Do You Want to Teach English Online?
Note: all references to the teaching company DaDa are no longer applicable due to the changing tuition regulations in China.
Do you dream of being location independent?
Does the thought of being a Digital Nomad tug at your feet?
Teaching English as a foreign language online is a great step forward!
This post explains the basic requirements and the awesome benefits of being an online teacher.
So, why did I become an online English teacher?
Teaching English as a foreign language online is one of the many colourful pieces of jigsaw that makes up my freelance portfolio of work. Ultimately, this has enabled me to build a lifestyle centred around flexibility and freedom.
I’ve never liked the 9-5, bosses or doing the same job day in, day out! Several years ago, I set myself the mission to develop a freelance portfolio career so I could be liberated (and I mean that in every sense of the word).
I built up a diverse collection of independent work, reduced my permanent salaried employment down to just two days…and was on the verge of jumping in fully, but I was scared! What if I couldn’t make enough money? What if work dried up?
Then one fateful day scouring the internet I came across an advert for teaching Chinese children English online with DaDa and that was the final push I needed!
Teaching English online gave me the security blanket I needed and the confidence to jump ship entirely. That was in 2017 and I have been sailing the waves ever since.
And I have to say, thank goodness I made that decision because during the recent Covid-19 crisis when a big chunk of my other work dried up for a few months, online teaching was an absolute blessing! I could increase my hours and keep a stable income coming in.
What do I mean by online teaching?
There are many different types of online teachers, and indeed the world of adult online teaching is taking off big time; however, my experience and what I shall talk about here is the exciting world of teaching children English online through a company that hires you.
What are the benefits of Online Teaching?
- Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility!!! – you get to choose your own hours, how many days you want to work and when to take holiday. How cool is that?
- You can work from anywhere – wahoo!! As long as you have a quiet location, with a decent stable internet speed you can work from anywhere in the world.
- Massive growth of job opportunities – there is an unprecedented demand for English teachers in South East Asia (and I mean unprecedented!) Thousands of parents want their children to learn English with Native English Speakers and of course the best way for them to do that is via the internet. With this increased demand, is an explosion of online teaching companies, so there are lots of opportunities available!! There’s no reason to be out of work.
- You don’t need to plan lessons – again wahoo!! If you’re already a teacher this will be music to your ears!!! Most of the big companies such as DaDa provide all lesson resources uploaded to their online teaching platform. All you need to do is supplement with props, reward charts and lots of enthusiasm!!
- Great students – the majority of children I teach are a dream, of course you always get the odd little rascal but on the whole the little beans are well behaved, engaged and enjoy classes.
- I’s fun – yes really, it is! Even if I’m feeling really tired before a session, I’m guaranteed to be full of energy by the end. The job requires enthusiasm, lots of smiling and lots of positive body language, so it doesn’t take long before your endorphins start jiving and you feel great!
- Competitive rates of pay – rates vary, but in general expect between $10 – $30 depending on experience and qualifications. Many companies also offer a bonus scheme and referral payments. Sure, this may not make you a millionaire, but it’s a great way to earn money if you’re travelling and want to be location independent or if you’re after a part-time supplementary income.
- It could open new doors – when you begin a new line of work, you never quite know where it could lead. I began online teaching as an add-on to my already eclectic portfolio of work. Three years on, I’ve used my teaching experience to land another position as a presenter for interactive English course material and write this blog. I certainly could not have envisaged this a few years ago.
- Super easy to get started – once you’re hired, off you go! All you need is a computer, a nice background, some props and the world’s your online teaching oyster.
What are the negatives?
- Time zones – it’s important to remember that classes take place in the time zone of where your kids live, so unless you fancy teaching at 4 am (which I know some teachers do!) you need to work out which time slots work for you.
- No holiday/sick pay – you only get paid for the hours you teach, so if you take a holiday or get sick unfortunately you don’t get paid.
What are the basic requirements?
Note: all references to the teaching company DaDa are no longer applicable due to the changing tuition regulations in China.
Requirements vary between companies, but here are some basics:
- Be a native English speaker – some of the most well-known companies only accept North American and Canadian speakers. However, if like me you are British do not despair there are companies out there, such as DaDa, that love a good old British accent.
- TEFL certificate – (if you need a TEFL Qualification, read my review here of The TEFL Academy)
- a degree in any field (not always obligatory)
- have some experience of teaching, supporting or mentoring
- have a fast and stable internet speed
- have a computer with a webcam and a headset with a microphone
- you need to be enthusiastic, very patient, and positive towards each student you meet, and importantly you need to be able to adapt and respond to each individual student’s personality, level and ability. See tips on how to be great teacher.
Help I’m British, who can I work for?
Many of the large companies only employ North American or Canadian teachers. If you’re British (or indeed from anywhere other than America or Canada) and want to be employed by a company, there are a number of companies you can still turn to.
I work for DaDa. Check out my review of DaDA here.
Looking for a great TEFL qualification?
The TEFL Academy is a great choice!
Learn more about The TEFL Academy here
Want to know more? Check out the following posts:
Open the Door to the World with The TEFL Academy
My review of teaching English online with DaDa (a review and an overview of the hiring process)
How to be a great online English teacher (the nuts and bolts of being an online teacher)
Would you life a flexible career that suits your lifestyle? Check out Creating a Career Portfolio
Jenny, thank you for this informative post! As I shared with you on Instagram, this idea has been presented to me before. I believe this option can definitely add to my pursuit of a laptop lifestyle! (I like your wording though – “location independent!”) Thank you for the resources, the pro’s and con’s list and your honest review of DaDa.
Excellent – glad it has provided some food for thought 🙂