What we learned about teaching English in Los Angeles

At The TEFL Org, we’re always keeping on top of trends. Teaching English abroad is a fantastic pursuit, no doubt, but what if you happen to live somewhere a little exceptional? Somewhere, within the USA, for example, where there’s a hugely diverse community, where English isn’t everyone’s first language, and there are millions of visitors every year?

What if, for example, you lived in Los Angeles? One of the world’s most famous cities, its proximity to Latin America means there’s a huge Latinx population - just under 5 million, in fact. It’s also home to Hollywood, with many budding international stars needing some English tutoring for auditions, voice work or even modelling.

Why Los Angeles?

So what are those opportunities? Let’s explore the City of Angels and why it could be your next TEFL destination!

The city attracts some 46 million visitors annually , which is no surprise. Between Melrose, the incredible sporting stadia, the Griffith Observatory , Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, the Pacific Coast Highway and countless other attractions, there’s plenty to see and do. It’s no wonder people visit, and it’s no wonder people stay there - and that includes keen English teachers who’ve scoped out opportunities.

Teaching in LA to locals

Given that Los Angeles is in the USA, an English-speaking country, it’s obvious that English is a necessity for most residing there. Regardless of proficiency and background, there are always people needing English lessons, whether it’s to pass exams at school, or it’s someone from a non-English speaking background looking to make career inroads.

Not everyone can speak English, is the thing. As covered, there are other major demographics in LA for whom English isn’t the native language. For TEFL teachers, then, there are countless opportunities to work with LA locals. Schools in LA are always on the lookout for English teachers and English language assistants. You can work freelance, tutoring to students from home or travelling around LA to give in-person lessons. 

Simply put, from the public and private education system, to tutoring students of all ages, there are so many opportunities to teach English to locals in LA.

Teaching in LA to budding actors and models

This one might seem a little out there, but stay with us; there are lots of opportunities to teach budding actors, models and entertainers of all kinds.

Much like actors and entertainers, teachers can also have managers and agents - this sounds very fancy and extremely LA, but it’s not all that highfalutin. Just like seeing a careers advisor, or having a mentor, having a teaching agent is surprisingly common, and they’re great at connecting talent.

Anne Crutchfield, better known as LA English Tutor , features on the fourth series of our podcast, ‘ I Taught English Abroad ’. As a tutor working in LA, she meets clients who need a boost in their English - typically, schoolkids and adults needing to brush up on their proficiency. However, a service she provides is working with actors, models and more, who don’t quite have the grasp of English they might need for networking, auditions and, of course, jobs.

If you’re able to secure yourself an agent, or indeed, you can properly advertise yourself as someone willing to work with aspirational entertainers, you’ll no doubt find work. What’s more, if one of your clients hits the big time, it’ll do wonders for your reputation!

Teaching in LA at language schools

There are loads of language schools within Los Angeles . Hardly surprising, given two factors: the massive population of LA, and the demand for English lessons.

Language schools are often a great route into a teaching career for any aspiring TEFL-er. If you’re new to the industry and have a TEFL qualification under your belt, language schools typically have more lenient job requirements than public schools and are a fantastic way to teach different types of students.

You can work in paid roles, of course, but there may also be volunteering roles available.

Teaching in LA at universities

There are so, so many universities and community colleges in Los Angeles , the San Fernando Valley and, of course, California as a whole. Again, given the size of the place, it’s no shock that there are some excellent institutions, but the sheer number is staggering. Whether it’s UCLA, California Lutheran, Pepperdine, the University of California or somewhere else, chances are that an English tutor or lecturer is very much needed.

With such a significant student body, there’ll be many international students who could use English tutoring. There will also be a number of students who, even though they speak English, struggle to use the language on an academic level. Or, if you’re exceptionally qualified, there are a number of English language and literature courses that will need lecturing talent. The options are very much there.

Advertising around campuses is super easy, whether it’s handing out fliers, putting up posters, or networking with lecturers and faculty. Alternatively, you can advertise your services online, and find an array of students needing help with English. 

Whether it’s translating lectures or giving students a little boost with their essay writing, you will undoubtedly find work as an English tutor around the vast number of colleges and universities in Los Angeles and California.

Relocating to LA and working online

Who said working as an English teacher just meant working in your local community? If you teach English online , you can work from anywhere - so why not sunny Los Angeles?

Imagine waking up to beautiful sunny weather in the entertainment capital of the world? Being able to take lessons between trips to the Santa Monica Pier, Malibu’s stunning beaches or drives along the Pacific Highway? Want to take in a movie at the Chinese Theatre after a long day of online lessons? You can do that! Fancy a Friday night out on the Sunset Strip? The choice is yours.

If you work online as a freelancer, or for a company, you won’t be bound by location (generally speaking). Provided you meet the conditions to be a resident of the USA, relocating to Los Angeles as an English teacher is a perfect option. For those who want to be near the film industry, the music industry, or just love beaches, hot weather and sprawling metropolises, incredible nature and friendly faces, there aren’t any better options anywhere.

For more information on visas and work permits for the USA, this UCIS guide has everything.

Los Angeles: Why not you?

It’s really not hard to see why people move to LA to fulfil their dreams. Actors, models, singers, musicians, dancers, voice talents - the entertainment industry alone is enormous. Then you take into account all of the tech giants a stone’s throw away, the culinary world and the sheer scope of the business opportunities that exist there… it’s a place of enormous opportunity.

As we’ve covered, it’s also a brilliant place to teach English. Whether you’re a teacher or a budding tinseltown star, everyone wants to make something of themselves. When you don’t have to worry about cold weather and things to see and do, it makes it all the easier to set up a life there.

Whether you’re working online or you’re in a classroom, LA’s unique demographic makeup, the sheer breadth of the city and the culture of ambition mean you won’t ever be short of work, inspiration or ideas!

Wherever you want to go, you’ll need a TEFL qualification if you want to find work as an English teacher. Start one of our excellent courses today!