the standards were created in order to “clearly communicate what is expected of students at each grade level. This will allow our teachers to be better equipped to know exactly what they need to help students learn and establish individualized benchmarks for them.”

Rationale

The Common Core Standards Initiative, led by states and represented by the National Governors Association and the Council of Chief States School Officers, has been a voluntary and collaborative effort between states, educators and others invested in education. When the standards were written, the creators considered educational research on best practices, existing state standards that were effective, and standards followed by high-performing educational systems in other countries.

Currently, there are only standards for English and math, as these subjects are used across the curriculum and students are more frequently assessed in these two areas. Ultimately, the standards are meant to benefit students and make education more equitable. In this way, the initiative hopes to narrow the achievement gap that exists between the United States and other high performing nations.

The Standards

Mathematics standards exist for grades 7-12 with different domains for different grade levels. The standards state that they are not prescribed in any particular order, so that teachers have flexibility within their lessons and instructional methods. Standards are given for each individual grade level, with specific benchmarks that students should meet to achieve proficiency in the different areas.

For English language arts standards, standards also exist for each grade level in multiple domains, including Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, and Language. English language arts standards have also been created for literacy in grades 6-12 across the subject areas of history, social studies, science and technical subjects. These have been created because students gain literacy skills in all subject areas, and should more frequently be encouraged to read and write with proficiency.

The Mapping Project

To further assist schools and teachers in implementing the CCS, the Common Core Curriculum Mapping Project was created. Currently, curriculum maps exist for English language arts and are being developed for mathematics. Each grade level map has about six thematic units that align with the CCS. While the mapping project has different creators and is a subscription service, many schools are joining as the curriculum maps make choosing and implementing standards-based curriculum far easier.

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While the CCS are still in their infancy, they will continue to evolve as most states have pledged their support to a more unified national educational system. Their effectiveness has yet to be assessed, but come the 2014-2015 school year, end of year assessments aligned to the CCS will be administered.

Today’s guest blog is written by Amy Woodbridge of Teach Away Inc. Teach Away is a worldwide leader in international teacher recruitment. With the widest variety of international teaching jobs in over 40 countries, Teach Away’s international offices match educators with the best teaching jobs abroad. Amy has taught abroad in Japan, China, and Thailand, and loves to travel.

The UAE is one of the most popular destinations for teachers applying to work internationally, and its capital, Abu Dhabi, provides some of the best opportunities for licensed teachers abroad.

In order to teach in Abu Dhabi – or most locations within the United Arab Emirates – teachers will generally need to hold a teaching license in their home state. In addition, two years of prior experience teaching at the relevant level is usually required. Abu Dhabi’s many private international schools may vary in their requirements, but since competition for jobs is fierce, licensed teachers with experience are at an advantage.

Why are Abu Dhabi teaching positions so popular?

Salary - The excellent salary and benefits package entices many top candidates. Teachers in Abu Dhabi earn a generous, tax-free salary. Most Abu Dhabi schools will provide accommodation for teachers, health insurance, and round-trip flights.

Options for families – Teaching in Abu Dhabi is an attractive option for experienced teachers, due to the fact that many employers will sponsor dependants. Teachers who are interested in moving abroad with their families will have a good chance of doing so in this location.

Quality of life - Abu Dhabi is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, allowing foreign teachers to enjoy comfortable accommodations and modern luxuries while experiencing a new culture.  The region is heavily populated with expatriates (a 2011 population estimate from the UAE National Bureau of Statistics estimated that non-nationals composed almost 90% of the country’s population). Newcomers to Abu Dhabi, therefore, will find an excellent support network already in place.

Who should consider Abu Dhabi as a teaching location?

Licensed, experienced teachers – Due to the UAE’s strict visa requirements and the number of applicants competing for jobs, Abu Dhabi schools seek licensed teachers with previous experience. Following an educational reform program, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) hires English-speaking teachers to work in Abu Dhabi public schools. In addition, the emirate’s numerous international and private schools need experienced teachers of all levels, from primary to high school to adult.

Vocational teachers – Vocational schools in Abu Dhabi hire native English speakers to teach a number of subjects, including Math, Business, and ICT. Vocational teachers do not necessarily need a teaching license, although they should have a Bachelor’s degree and several years of experience in their field.

Teachers with dependants – Many people believe that teaching overseas is out of reach once they have married or had children. Because schools in Abu Dhabi will often sponsor dependants (spouses and children under 18), teachers have the opportunity to move abroad with their families. The city’s many international schools provide good options for parents looking to educate their children.

Open-minded teachers – As with any overseas location, Abu Dhabi is a place for culturally sensitive, respectful teachers. The UAE is a diverse and relatively relaxed Gulf country, but teachers should still anticipate some degree of culture shock! Teachers who are prepared for life in Abu Dhabi will find it to be a safe and welcoming destination.

Abu Dhabi is an excellent option for teachers hoping to save money, improve their intercultural skills, and strengthen their resumes. Begin a new chapter in your career by joining fellow dedicated teachers in Abu Dhabi.