Emerging Trend: Workplace English In The US

This article from the Naperville Sun describes an English language program which exists in this growing Chicago suburb. Companies offering this type of class have sprung up as employers realize that paying to improve the English language skills of their employees is an investment with a high return. Most classes seem to focus more on functional or practical language than on straight grammar or writing.

Some language companies, giving what I consider a well-placed nod to the fact that the US does not have an official language, also offer workplace Spanish classes.

This may be a sign that more – and possibly better-paid - work for ESL teachers in the US is on the way, and it certainly represents one more avenue that experienced EFL teachers may use upon their return to the US.

While I can’t claim to be an expert on every facet of the English language teaching industry…it wouldn’t surprise me if these language companies prefer to keep a larger number of part-time teachers as opposed to a smaller number of full-time teachers. But this would still be a good way for EFL teachers to supplement their income.

A quick google turns up for language companies which seem to fit this profile: Workforce Language Services, Workplace Languages, Workplace ESL, and Executive Language Training.