Teaching English Online
Want to teach english online? Here is everything you need to know, from what it involves to where to find work.
What is online teaching?
Online teaching is the process of imparting knowledge to others over the internet, especially through video calls. It can be done one-to-one or with many students present, similar to a traditional classroom, but TEFL online teaching involves teaching English as an alternative or foreign language when a student's first language isn't English.
Benefits of teaching English online
Teaching English online can give you the opportunity to do this while earning a living. Here are some of the most attractive benefits of teaching English online.
Travel
Teaching English online is ideal for people who want to work from home or while travelling because you can do it from anywhere as long as you have a strong Wi-Fi connection.
Free schedule
You have freedom and control over your schedule when you teach English online, which makes it easy to fit into your life, whether you are trying to explore a new career or increase your current income.
No piles of paperwork
There are no piles of paperwork, no gruelling classes and no cleaning up after the kids; indeed, the burden of commuting is removed, perfecting your ability to manage work and other commitments.
Requirements for online English teachers
Anyone who is a native English speaker with a TEFL qualification can teach English online, and many online teaching platforms have a webcam and a stable WiFi connection, but this isn't always the case.
Essential equipment
You'll need a laptop or computer, a webcam, some props and a good pair of headphones with a microphone.
When working with young learners, tools such as a whiteboard, toys and flashcards work well.
TEFL certificate
To teach English online, you need a TEFL certificate, which most major platforms carry. And because online teaching is a specific type of TEFL teaching, you will benefit from taking a specialised course that focuses on teaching English online. This can be particularly beneficial if you don't have a degree, as it will help your CV stand out and attract clients.
Can you teach English?
Without a degree
Not every organisation requires a university degree. There are companies and websites that prioritise English language skills and TEFL certification.
No teaching experience
Many organisations don't really ask about your previous experience teaching English online, especially if you have a 120-hour TEFL certificate to back you up.
Non-native English speaker
Many companies do not care about nationality as long as you meet their other standards.
The pros and cons of online English lessons
The pros
Flexible working hours ✓
Excellent work-life balance ✓
Good earning potential ✓
Easy way to get into TEFL ✓
Low start-up costs ✓
Save money ✓
The cons
✓ Variable income
✓ Always alone
✓ Unreliable learners
✓ Working unusual hours
✓ Technical problems
The pros and cons of online English lessons
The pros
Flexible working hours ✓
Excellent work-life balance ✓
Good earning potential ✓
Easy way to get into TEFL ✓
Low start-up costs ✓
Save money ✓
The cons
✓ Variable income
✓ Always alone
✓ Unreliable learners
✓ Working unusual hours
✓ Technical problems
Before applying, think about these questions
Requirements
- Do I need a degree to apply?
- Can I apply from my home country?
- Can I apply without a TEFL certificate?
Timetables for classes
- Is there a minimum time I need to spend?
- What are the busiest times for teaching?
- How often can I change my availability?
- Can I change my schedule at the last minute?
- Is it acceptable to work remotely from any location?
Lessons
- Who exactly are my students? What is the age of the group? Where do they come from?
- Is there anything I should do to prepare for my lessons?
- Do I need to invest in any equipment or materials?
- Do I need to buy a headset or webcam?
- What are the criteria for using the internet?
- Can lessons be done over Skype?
Pay
- What is the basic salary?
- Am I paid for each lesson I teach or by the hour?
- Are there any bonuses?
Cancellations
- If a student cancels the day before or within 24 hours, will I still get paid?
- What happens if my student does not appear?
- What happens if I get sick?
Jobs and Organizations for Online English Teaching
| Company | Hourly payment | Degree required | TEFL qualification required | Students | Min. hours per week | Accepts non-native speakers | Previous teaching experience required |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VIPKID | $14 - $22 | ✔️ | ❌ | Childrens from 4 to 12 years | ❌ | ✔️ | 1 year |
| iTutorGroup | $18 - $24 | ✔️ | ✔️ | All ages | 6 | ❌ | Preferred |
| Italki | Varies based on qualifications/teaching experience | ❌ | Preferred | All ages | ❌ | ✔️ | Preferred |
| Cambly | $10.20 | ❌ | ❌ | All ages | ❌ | ❌ | Not required |
| Magic Ears | $22 - $26 | ✔️ | ✔️ | Childrens from 4 to 12 years | ❌ | ✔️ | Not required |
| Learnlight | $12 - $14 | ❌ | ✔️ | All ages | 10 | ✔️ | 2 years |
| Skooli | Varies based on qualifications/teaching experience | ✔️ | Preferred | Students at the middle school, high school and university level | ❌ | ✔️ | Preferred |
| Preply | Varies based on qualifications/teaching experience | ❌ | Preferred | All ages | ❌ | ✔️ | Preferred |
| English Hunt | $14.50 | ✔️ | ✔️ | All ages | 10 | ❌ | 4 years |
| Qkids | $16 - $20 | ✔️ | ✔️ | Kindergarten to grade 6 | 6 | ✔️ | Not required |
| BEILS Turkey | $800 - $1200 a month | ✔️ | ✔️ | Students from early childhood to high school | ❌ | ✔️ | 3 years |
| Whales English | $26 | ❌ | Preferred | Students from elementary to high school levels | 15 | ✔️ | Preferred |
| Turito | $20 - $30 | ✔️ | ✔️ | Students in middle school, high school, and all levels | ❌ | ✔️ | 1 year |
| ZebraEnglish | $16 - $26 | ❌ | ✔️ | Students aged from 3 to 8 | ❌ | ✔️ | Preferred |
| DaDa | $15 - $25 | ✔️ | ✔️ | Kindergarten to grade 9 | 5 | ✔️ | Preferred |
| Gogokid | $14 - $25 | ✔️ | Kindergarten to grade 6 | 20 | ✔️ | Preferred | |
| English Ninjas | $9.50 | ✔️ | Preferred | All ages | 12 | ❌ | Preferred |
| Engoo | $2.80 - $10 | ❌ | Preferred | All ages | ❌ | ✔️ | Not required |
| FluentBe | $10 - $12 | ✔️ | ✔️ | All ages | ❌ | ❌ | 1 year |
| Ginseng English | $10 - $15 | ❌ | Preferred | Young learners and teenagers | ❌ | ✔️ | Preferred |
| Latin Hire | $7 - $13 | ❌ | ✔️ | All ages | 5 | ✔️ | 1 year |
| Lingoda | $8 - $13 | ✔️ | ✔️ | Adults | 5 | ❌ | 2 years |
| NIL English | $10 - $20 | ✔️ | Preferred | All ages | 10 | ❌ | Not required |
| Novakid | $16 | ✔️ | ✔️ | Young Learners | 20 | ❌ | 1 year |
| Open English | $13 - $15 | ❌ | ✔️ | Teenagers and adults | 10 | ❌ | 1 year |
| Rype | $9 - $11 | ❌ | Preferred | All ages | 15 | ✔️ | 1 year |
| Skima Talk | $10 - $15 | ❌ | Preferred | Adults | ❌ | ❌ | Preferred |
| Skyeng | $3 - $20 | ❌ | ✔️ | All ages | 15 | ✔️ | Not required |
| Superprof | Varies based on qualifications/teaching experience | ❌ | Preferred | All ages | ❌ | ✔️ | Not required |
| Verbling | $15 - $25 | ❌ | Preferred | All ages | ❌ | ✔️ | Preferred |
Now is time to teach English online!
All this knowledge may seem overwhelming. If there is one thing to remember, it is that gaining a recognised TEFL qualification is the first step to becoming an online English teacher.