Anyone do work in ESL/TESOL in the USA?

[Guest Gnome Chomsky]

Has anyone here who has an ESL or TESOL certificate done any work in the USA? When I look up ESL/TESOL jobs online, the majority of what pops up are jobs overseas. I have my certification and I was thinking of teaching some English to foreigners at a night school or something while I'm pursuing my graduate degree. There are a lot of language centers in Miami (where I currently live), but I can't really find anything in other cities. Has anyone taught English here in the US with their certificate? 

[repentwalpurgis]

I don't have a certificate.  But I teach ESL at a private language school.  There are plenty of opportunities to teach ESL/TESOL at community colleges, language centers, private schools, etc.  These types of jobs usually aren't going to be listed on Dave's ESL cafe or anything like that.  I would ask these particular centers what other schools are in the area (or outside of it) and work from there.  Many, many folks working the U.S. with a visa or whatever will seek out whatever resources they can to better their English and make their lives a little easier.  And then that leaves husbands/wives, children who are often struggling with American school requirements.  They all need help. 

Often, teachers will teach at multiple schools in order to have a full-time schedule.  Ask them what they're doing.  If you can't find a school right away, register yourself on universitytutor as an ESL tutor and build up some credentials and experience (and get paid under the table).

Once you get your foot in the door, you'll be surprised at how many opportunities there are for ESL in the States. 

[repentwalpurgis]

Oh yeah, and I forgot to add that you can look up what your local college or university offers in the realm of helping international students.  I secured a job helping out incoming graduate students with their English and American pedagogy when I was in undergrad.  It was very fun.