How can I start teaching English online?
To start teaching English online, the first step is to master the necessary skills and knowledge required in traditional classroom teaching, with an added emphasis on proficiency in the relevant technology. Familiarize yourself with various online teaching platforms; some have proprietary software, while others use common communication tools like Google Classroom or Zoom. When choosing the online teaching path, be prepared for diverse teaching scenarios. Your student base can range widely, from kindergarteners to adults, offering flexibility in whom you teach. Additionally, lesson formats can vary from one-on-one sessions to groups of different sizes. This variety ensures that online English teaching can cater to a wide range of educational needs and preferences.
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What qualifications and training are needed?
How do you get a job teaching English online?
Working with a profile company
What qualifications and training are needed?
As online teaching covers much the same ground as working in a classroom, the qualifications required by employers are typically the same. However, because there are so many different companies involved in online TESOL the exact requirements will vary from one to the next. It is still possible to find positions that require nothing more than the ability to speak English, although these are now few and far between. In most cases a recognized TESOL certification is now a must. You will also be in a stronger position if you also have a qualification that is specific to online teaching.
What equipment do you need?
The basic technical requirements laid out by most online ESL providers is a PC or laptop, a good quality headset and microphone, and a stable internet connection. These requirements would be exactly the same if you choose to work independently. You will also need to have a suitable communication platform available such as Zoom, etc. During the job application process companies will routinely check your internet setup to ensure it meets their criteria. One final thing you will need is a quiet location in which to deliver your lessons.
How do you get a job teaching English online?
There are three main ways of gaining employment teaching online:
Working for a company
As there are many hundreds of online teaching companies active in countries worldwide, there is no shortage of options in this category. Simply complete a quick online search for Teach English Online and you will instantly find a range of companies to choose from. You can then contact the ones that interest you and send them all the information they require to get the ball rolling. As you would imagine, the entire recruitment process is typically completed online.
Working with a profile company
This option is for people who want a bit more freedom than what you get working for an online company, but do not want to go fully independent. Profile companies basically host your profile on their site for a fee. Students visit the site and choose which teacher they want to go with based on their profile. If you follow this route you can get significantly more exposure to potential students than if you were to go it alone.
Working freelance
This is the right option for you if you want to have complete control over who you work with, when you work, and how much you charge. You will need to find a way of recruiting your students and you will also be responsible for all lesson planning and curriculum work.
