In California, which boasts large immigrant communities, the demand for ESL, or English as a second language, classes continues to grow. If you enjoy working with people from different cultures and enjoy languages, this could be a very rewarding career for you. To become a community college ESL teacher in California, you will generally need a master's degree and other qualifications.

Complete your bachelor's degree. The basic requirement for a community college ESL teacher is a master's degree in teaching English as a second language (TESL) -- or a master's in a related field plus a TESL or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. To enter a master's program, you need a bachelor's degree. You should also take at least a few English literature courses and a grammar course as well as a foreign language at this time. These are common prerequisites for master's programs.

Apply to a master's in TESOL program. If you already have a master's in a related field, you can apply to a certificate program. Programs are available in the California State Univesity system, University of California system and private universities as well. Choose a school that has hours that work with your schedule and prices you can afford. Financial aid is often available.

Try taking some prerequisites at a community college if your undergraduate grades are too low. Or take them as an adjunct or special student where you want to enroll later. Study hard and use the opportunity to bring up your grade point average.

Take the classes in your program and study hard once you are accepted. It will usually take about a year and a half full-time or several years part-time.

Visit several schools where you would like to teach during your time as a student. You may be asked to do formal observation, but if not, be sure to do it on your own. Just ask the department head where you want to observe for permission and recommendations. These classroom visits will help you to get a job later on.

Find a community college to do your practice teaching. You will probably be asked to do a practicum during your last semester. If you have networked during your observation period, you may already have an offer for your practice teaching. Otherwise, your professors will probably help you. Do a good job in your practice teaching, and you may have a job offer even before you graduate.