Teach English in North America
North America is full of opportunities for TEFL teachers, even in countries where English is the main language!
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Given the existing popularity of English in North America, you might think at first glance that the region doesn’t have much to offer TEFL teachers. This isn’t true at all. Teaching English in North America is a unique and varied experience.
North America is linguistically diverse, which is seen in its variations of English, including American English, Canadian English, and Jamaican English, as well as a range of other popular languages, including Quebecois and Spanish. What’s more, it offers many opportunities to TEFL teachers. From urban schools to language centres, private tutoring to universities, and beyond, TEFL teachers have plenty of options to consider.
In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to be an ESL teacher in North America, including qualifications, job opportunities, and the unique teaching characteristics in the region. Whether you’re looking for permanent, full-time work or a short-term stay, this guide will help you understand the most critical parts of teaching English in North America.
Best places to teach English in North America
Where can English teachers find the best opportunities in North America? The region is full of unique cultures and teaching environments, and teaching opportunities are plentiful.
Mexico
If you’re TEFL certified and seeking extraordinary beauty, a vibrant, passionate culture and some of the best food in the world, teaching English in Mexico should be on your itinerary. With diverse job opportunities across different, exciting educational settings, Mexican ESL teaching jobs can be found in public schools, private institutions, universities, and private tutoring.
Major cities, including Mexico City, Monterrey, and Cancún, have the highest demand for TEFL teachers in Mexico. However, don’t discount the smaller towns and rural areas, where English teachers are in shorter supply; you’ll be appreciated there.
To gain employment in Mexico, you might need a bachelor’s degree for certain jobs, but not all of them. You will need a TEFL certification of at least 120 hours to obtain a work visa. Experience and some Spanish ability are very helpful.
Canada
TEFL in Canada is more substantial than you might think, with opportunities to teach Francophone communities and a substantial international population. Basic English ability is a mandatory requirement to apply for Permanent Residency in Canada, giving ESL teachers an critical foothold for jobs.
The demand for English instruction is also significant in Francophone communities. In Montreal, around 62% of residents speak French at home (though bilingualism in the city is pretty widespread). Alongside a TEFL certificate and a degree, it’s worth dusting off any French skills you have, as proficiency in French can be a significant benefit.
Outside of classroom opportunities, Canada’s online teaching scene represents another significant part of the TEFL market. ESL teachers can freelance, which may offer higher pay but will require advertising your work. Or, they can try joining an established online school that provides student matching and lesson materials.
Volunteering is another viable pathway for ESL teachers in Canada. Organizations like Cuso International and English Language Tutoring for the Ottawa Community (ELTOC) require TEFL volunteers for educational programs, which often focus on helping migrants and refugees.
Costa Rica
With many great locations, such as San José, Heredia, and Alajuela, Costa Rica offers many great options for TEFL-certified English teachers.
A nature lover’s paradise and one of the happiest countries in the world, Costa Rica is an appealing destination for TEFL-certified teachers. You’ll need 120-hour TEFL certification and ideally hold a bachelor's degree, though it isn’t always required.The only downside of teaching English in Costa Rica is the visa situation. Navigating Costa Rica's strict visa regulations can be challenging. Securing a long-term work permit is difficult without familial ties to the country, with many educators opting for self-employment through private tutoring or freelance work, via the Rentista visa.
Jamaica
Teaching English in Jamaica is an exciting proposition, with teaching jobs available across various educational institutions, including state schools, language schools, universities, international schools, and corporate tutoring. You’ll need a degree, a TEFL certification with at least 120 hours of study, and some prior teaching experience.
Prospective teachers should research work visa or permit requirements specific to Jamaica. These can vary depending on the employer and individual circumstances. If you’re wondering where the bulk of teaching jobs in Jamaica are, try the cities and larger towns (with over 10,000 people) like Kingston, Montego Bay, Portmore and Spanish Town.
United States of America
Like Canada, you shouldn't assume that an English-speaking country is a closed shop regarding ESL jobs. The opposite is true; full-time positions for ESL teachers are widely available, there are English language learners everywhere, and you can find teaching opportunities with ease. The usual routes like state schools and private schools are viable options, provided you have excellent qualifications and teaching experience.
English teaching opportunities working with new Americans may provide the most stability. Private language schools are popular and require a TEFL certification and relevant teaching experience. Tutoring, especially in big cities, can offer a competitive salary, and it's also a great base for starting to teach English online in your free time.
The USA offers interesting options for ESL teachers. There are many ESL students, particularly in big cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Detroit, and countless English teaching jobs.
Download our teaching English in Latin America guide
Basic requirements and qualifications
From the chilly climes of Canada to warm Jamaican beaches, here are the basic requirements you’ll need to meet to become an ESL teacher in North America.
TEFL certification
A TEFL certificate is a must if you want to teach English in North America and the world.The industry standard for TEFL certification is 120 hours. A 120-hour course has been deemed by educational authorities and employers to provide enough foundational knowledge, including lesson planning techniques, language teaching methods and classroom management strategies to teach English as a foreign language. It can help to take on Level 5 TEFL certification courses if you wish to develop a broader understanding of TEFL teaching, and these courses are particularly beneficial for non-native English speakers or TEFL teachers without a degree.
You may also read: Teach English abroad as a non-native English speaker.
Advanced TEFL certification can help you separate yourself from other candidates in your TEFL job search. A certificate in Business English, Teaching Young Learners or English for Academic Purposes can help you to find a speciality in North America. This can lead to more lucrative jobs and more demand for your teaching talents.
Education requirements
The need for a degree depends on different factors. Firstly, if you are from a North American country and are keen to teach English, you won’t always necessarily need a degree to start. However, if you’re moving to a North American country to teach English as a career, you usually will need a degree. (As a rule, most higher-salaried jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree.)
Learn more about teaching English abroad without a degree.
Visa and work permit requirements
Here’s a brief overview of the recent information about visas in several North American countries.
Jamaica
To get a Work Visa as an English teacher, you’ll need a job offer, so be sure to secure employment before you think about heading to Jamaica for the long term.
For a Work Visa, new teachers need to provide:
- A completed visa application form ‘J’
- A valid passport
- A letter from the Jamaican Ministry of Labour offering approval
- One passport-size photograph
- Visa fee
Your prospective employer is responsible for obtaining a Jamaican Ministry of Labour approval letter. They may, but are not obligated to, assist with the costs of sorting out your work permit.
A residence permit is mandatory for English teaching stays in Jamaica longer than six months (valid for up to five years). You’ll need to provide:- A valid passport
- Bank statements, investments, and other financial documents (to provide evidence of finances)
- Birth certificate (original)
- Evidence of marital status (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, etc)
- Medical certificate
- Criminal record from country of residence
- 2x passport-size photographs (certified in Jamaica by a bank manager or Justice of the Peace)
- A letter outlining your case for residence in Jamaica and two letters from references in Jamaica. Must be addressed to the Chief Immigration Officer from the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica has strict work visa rules. It’s difficult to gain permanent residency or a long-term work permit quickly unless you have Costa Rican heritage or close family ties. After holding a Temporary Residence Permit for three years, you can apply for permanent residency, but there’s no guarantee of success.
You can legally work in Costa Rica with a Temporary Residence Permit, which varies in duration based on your passport and can be extended if you prove your value. However, you can only fill positions that a Costa Rican TEFL teacher cannot.
Freelancing, mainly through the Rentiers visa, is the most visa-friendly option. While rare, some foreign English teachers may receive specific temporary permits.
Mexico
To teach English in Mexico legally, you need an FM3 work visa, which is easy to obtain - after securing a job. Most TEFL teachers enter on a 180-day tourist visa, find a teaching job, and then apply for the FM3. Expect to handle the process and cover costs unless a top international school hires you.
The process is relatively simple. It involves obtaining a job offer letter, submitting the relevant paperwork, and paying fees. Required documents typically include:
- Passport copy
- Tourist visa (if already in Mexico)
- Proof of residence
- TEFL certificate
- Passport photos
Processing takes 5-10 days, and you have 30 days to enter Mexico once approved.
Canada
Canada's English-speaking job market is competitive. Local teachers have an undeniable advantage - they can speak English! However, obtaining a work visa for a foreign TEFL teacher can be challenging, even with experience and qualifications.
One option is the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday Visa. This visa is available to applicants aged 18-35 from select countries. It allows TEFL teachers to seek temporary work and can help you secure a job while in Canada.
Having a presence in Canada improves your access to opportunities. Being readily available for in-person interviews makes it significantly easier to compete with local candidates.
United States of America
Much like northern neighbour Canada, getting a visa to teach in the USA can be challenging since you’re trying to move to a country of English speakers. Even if you’re highly qualified, making a case as a TEFL teacher can be tricky.
Still, there are options, including the J-1 Visa, which lets foreign teachers work in accredited U.S. schools for up to five years. Not all institutions will sponsor this, so be prepared to ask whether this is possible when you line up a job.
The H-1B Visais another option, but the criteria are hyper-specific, and sponsorship for TEFL jobs on this visa isn’t easy to secure.
Salary and cost of living
What are salaries like around North America? Can you comfortably live and work there? In this section, we’ll examine teaching salaries across the most prominent parts of the region and see how they contrast with the cost of living.
Mexico
Teaching salaries in Mexico can vary but typically range from 13,750 - 13,950 pesos (£591-£599 / $760-$772) per month. Many teachers supplement their income with freelance work, earning 45-120 pesos (£1.77-£5 / $2.20-$6) per hour or up to 250 pesos (£10 / $12) for private lessons.
Read more about: Teaching English in Mexico Salary.
While wages aren’t high, they align with the cost of living. In Mexico City, a one-bedroom apartment costs £707/$913, but living outside the centre lowers it to £435/$562. Utilities average £28/$36 per month.
Mexico’s food scene is a major perk – expect to pay £44/$57 for a three-course meal for two and £1.21/$1.56 for a pint of beer.
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, teaching salaries typically range from ₡576,474 to ₡662,431 (£851 - £978 / $1,096 - $1,059) per month. Based on average annual wages for Costa Ricans, and the interest in English, tutors can usually charge around ₡5,000 (£6 / $8) per hour.
Much like in Mexico, wages may not seem particularly high, but they cover the cost of living. In San José, Costa Rica’s capital city, a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately £663/$857 per month. Still, you can save a significant amount of money by living a little further out, with rents decreasing to £403/$521. Monthly utilities average around £73/$94.
As for Costa Rica’s restaurant culture? To taste the best of Costa Rica, expect to pay about £46/$60 for a three-course meal for two.Jamaica
On the surface, English teaching wages in Jamaica don’t look ideal. Usually, a teacher will earn around 100,000 and 150,000 JMD per month ($640-$960/£507-£760). Private tutoring usually earns an ESL teacher about J$1,500 (£7.50 / $10) per hour, although there may be corporate opportunities with groups where you can charge much more.
These wages align with the local cost of living. In Kingston, a one-bedroom apartment averages £722/$933 monthly, with lower costs of about £375/$485 outside the city centre. A lot of your monthly costs will come in the form of utilities, which can cost as much as £128/$166.
As for a three-course meal for two? Expect to spend about £59/$76 for a three-course meal for two, while you can grab a pint of a local beer for £2.22/$2.78.
Canada
In Canada, teaching salaries vary by province but typically range from CA$2,927 to CA$3,014 (£1,658-£31,707 / $2,134 - $2,198) per month. Private tutoring can command fees of around CA$30 (£17 / $23) per hour.
These salaries correspond with Canada's higher living costs. In Toronto, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about CA$2,490 monthly (£1,335 / $1,758), with rental prices rising steadily over recent years. Monthly utilities average approximately £79/$102.
Canada's diverse food scene is worth trying while you’re there, but it can be expensive these days. Canadian sources state that the average cost of breakfast is $10 to $30, lunch is about CA$15 to $35, and dinner ranges from CA$25 to CA$60 per person. Even a mid-priced restaurant outside a city like Ottawa or Toronto can cost CA$100 - CA$150 overall.
USA
Salaries in the USA can differ significantly by state, district, and institution, but the average TEFL salary is around $3,920 to $5,108 (£3,048-£3,971) per month. Tutoring is common in the US, with English teachers earning about $25 (£19) per hour, either giving private classes in person or teaching English online.
These wages reflect the varied cost of living across the country. In New York City, a one-bedroom apartment can cost as much as $3,907 (£3,024) monthly, while in smaller cities, it may be around £1,000/$1,300. Utilities typically cost about $186 (£144) per month.
Want to dig deeper? Read more about teaching English abroad salaries.
Other benefits
What benefits are offered to teachers in North America? Let’s take a look.
Mexico
Teaching positions in Mexico vary significantly in terms of perks. Undoubtedly, international schools offer the best benefits, including health insurance, paid vacations, and occasional assistance with accommodation. Barring paid leave, benefits in state schools are fewer and further between.
Costa Rica
Benefits for teachers in Costa Rica are comparatively scarce. While some schools might help you with a work visa, and some teaching positions come with free accommodation, there isn’t a culture of providing extra bonuses or incentives.
Jamaica
Much like salaries in Jamaica, the type of school you work for and where you’re based counts for a great deal when it comes to benefits. Teaching jobs in Jamaica often include health insurance and visa assistance. State school teachers can enjoy membership in the Government Employees Administrative Services Only (GEASO) Health Plan, where the government pays 80% of your health insurance premium. Again, private and international schools are leaders in benefits for teachers in Jamaica, with some providing housing allowances, paid vacations, and opportunities for professional development.
Canada
What can you expect while teaching English in Canada? Again, it depends on who you work for. Usually, teachers will receive health benefits. In Ontario, the Teachers’ Pension Plan covers health packages, which helps alleviate the cost of prescriptions.
Other benefits in the public sector include Employment Insurance, through which teachers can access sickness benefits, parental leave, and compassionate care. Private and international schools may offer more comprehensive benefits packages, including performance bonuses.
United States
Similar to Canada, teachers in the USA can earn benefits from their employer, such as medical insurance and dental coverage. However, there isn’t a wide range of benefits for TEFL teachers in the US.
English teaching jobs in North America
Teaching English in North America is an exciting prospect, not just because you can explore a diverse and naturally beautiful part of the world, but also because of the array of teaching opportunities across public and private institutions.
In Mexico, Costa Rica, and Jamaica, demand for English comes predominantly from the language's role in business, tourism, and education, all of which are significant industries. Meanwhile, in the U.S. and Canada, teaching roles are geared more towards each country's diverse human geography. Here are the main opportunities for teachers in each country.
Public Schools
Mexico: Public schools in Mexico have a growing demand for English teachers. English is important from an economic point of view, and schools are well aware of the opportunities that come with it. As such, the language is taught from primaria level onwards, and TEFL teachers consistently find work there.
Costa Rica: In Costa Rica, English learning has been compulsory in secondary education since 1998. Normally, Costa Rican teachers are hired in public schools, so jobs for foreign TEFL teachers aren’t as widespread. This doesn’t mean they don’t exist, but they’re less prevalent, and you’re more likely to find work in private institutions.
Jamaica: Like Costa Rica, Jamaican state school jobs usually go to Jamaican teachers. This doesn’t mean there aren’t jobs to be found. You’ll usually need at least a bachelor’s degree, two years of experience and a TEFL certificate. Beware, though: while some schools are well-equipped, others will expect you to provide teaching materials and lesson plans.
United States and Canada: There’s less of a need for Canadian and American public schools to hire foreign TEFL teachers in their public schools since English is the national language. That said, ESL teachers may be brought in to support non-native speakers in cities with diverse populations.
How to find teaching opportunities
The best place to start – especially if you’ve taken a course through The TEFL Org – is our dedicated Job Centre. Here, you’ll find amazing opportunities to teach in North America, as well as teaching programmes and volunteering opportunities.
In some parts of North America, you might have success applying directly to employers. Certainly, language schools usually function this way. Appearing at schools in person is a tactic some teachers swear by, but if you’re awaiting a move to a new country within North America, applying online is the best route.
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Get started teaching English in North America
Now you know what teaching English in North America is all about. With so much beauty to explore, amazing cities to get to grips with, and countless jobs for TEFL teachers, there’s an obvious appeal for English teachers from Alaska to Alajuela.
Here are some key takeaways:
- North America offers diverse TEFL opportunities. These opportunities exist in state and private schools, international schools, language schools, private tutoring, and universities.
- Basic qualifications for an ESL job in North America typically include:
- TEFL certification (120 hours minimum)
- Bachelor's degree (for higher-salaried positions)
- Teaching experience (though this isn’t always the case - it depends on the employer!)
- Visa requirements vary by country. Costa Rica is especially strict.
- Salaries range widely across the region:
- Mexico: 13,750 - 13,950 pesos (£591-£599 / $760-$772)
- Costa Rica: ₡576,474 to ₡662,431 (£851 - £978 / $1,096 - $1,059)
- Jamaica: 100,000 to 150,000 JMD per month ($640-$960/£507-£760)
- Canada: CAD 2,927 to CAD 3,014 (£1,658-£31,707 / $2,134 - $2,198)
- USA: $3,920 to $5,108 (£3,048-£3,971) per month
- When picking a location, remember that salaries usually reflect the cost of living, and other important factors, such as professional development, culture, language, and hobbies and interests.
The first step is a TEFL certificate! A 120-hour TEFL course will help you set up for all kinds of amazing opportunities in North America, whether in Canada, the USA, Jamaica or Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is it possible to save as a teacher in North America?
You can save as a teacher in North America if you have a high-salary job. These jobs are normally reserved for well-qualified, experienced TEFL teachers and are in institutions like international schools. Otherwise, you can live comfortably, and if you budget well, you can save.
Q. Which TEFL certificate is the best for teaching in North America?
A 120-hour TEFL certificate is the best foundation for a career teaching English in North America. Advanced TEFL certificates are also useful, especially in Business English or English for Academic Purposes.
Q. Can I teach English in North America if I’m not a native speaker?
Yes, you can teach English in North America if you’re not a native English speaker, though you may need to demonstrate fluency through an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
Q. Do I need a background check to teach English?
It’s usual to be asked to complete a background check to teach English. Individual nations will have their own systems for screening individuals for roles with vulnerable groups of people.