Are you a teacher that is interested in making a little extra money? How about a retired teacher that wants to feed that teaching bug just a little longer? Maybe you’ve got a teaching certificate but have chosen a different path. If you are interested in teaching ESL (English as a Second Language) online, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve taken everything you need to know about the online ESL industry and pulled it all here in one place just for you!
Teaching ESL online has been a great side hustle for teachers for many years. It is a flexible, work-from-home job that can help teachers save for big dreams or make ends meet. It is also a fantastic option for digital nomads – teachers who love to travel the world but also have bills to pay. Some teachers with disabilities find that online teaching is a better fit for their lifestyle than a rigid brick-and-mortar classroom. The online teaching world is a great fit for many people.
Many online ESL companies pair native English-speaking teachers with students around the world. In the past, Chinese students have been one of the biggest consumers in the online ESL class market. However, in the summer of 2021, The Ministry of Education in China made a lot of changes that affected that industry. While the opportunities in China may not be the same as in the past, opportunities for teaching English online still abound. While new companies are always coming and going, in this post I will share some of the best online ESL teaching opportunities for 2021.
General Requirements for Online ESL Teaching Positions
While requirements do vary from company to company, there are some general requirements you will want to look into. These can include things like teaching credentials, English background, and even internet access. This should be one of the first things you look for as you begin researching a company to work for.
Requirements can include:
- Residency
- College Degree
- Teaching Certificate
- Teaching Experience
- A TESOL Certificate
- Internet / Wifi Requirements
What to Expect During the Hiring Process
The hiring process for online ESL teaching positions is a little different than you might expect for a brick-and-mortar teaching position. You will generally begin by filling out a detailed application that includes the types of things you would normally put on a resume. A resume and/or cover letter may or may not be required. You will want to make sure that you include any requested documentation to show that you meet the company’s requirements.
Once your application has been reviewed you will be notified if you have been moved on to the next step. This second step is usually an online interview. However, this interview will be very different than a traditional interview. It will likely be part Q&A and part teaching demonstration.
Rocking Your Teaching Demonstration
Many companies will provide you with the exact requirements for any teaching demonstration, including the length, learning objectives, and possibly even the lesson you are to use. But just teaching the lesson is only part of what they will be looking for. A big part of the teaching demonstration is to see if you are a good fit for online teaching. Engaging and keeping a student actively involved in a lesson is much different online than it is when you are face to face.
Your Classroom Space
As you prepare for your interview set up a special space to serve as your “classroom.” This space should include at a minimum your name and a few decor elements. While some companies prefer or allow a plain, distraction-free background, most want your space to feel inviting for the student.
Think of the space behind where you will be teaching like a bulletin board, as you teach on camera your students will be able to see the space around you. Filling that space with classroom-like posters, props and pictures will help to engage the student and draw them into you and your teaching.
For your interview your classroom space doesn’t need to be anything elaborate, but showing that you took this background space into consideration will send a big message to your interviewer.
TPR
One thing your interviewer will be looking for is TPR (Total Physical Response). Total Physical Response is a teaching method that connects language with movement in order to help the student learn. Your teaching demonstration should show that you know and understand what TPR is and how to use it to help a student who is learning a second language.
It is likely that your company will have some training information for you to watch or read through as you prepare for your teaching interview. Pay special attention to anything they provide related to TPR. Then practice. TPR doesn’t always come naturally and spending some time working on incorporating the language and movements will be worth the time. Practicing in front of a mirror can be a very effective way to see just how the words and the movements work together.
Props
Another thing that your interviewer will be looking for is your use of props. Props should not be used just because. Instead, consider them the part of the lesson that really helps to bring the topic or vocabulary alive. These props should not only help to engage the student but they should also support the learning.
When you teaching someone a new language it is often the props that helps them make the connection between the English word and the word in their first language. Props can include pictures, related toys or even puppets that help to model a conversation.
Rewards
A final aspect of your teaching demonstration will be a reward system. Using a reward system helps to keep students encouraged and excited about the work they do. For most students, taking online ESL classes is one of their extra-curricular activities. We want to make sure the time is not just educational but also fun and encouraging.
Many teachers use a physical reward system. It may be a building toy or a printed scene to build. Some teachers even use digital rewards. Unless the company requires a specific reward, then focus on a reward system that is fun and exciting for the students. Your rewards should be quick and easy to use while holding up in front of the camera.
Next Steps
After your initial interview and teaching demonstration, you may be offered a contract to teach or you may be asked to teach a second demonstration lesson. If you are asked to teach another lesson make sure to focus on weaving in the suggestions and feedback you received from your first demo lesson. Just like most employers, these companies want to know that you are listening to their feedback and guidance, that you are taking the position seriously, and that you want to learn and grow as an online ESL teacher.
Online ESL Companies to Look At
Now that you have a good understanding of just what teaching ESL online can look like, and you are ready to breeze through your application and interview, let’s dive into some of the companies you will want to look at when it comes to teaching ESL online.
1. VIPKID
VIPKID is the largest company when it comes to teaching ESL online. This Chinese company has a long history in the industry and has set the standard for teaching English online. While the vast majority of students served by VIPKID are in China, they have been able to weather the changes from the Chinese government better than other companies. VIPKID is a great place to start looking if you want to teach ESL online.
2. Novakid
Novakid is an online ESL program that primarily serves students from Russia. Having a student base outside of China is a great way to diversify your students. Not only does this help provide additional teaching hours, but it also gives you options should additional changes be made in China.
3. Cambly and Cambly Kids
Cambly offers one on one English tutoring for people ages 16 and above. Their sister site Cambly Kids is specifically for children ages 4 to 15. Both programs provide opportunities to teach English online. While their pay is under other companies, they offer flexibility and a student base from around the world.
Learning from Others
There are many amazing online ESL teachers that love sharing what they do. I learned so much from others when I was first beginning. Now years later I’m happy to be able to share too. Learn more about teaching ESL online from these fabulous teachers.
Michael
Alexis
Caprisha
Kimberly
