ESL Aide Job Description, Duties, and Responsibilities

Updated on: April 13, 2022

Teaching English as a second language is a tough job as you are dealing with students from different backgrounds.

Since it is a course designed for non-native speakers, it is important for ESL teachers to know at least some part of the native language that their students excel at.

Of course, ESL teachers often require help with this work, as handling 15 or 20 students at a time is not easy. An ESL aide is usually hired to assist an ESL teacher in preparing and imparting language lessons.

Position Overview

In essence, an ESL aide’s work is not much different from that of a paraprofessional in a regular school.

The difference is perhaps the curriculum, which is not based on teaching many subjects but one.

ESL aides usually help teachers in imparting English lessons – from beginner level to advanced levels. They observe students and ensure that they are working on target and make sure that any modified or alternate mainstream programs.

Since ESL aides work in a multicultural environment, they have to make sure that their actions are based on respect for all cultures.

Typically, they have to make sure that students are on par with English learning objectives and that the appropriate materials are available to the lead teacher so that she can impart instruction properly.

See also: ESL Teacher Assistant Resume

ESL Aide Duties and Responsibilities

• Understand the objective of an ESL class by comprehending learning levels.

• Assist lead ESL teachers in devising ESL programs according to each students’ individual learning capability.

• Gather teaching materials appropriate to the type of lesson and distribute them amongst students.

• Assist students in grasping concepts of the English language.

• Help students with their assignments.

• Praise the achievements of students with a view to encouraging their efforts.

• Ensure that students understand the social and cultural context of activities performed in class.

• Supervise students during lessons and activities.

• Monitor student behavior constantly.

• Ensure that any misbehavior is addressed immediately.

• Check and report attendance while ensuring that student data is properly recorded.

• Promote students’ self-esteem through positive encouragement.

• Teach citizenship, social skills, and respect in accordance with the language.

• Report discipline problems to lead teachers when they get escalated.

• Mark papers and provide grades according to set procedures.

• Highlight problems with learning concepts.

• Ensure student safety and wellbeing during class by removing hazardous/sharp materials.