ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. An ESOL teacher helps students who are learning English develop the skills they need to succeed in school. In Texas, this role is commonly called an ESL teacher. The Master of Science (M.S.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Bilingual Education online program at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) prepares teachers to work with English learners in both ESL and bilingual settings.
The Texas Education Agency lists Bilingual/English as a Second Language as a critical teacher shortage area for the current school year. The shortage extends well past Texas: the Learning Policy Institute found that 48 states plus the District of Columbia employed an estimated 365,967 teachers who were not fully certified for their assignments in 2025, underscoring how widespread the need for qualified ESL teachers has become.
What Does an ESOL Teacher Do?
An ESOL teacher focuses on English language development. The goal is strong English reading, writing, speaking and listening. Students need these skills to access grade-level content.
ESOL teachers also support students in the content areas. They adapt lessons so English learners can engage with the same curriculum as other students. They work with classroom teachers to plan and adjust instruction based on students’ language levels.
The NCELA English Learner Toolkit sets staffing standards for ESL programs. Districts must ensure these teachers hold the right credentials. ESOL teachers are a core part of any school that serves English learners.
ESOL Teacher vs. Bilingual Teacher
ESOL and bilingual teachers both serve English learners, but they work in different ways. The TESOL International Association notes that ESOL is an umbrella term covering related fields like TESL and TEFL, and the specific title a teacher uses often depends on the instructional model their school follows.
An ESOL teacher uses English as the main language of instruction. Students learn English through immersion and direct language teaching. ESOL teachers do not need to speak students’ home languages to do this work well.
A bilingual teacher uses two languages. Students receive instruction in both English and a partner language such as Spanish. The goal is to be fully proficient in both languages by the end of the program.
In Texas, schools can serve English learners through ESL programs, bilingual programs, or both. Each model meets different student needs. ESOL teachers and bilingual teachers each play an important role.
How to Become an ESOL Teacher in Texas
TEA requires teachers in ESL programs to hold a Texas teaching certificate and an ESL supplemental certification. Teachers must first earn a content or grade-level teaching cert. They then add the ESL supplement.
The main exam is the TExES English as a Second Language Supplemental (154). The exam has 80 questions and a passing score of 240. It covers language concepts, second language acquisition, ESL teaching methods and student assessment. The test is open year-round at sites in Texas and around the country.
Texas passed House Bill 2 in June 2025, waiving the first-attempt exam fee and certification application fee for teachers pursuing certification in Bilingual Education. That waiver does not currently extend to the standalone ESL Supplemental (154) exam, so ESL-only candidates still pay the standard testing fees. Teachers who pursue Bilingual Education certification instead — the path a program like TAMIU’s supports — can register for the Bilingual Education Supplemental exam at no cost.
How Graduate Training Prepares ESOL Teachers
The work of an ESOL teacher draws on theory as well as practice. Teachers need to understand how students acquire a second language. They also need to know how to design lessons and assess learning in both languages.
The M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction – Bilingual Education at TAMIU covers these topics. The program addresses language acquisition theory, ESL and bilingual curriculum design, and culturally responsive practice. TAMIU designed it for working educators and offers it fully online, from a campus on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Start building the skills to support English learners by exploring the M.S. in Bilingual Education at TAMIU.
About Texas A&M International University
Texas A&M International University is located in Laredo, Texas, and is a member of The Texas A&M University System. The university serves a diverse student body along the U.S.-Mexico border and holds accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
TAMIU offers online graduate programs for working educators, including the M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in bilingual education. Graduates leave prepared to support English learners in ESL, bilingual, and dual-language classrooms across Texas and beyond. Learn more about the M.S. in Bilingual Education at TAMIU.
