How to Make Money Teaching English Online
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Gone are the days when teaching English was restricted to classrooms full of eager students sitting in rows, notebooks at the ready. With advances in technology, the internet has opened new avenues of opportunity, allowing more people than ever before to teach English online – and make a good amount of money while doing so!
Learning and teaching have come to be digital. If you’re looking to join the many teachers using their skills to teach English online and make money, you’ve come to the right place.
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Becoming an online English teacher
Becoming an online English teacher is an increasingly popular way to earn a living from home. People of all ages and backgrounds, such as college students, stay-at-home parents, retirees, and language instructors, can benefit from this rewarding career by connecting with students in other parts of the world.
Becoming an online English teacher can be seen as an exciting way to explore other cultures while improving students’ language skills in the comfort of their own environment. Teaching online also allows great flexibility in scheduling, meaning teachers have more control over their work-life balance. Additionally, the average pay for one hour of teaching ranges between $14 to 22 per hour.
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Qualifications and skills required
Having the right qualifications and having developed the right skills can mean the difference between an average online English teaching job and a great one. Generally, a bachelor’s degree or higher in an education-related field is needed. Teaching certification is also often required, depending on the job and location. Many employers will also require applicants to have at least one or two years of experience teaching in a traditional setting, although this is not always the case. An internationally recognized qualification like the Cambridge CELTA Certificate or a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate can also be beneficial.
In addition to having the right qualifications, having certain skills also makes a big difference when securing and succeeding at an online English teaching job. Firstly, excellent communication skills in both verbal and written language are essential for success in this kind of job. Additionally, strong organizational skills are important – teachers should be able to easily create their own materials and manage their classroom time effectively. Above all else, patience and understanding are key elements of successful online teaching; it is important for teachers to adapt to different cultural norms, understand their students’ language difficulty levels, and not get easily frustrated when challenges arise.
Finding and online teaching jobs
There are typically two main paths for finding and securing an online job: independently or through an online teaching platform.
Finding a job independently requires more steps, but there is greater potential for earning a higher wage. You will need to create an eye-catching resume and cover letter and have a demo video of your teaching style to stand out from other applicants. With enough proactive effort, you can find employers looking for English teachers and even negotiate the terms of the job further.
On the flip side, utilizing an online teaching platform removes most of the barriers associated with finding employment but likely comes at the cost of less potential earnings. Online teaching platforms act as middlemen between teachers and students, allowing teachers to create their own profiles and connect them with students interested in enrolling in their classes. When you sign up with a platform, they can provide plenty of support in finding students and handling logistics, making it ideal for those who would like easier access to get started quickly.
Types of platforms to consider
The world of teaching English online is broad, with various platforms available to those looking to make money. It is important for aspiring teachers to consider the different options available to figure out which is the best fit for their skills, interests and goals before diving in. This will ensure that you select a platform that allows you the best opportunity to make the most money when teaching English online.
Two main types of platforms exist; Flexible freelancing gigs and structured tutoring companies. Each type of platform has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, so it is important to consider what your needs are before committing to one or the other.
- Flexible Freelance Platforms: With this type of platform, engagement with students can be made in various ways. Some offer opportunities for teachers to set their own hours and fees, while others even facilitate interactive lessons with students. Without fixed rates or student allocations, they provide more freedom than structured tutoring options; however, they tend to rely more heavily on the teacher’s ability to self-promote and find work.
- Structured Tutoring Platforms: These sites have a more defined structure for engaging with students, such as having set lesson times and an established fee/tutor rate. They also tend to have larger student bases and offer tutors extra bonuses for reaching certain metrics. Some may require advanced qualifications or experience, limiting potential student reach.
Ultimately, it is up to the individual teacher to decide which platform works best for them when they start looking at making money teaching English online. Both types of platforms offer opportunities, but each provides different benefits depending on the teacher's needs; following an honest assessment of your strengths and weaknesses should help you decide which platform will best suit your needs in making money teaching English online.
How much money can you make teaching English online?
For many English teachers, one of the main attractions of teaching English online is the potential to earn money. Money earned can range anywhere from a few dollars to several hundred per hour, depending on an individual’s experience and qualifications. English-speaking countries have a growing demand for native speakers, so there is potential for substantial income if you market your services properly.
That being said, don’t overestimate how much your skills are worth in the online job market. Competition is fierce, and employers often look for native-level English speakers willing to give discounts. If you undervalue yourself too much, you will make far less than you could make. On the flip side, overestimating your value may cause employers to pass over you due to an inflated rate. A good rule of thumb is to start with a competitive rate that offers a cost benefit for the employer.
Additionally, part-time teachers must consider that they may only have three or four weekly classes. While they can supplement their income by offering additional classes between their school hours, this might not always be possible when teaching multiple contracts. With thoughtful marketing and a competitive rate, it can be done—but don’t expect a steady stream of work or think that teaching English online is like a full-time job with regular hours and pay.
Understanding both sides of the same coin gives teachers more control over their finances when attempting to make money teaching English online.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
Strategies for success
Teaching English online is a rewarding and profitable activity. To make the most of your venture, there are certain strategies that may help you create success. Considering the following strategies, you will be well on your way to building a successful online teaching business.
First, define your goals and set actionable steps to achieve them. Creating specific and measurable goals is key in any endeavor. Your goals should realistically reflect your available resources and focus on long-term objectives. A good approach is to set short-term objectives that make up the necessary steps to reach your long-term goal. These should include creating an effective lesson or course plan, utilizing engaging activities for students, and using technology appropriately.
Second, investigate the resources available to assist you in achieving your educational endeavors. Numerous materials are available online, including lesson plans, sample activities, engaging videos related to language learning, and instructional activities tailored for educational technologists. Determine the appropriate resources for your class level and students’ interests and integrate them into your lessons. Additionally, seek professional mentors or coaching opportunities that can guide you as needed throughout your career.
Third, network with multilingual professionals to maximize your teaching potential. Building relationships with language professionals can open numerous career opportunities by connecting you with potential employers, providing helpful advice and mentorship, or recommending resources to develop yourself as an online teacher further. Remember: networking is essential for continued growth.
Finally, promote yourself widely via social media, networking sites, and other digital avenues to expand your reach and attract customers who require assistance with their language learning needs. Become active within industry forums or mailing lists related to language teaching to establish yourself in the community as a reliable educator who cares deeply about his or her subject matter and students’ successes.
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to become an online English teacher?
The qualifications needed to become an online English teacher vary depending on the language learning program and teaching platform you choose. Generally, though, most platforms require a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, although some may accept Associate degrees or equivalent qualifications. In addition to the educational requirements, most online teaching platforms have other criteria applicants must fulfill. These include having a fluent level of English, demonstrating specific skills like grammar, pronunciation, and written communication, and being comfortable using video calling software and interactive whiteboard tools.
How much can I expect to earn by teaching English online?
Most people who teach English online can expect to make anywhere from $10 to $30 per hour tutoring one-on-one students and possibly more if they are also creating course material or doing group classes. With some dedication and effort, it is certainly possible to earn a full-time income teaching English online.
Where can I teach English online?
Popular options include Cambly, VIPKid, Preply, Lingoda, and TutorABC. These platforms provide secure and reliable education services with highly qualified teachers. Additionally, they offer convenient ways to connect with students around the globe. Cambly is one of the most popular online English teaching platforms, providing teachers with flexible terms and consistent pay. VIPKid connects teachers to students from China and pays generous contracts that can reach up to $22/hour. Preply is another reliable platform that offers subscription services for tutoring in different languages. Lingoda matches experienced teachers with language learners from various countries and their pay rate varies depending on the region’s demand for the skillset. Finally, TutorABC specializes in providing translation and voice-chat lessons for those wanting to learn English.
The bottom line
Teaching English online offers a great way for native and non-native English speakers to supplement their income. It can be especially beneficial for those looking for a flexible job that can be done in the comfort of their own home.
Before jumping into teaching English online, you should make sure you have all the necessary qualifications, such as a TEFL or TESOL certification. Once you are certified, you should create an effective profile and start submitting applications for jobs on platforms like Resoomay. When creating your profile, including all relevant teaching experience, certificates, and references. Additionally, take time to practice teaching skills before starting the job. This could help you feel more comfortable while teaching online.
Once hired, it's important to build strong relationships with your students and adjust your lessons according to their requirements. This may require you to be more flexible with your lesson goals and objectives by adding new activities or topics in each class. Furthermore, understanding the student’s needs is key to creating a good learning environment that also encourages conversation practice. Finally, when it comes to getting paid, pay attention to details such as how long the classes are and how often they are taught so you can charge correctly for your services.
Overall, if done correctly, teaching English online can be highly rewarding in terms of both personal development and money. Not only do you get to travel the world from your own computer, but you can also choose flexible working hours that suit your lifestyle while earning extra money on the side.
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