What does an online ESL teacher do?
An online ESL teacher plays a crucial role in imparting English language skills to students for whom English is not their first language. As an online ESL teacher, the primary responsibilities include developing and delivering lessons that encompass the four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The goal is to enhance students' proficiency in English, often through interactive and engaging online platforms. Teachers need to tailor their teaching methods to suit the diverse needs of their students, adapting to different learning styles and levels of understanding. This role not only involves direct teaching but also includes preparing lesson plans, assessing student progress, and providing feedback to facilitate effective language learning.
Table of Contents
What exactly does "teach English online" mean?
Do I need to get TESOL certified to teach English online?
What are the requirements for teaching English online?
What exactly does "teach English online" mean?
Teaching English in person is very different from teaching ESL online from home. Forget about using heavy textbooks and photocopying tedious worksheets! Teaching English online is awesome because there are so many cool resources available, such as YouTube videos, blogs, and online ESL language apps and games. However, you may encounter some difficulties when attempting to teach English online.
For instance, when you teach a student in person you can rely on verbal and nonverbal cues (such as body language) that occur in real time to determine whether you are on the right track. This is possible but more difficult with online education.
When teaching online, always make sure that you have a good internet connection to avoid buffering and screen freezes. A good microphone and headset is also important to ensure smooth audio quality. Since teaching and learning English is primarily about listening and speaking, it can quickly devolve into a train wreck if you and your student can't hear each other well.
Another factor that distinguishes online English instruction is that you and your students will most likely be operating in two different time zones. For example, if you live in the United States, you may be required to work late at night or very early in the morning in order to teach students in Asia. This is fantastic if you work shifts or are a night owl, but what if you have a full-time day job? It goes without saying that you must be able to manage your time and schedule effectively if you want to avoid missing classes and get enough rest.
Do I need to get TESOL certified to teach English online?
Obtaining a TESOL certification is highly recommended for those aspiring to teach English online. A comprehensive TESOL course equips you with specific teaching methodologies and essential skills tailored for this unique educational context. It provides the foundational knowledge and practical techniques necessary for professional online English teaching. While some online teaching platforms may not strictly require a TESOL certificate, having one greatly increases your employability and effectiveness as a teacher. It demonstrates a commitment to professional development and assures potential employers of your capability to deliver high-quality, engaging English lessons to learners of different backgrounds.
A great option for online teachers is ITTT's 170-hour course in teaching English as a foreign language with online specialization and the 220-hour Master Package.
What are the requirements for teaching English online?
Embarking on a career in online English teaching involves meeting several key requirements. Firstly, adequate equipment is essential: a reliable PC, Mac, or laptop, a high-quality webcam and headset, and a comfortable, quiet workspace are fundamental for effective teaching sessions. Fast and stable internet access is crucial, along with sufficient RAM to run necessary software programs. A dependable power supply, or a backup generator in areas with unreliable electricity, is also important.
In terms of qualifications, many online English teaching platforms require teachers to be native English speakers, hold a bachelor's degree in any field, and possess some form of teaching experience - this can range from formal teaching roles to informal experiences like mentoring or working at summer camps. Additionally, a TESOL certification is often sought after by employers to ensure a professional level of teaching expertise. These requirements collectively ensure that online English teachers are well-equipped both technologically and educationally to provide high-quality language instruction.
