USA - TEFL in the USA
The ESL job market in the USA is organized differently from what most of us are used to abroad.
Unlike most countries where ESL jobs can be found in private language schools of all sizes shapes and forms, ESL opportunities in the U.S. are mainly found in Community Colleges and Universities.
However, though not as big in number as, say, in Korea, private English language schools do exist and can be found in cities and large towns in many US States, particularly in the Border States.
If you are a citizen of the United States or Canada, there are opportunities for paid jobs (or volunteer positions) also at religious organizations, non-profit programs that work with immigrants, and libraries. Check with local community organizations or colleges in your area, or consult with career advisors at your University.
To teach at a College or University you would need to be fairly well qualified - an MA is often listed among the job requirements. But there are also English language programs that offer opportunities to less experienced or qualified teachers such as the Summer Programs that attract international students every year and in turn create a demand for enthusiastic and committed young teachers.
However it is true that enrolment levels at English language schools in the USA remain lower than pre-9/11. The difficulty in gaining a study visa for English language study in the USA, combined with the ease of studying in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand where more work opportunities are available, are seen by many as some of the reasons for the slowdown in the ELT market.
But in the last couple of years numbers have steadied, and many schools have stepped up their relations with agents in order to recruit more students.
The bottom line is... you have to look hard, but the jobs are there.
