Teaching English online has become a highly lucrative and sought-after career choice in the field of education. With the flexibility of working from home and the opportunity to connect with students from all around the world, online English teaching offers a unique and rewarding experience. This definitive resource will guide you through the process of becoming an online English teacher, from finding the right company to work for to understanding the responsibilities and earning potential of the role.
Becoming an Online English Teacher
To become an online English teacher, there are a few key steps you need to take. First and foremost, it is essential to have a strong command of the English language. While many employers prefer native English speakers from the United States or Canada, non-native speakers may still be able to find work with companies that do not have strict language requirements.
Additionally, most online English teaching organizations require a bachelor’s degree in any subject. This demonstrates proficiency in written and spoken English and is a standard requirement for most employers. Classroom experience, although not always necessary, can also be beneficial. Whether it’s teaching, tutoring, or mentoring, any experience working with students can help make you a more attractive candidate.
Obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is another essential step in becoming an online English teacher. This certification demonstrates your competence in the field and provides you with strategies for teaching English to speakers of other languages.
In terms of equipment, a reliable internet connection, camera, computer, and headphones are essential for online instruction. Before starting to teach, it’s important to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements of the software and platform you will be using.
Choosing the Right Platform
There are many online teaching platforms that cater to different demographics in terms of compensation, time commitment, and student populations served. Some of the top platforms for teaching English online include VIPKid, DaDa, Qkids, iTutorGroup, and GogoKid. Each platform has its own requirements and curriculum, so it’s important to research and choose the one that best fits your teaching style and schedule.
VIPKid offers online English classes to Chinese students in grades kindergarten through ninth. The sessions are 25 minutes long, and instructors must be permanent residents of the United States or Canada. DaDa serves students in China aged four to sixteen and requires teachers to be native English speakers. Qkids works with children aged four to twelve in China and utilizes a narrative game-based curriculum. iTutorGroup connects native English speakers with students in Taiwan of all ages, and GogoKid teaches elementary through high school students in China.
Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of online English teachers may vary depending on their experience, education, and platform. Some common tasks include helping students improve their reading, writing, and speaking skills, adapting teaching methods to meet student needs, documenting student progress, creating instructional resources, and using the curriculum provided by the employer.
Additionally, online English teachers must be proficient in managing their time effectively, conveying ideas clearly, possessing technical expertise, being sensitive to cultural diversity, and recognizing different learning styles. By developing these skills, educators can create a successful and engaging online classroom environment for their students.
Earning Potential
The earning potential for online English teachers varies depending on the platform, degree, and experience. In the United States, the average hourly wage for an English teacher is $18.96. Many online platforms pay by the session, and some offer bonuses for new teachers, credits for punctuality, extra pay for peak hours, and referral bonuses. While the pay rates may vary, online English teaching can be a lucrative and rewarding career choice for those who are passionate about education.
In conclusion, teaching English online offers a wealth of opportunities for educators looking to work from home and connect with students from around the world. By following the steps outlined in this definitive resource, aspiring online English teachers can find the right platform, understand their responsibilities, and maximize their earning potential in this dynamic and rapidly growing field of education.