What Is ELT? English Language Teaching

ELT—short for English Language Teaching—is a term that pops up everywhere once you start exploring the world of teaching English. It’s used in textbooks, job listings, university programs, and by major publishing houses like Oxford and Cambridge. But what exactly does it mean?

At its core, ELT refers to the global practice of teaching English to learners whose first language isn’t English. That includes classrooms in Europe, online lessons to students in Asia, test prep for international exams, and language training in corporate offices. It's a wide-reaching field with many branches, and it's constantly evolving with new technologies, teaching methods, and learner needs.

If you're dreaming of a life that mixes meaningful work with cross-cultural connection—whether that’s teaching kids in Spain, preparing adults for IELTS in the UAE, or building a digital career as an online tutor—ELT is the space where it all happens. Understanding the term is your first step toward figuring out where you fit in.

What Does ELT Actually Mean?

English Language Teaching is a broad umbrella that includes any form of instructing English to non-native speakers. It’s not limited to a specific age group, skill level, or format—it includes teaching:

• Children in primary or secondary school
• Teenagers in after-school programs
• Adults learning English for work or migration
• University students studying academic English
• Professionals doing business English training
• Students preparing for exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge

The term ELT is more common in the UK and in academic or professional circles. Universities might have departments dedicated to ELT research. Publishers label their materials as "ELT resources." You’ll even see job titles like “ELT teacher” or “ELT coordinator.”

In contrast to more niche terms like TEFL or TESOL, ELT emphasizes the entire profession—from entry-level teaching to advanced research and curriculum development. It's the big-picture term for anyone involved in the business, practice, or study of English language instruction around the world.

ELT vs TEFL vs TESOL vs ESL: What’s the Difference?

The world of English teaching is full of overlapping acronyms that can get confusing fast. TEFL, TESOL, ESL—they all sound similar, but each has a slightly different meaning and context. ELT is the broadest term of them all.

• ELT (English Language Teaching) refers to the entire field of teaching English to non-native speakers—no matter the country, age group, or format.
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) typically means teaching abroad, in places where English isn’t the native language (e.g. Thailand, Spain, Vietnam).
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is mostly used in North America, and includes both international teaching and teaching immigrant learners at home.
• ESL (English as a Second Language) refers to learners living in English-speaking countries, like a student from Brazil studying in the U.S. or UK.

Understanding these terms helps you read job ads more accurately, choose the right certification, and figure out which parts of the teaching world you want to explore.

Who Uses the Term ELT?

While TEFL and TESOL are more common among new teachers and course providers, ELT is the preferred term among professionals, academics, and publishers. You’re more likely to encounter it if you go deeper into the field—whether through postgraduate study, writing materials, or teacher training.

• Academic institutions: Universities offering MA TESOL or Applied Linguistics programs will often refer to the field as ELT, as will research journals and conferences.
• Publishing companies: Major names like Oxford University Press, Cambridge, and Pearson use the ELT label across their textbooks, resources, and websites.
• Government programs: Initiatives in Europe and the UK often refer to ELT in policy documents and teacher training schemes.

For new teachers, “TEFL” might feel more familiar—but as you grow professionally, “ELT” becomes the term that ties it all together.

What Jobs Fall Under ELT?

English Language Teaching isn’t just one type of job—it’s an entire ecosystem of roles that go far beyond standing at the front of a classroom. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow within the field, there are many directions you can take:

• Classroom teachers: The most familiar role. You could be teaching kids in a Korean public school, adults at a Spanish language center, or university students in Saudi Arabia.
• Online English tutors: With the rise of remote learning, many teachers work from home, teaching students around the world through platforms or private clients.
• Curriculum designers: These are the brains behind the lessons—creating textbooks, digital courses, and structured learning plans for schools or publishers.
• Teacher trainers: Experienced educators who train new TEFL or CELTA candidates in methodology, classroom management, and best practices.
• Test prep instructors: Specialize in helping students pass international English exams like IELTS, TOEFL, or Cambridge.
• Academic researchers: Dive into the science of language learning—often through universities or NGOs—exploring how people acquire English and how to teach it better.

No matter your background or personality, there’s likely a role in ELT that fits your strengths.

Qualifications for ELT Jobs

The qualifications you need depend on where and how you want to teach—but most entry-level jobs are surprisingly accessible. Here’s a quick breakdown:

For most ELT jobs (especially abroad or online), you’ll need:

• A bachelor’s degree in any subject
• A TEFL/TESOL certificate—typically a 120-hour course or CELTA

For more advanced or specialized roles, like teacher training or university-level teaching, you’ll need:

• A BA or MA in TESOL, Applied Linguistics, or Education
• Significant classroom experience
• Sometimes, a teaching license (especially in public school systems)

The beauty of ELT is that you can start with very little and grow into more advanced roles over time. Many teachers begin with a short TEFL course and a backpack—and later end up writing textbooks or mentoring the next wave of educators.

ELT Methodologies and Trends

The world of English Language Teaching is always evolving—and the methods used in the classroom have come a long way from dry grammar drills and rote memorization. Today, effective ELT draws from modern, student-focused approaches that make learning more engaging and practical:

• Communicative Language Teaching (CLT): Prioritizes real-life communication over textbook grammar. The goal is fluency, not perfection.
• Task-Based Learning (TBL): Students complete meaningful tasks (like planning a trip or solving a problem) that naturally integrate language skills.
• Blended and Online Learning: Many teachers now combine in-person classes with digital tools or teach entirely online, using video, interactive platforms, or self-paced modules.
• Student-Centered Learning: Puts learners in control—less teacher talk, more student interaction. Lessons are often tailored to learner goals, interests, and needs.
• Digital Tools and AI: From language learning apps to chatbot assistants and virtual whiteboards, technology is reshaping how English is taught and learned—especially in the online teaching world.

If you're entering the ELT field now, staying updated on these trends not only improves your teaching—it makes you more employable.

Should You Study or Work in ELT?

Working in ELT isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. It’s for the curious, the culturally open, and those who find meaning in communication and connection. But it’s not for everyone.

ELT might be a great fit if you:

• Want to build a location-independent or travel-friendly career
• Love language and enjoy helping others learn
• Are curious about other cultures and comfortable adapting
• Are interested in curriculum design, linguistics, or educational tech

But you should also ask yourself:

• Do I want to do this long term—or just for a few years?
• Am I OK with relatively modest starting salaries?
• Would I eventually want to specialize (e.g., test prep, training, materials design) or pursue a master’s?

ELT can be a launchpad or a long-term path—but like any career, it requires intention and growth to stay rewarding.

Final Thoughts: Understanding ELT in a Global Context

English Language Teaching isn't just about teaching grammar—it’s about building bridges between cultures, empowering learners, and making education accessible around the world. Whether you're just starting your journey with a TEFL course, diving into an MA TESOL, or exploring job options abroad or online, understanding ELT helps you think bigger.

Start simple. Stay curious. And know that the path you begin with—whether in a rural Thai school or a Zoom classroom in your living room—can lead to roles you never expected, from academic publishing to policy work to digital education startups.

👉 Suggested Links:

• What Is TEFL?
• What Is TESOL?
• TEFL vs TESOL