To become an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, you need a bachelor’s degree in English, writing, education, or a related field. Many ESL teachers also pursue a master's degree in education to increase their chances in the job market. In addition to a university education, some schools require ESL teachers to take additional training to become certified in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); some colleges offer TESOL certificates as part of their degree programs. ESL teachers who wish to work in public schools must pass an exam to get a teaching license or certificate in the state they work.