English Teaching Online Platforms

VIPKid was, until quite recently, one of the top platforms for teaching young learners online. However, as of July 2021, the Chinese government changed the laws regarding online teaching and made it illegal to promote English lessons for Chinese students if the teachers are outside of the country. Essentially, if you want to teach young Chinese students online, then you now need to actually be in the country and not working from overseas. This shift in policy has had a big impact on VIPKid’s operations and they are no longer the major player they once were in this particular teaching environment. Despite the change in laws within China, VIPKid says it is to continue offering lessons for adult students in China from outside the country as this is not affected by the new legislation....  [Read more]

If you don’t like the idea of being tied to an online English teaching platform and would prefer to set your own schedule, it is possible to start up your own online teaching business from scratch. Although this is theoretically possible for anyone regardless of their background, in practice you will probably require some amount of previous teaching experience in order to get it off the ground. This is the approach that our former TESOL trainee Bri took and she has shared her story and a range of essential tips via the ITTT blog page. How To Start Your Own ESL Teaching Service  [Read more]

How much you can make as an online English teacher is dependent on several factors, such as your level of teaching qualifications, your previous teaching experience, and the individual platform that you work for. Although some online ESL teachers work on a freelance basis, most work through some type of agency and these typically pay an hourly rate of anything between $15 and $30 on average. It is worth remembering that many of these agencies will take a cut of your income in return for providing you with students and teaching materials. How much you actually work when teaching English online is generally up to you. Most employers are happy for you to decide your number of working hours and even the times you are online. Because of this flexibility, most online ESL teachers can...  [Read more]

Obtaining a TESOL certification is not always a legal requirement for teaching English in online programs. However, many online teaching platforms and employers do prefer or even require candidates to have a TESOL, TEFL, or CELTA certification. These certifications demonstrate that the teacher has received proper training in teaching English as a foreign language and is equipped with the necessary skills to effectively teach language learners. Having a TESOL certification can also enhance your job prospects and increase your earning potential in the field of online English teaching. It provides you with a solid foundation in language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, lesson planning, and assessment strategies. Additionally, it shows potential employers that you are...  [Read more]

Finding TESOL jobs that allow remote work is definitely possible in today's digital age. With the increasing demand for online English language instruction, there are plenty of opportunities for qualified teachers to teach English as a foreign language remotely. Here are some tips on how to find remote TESOL jobs: 1. **Online Job Boards**: Many online job boards specialize in listing remote TESOL jobs. Websites like Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and ESLemployment are great places to start your job search. These platforms often have a wide range of job postings from different countries and online teaching companies. 2. **TEFL/TESOL Websites**: Visiting websites dedicated to TEFL/TESOL professionals can also be a good way to find remote job opportunities. Websites like TEFL.org and TESOL.org...  [Read more]

When looking for a TESOL certification program for online teaching, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you receive a quality education and certification that will help you succeed in the field of teaching English as a foreign language. Here are some important aspects to keep in mind when choosing a TESOL certification program for online teaching: Accreditation is crucial when selecting a TESOL certification program. Look for programs that are accredited by recognized bodies such as ACCET, CEA, or TESL Canada. Accreditation ensures that the program meets high standards of quality and that your certification will be recognized internationally. The curriculum of the TESOL certification program should cover a wide range of topics related to teaching English as a foreign...  [Read more]

Whether you need a TESOL certificate to teach English online will depend on the platform you choose to work for. Some online teaching employers expect their recruits to be TESOL certified and will reject unqualified teachers under the assumption that they lack the necessary skills and knowledge. There are a few employers out there who will take on teachers without any qualifications or you can choose to set up your own online teaching business which also doesn’t require any certification. However, in reality, the majority of students looking for online English lessons typically prefer a teacher who has some relevant qualifications. The worldwide demand for online education programs has gone through the roof in recent years and it is only set to get stronger. As a consequence,...  [Read more]

Volunteer English teaching has long been an important part of the TESOL world. There are a huge number of programs available, largely in developing countries where access to affordable ESL lessons is not common for the average person. In many of these countries the ability to speak English well can be a huge boost when it comes to getting a better job that offers the chance to improve the lives of entire families. However, while in-person volunteering is still as popular as ever, volunteer teaching via online platforms has really started to take off in a big way. People choose to volunteer for many different and often personal reasons. For some it is simply about helping others in need, while for others it is a great way to get some teaching experience before applying for more...  [Read more]

Online English teaching is a very popular way to earn a living, either full time from home, or part time while traveling the world. The qualifications for becoming an ESL teacher online vary from one platform to the next, but will often include things like a TESOL certification, a university degree, prior teaching experience, and certain technical equipment. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know to land the ideal online teaching job! To become an online English teacher you will typically need a 120-hour TESOL certification from an internationally recognized and accredited institution. If you want potential employers to take your qualifications seriously and consider you for an online teaching position, you must ensure that your certificate comes from a reputable...  [Read more]

If you have a TESOL certificate and are looking to teach English in North America, there are various options available to you. One common option is to work in language schools or private tutoring centers. These institutions often hire TESOL-certified teachers to provide English instruction to non-native speakers. Cities with large immigrant populations, such as New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto, tend to have a high demand for English teachers. Another option is to teach English as a second language (ESL) in public schools or community colleges. Many school districts and educational institutions in North America offer ESL programs for students who are learning English as a second language. Having a TESOL certificate can make you a strong candidate for these positions. You may also...  [Read more]

If you have had enough of the usual day-to-day work schedule and are keen to see as much of the world as possible, then maybe you should think about teaching English online. This form of ESL teaching allows you to teach from anywhere with a good internet connection, which means you have no obligation to stay in one place for more than the time it takes to teach your lessons for that day. It will also give you a decent income which you can use to fund your transport, accommodation, and other expenses involved when traveling. This is not that easy to answer as every online teaching platform has its own set of criteria that teachers have to meet. Some companies will require one or more of the following, while some require none of them: If you don’t have a degree, don’t panic, as...  [Read more]

You are prepared to start teaching ESL online, but is a TESOL certification necessary to get a successful online teaching job? In general, a TESOL certificate is required if you want to earn good money teaching online. Even if it might not be necessary for all online teaching platforms, having TESOL certification will increase your salary and attract more students. The confidence and skills required to teach someone a foreign language, which is no easy task, come from completing a TESOL course. We will go over a few other prerequisites for teaching English online, other than a TESOL certificate. To teach English online, you will often need to fulfill the following requirements: Even without a university degree, there are various platforms where you can work as an English instructor....  [Read more]

These days, working online is a common occurrence in many walks of life and English language teaching is no exception. Opportunities for teaching in a virtual classroom are varied and accessible to people all over the world via a wide range of service providers. These online platforms offer the chance to teach English to international students without having to leave your own home. Teachers looking to take advantage of the huge demand in online English lessons can choose to set up their own business which allows you to be entirely independent and free to decide on your own lesson fees and working hours. However, you will probably need to set up your own website and it can take a considerable amount of time to find enough regular students to make a good living. For most people...  [Read more]

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in the field of education, including Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Integrating technology into TESOL lessons can enhance student engagement, provide interactive learning experiences, and cater to diverse learning styles. Here are some effective ways TESOL teachers can incorporate technology into their lessons: 1. **Interactive Whiteboards and Smartboards:** Utilizing interactive whiteboards or smartboards can make lessons more dynamic and engaging. TESOL teachers can display multimedia content, interactive games, and language exercises to reinforce learning objectives. Students can actively participate in activities on the board, fostering collaboration and communication skills. 2. **Online Learning...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English online, it is crucial to first understand the key components that make for a successful online teaching experience. This includes having the necessary qualifications, creating engaging lesson plans, utilizing appropriate technology, and fostering a positive learning environment for your students. Below are some essential steps to help you prepare effectively for teaching English online: To start with, it is important to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification or a relevant teaching degree. This will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills needed to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, having strong communication skills, patience, and adaptability are essential traits for online English...  [Read more]

TEFL Lemon began in 2014 as an ESL blog on the WeChat platform in China, quickly becoming the biggest ESL blog on WeChat. TEFL Lemon provided English teachers with ELT articles to read and share, as well as free ESL lesson ideas, ESL games and fun speaking activities which TEFL teachers could use in their classes. English teachers in China could also download free ESL flashcards on a variety of themes. Following their success on the WeChat platform, in 2018, TEFL Lemon decided to build their own website to offer their ESL Flashcard Games for Kids, ESL Warmers, ESL games and speaking activities for teens and adults for free to TEFL teachers around the world. You can visit their website here. Not only do TEFL Lemon offer teachers brilliant ESL games and teaching ideas, but they also have...  [Read more]

The demand for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teachers has been steadily increasing over the years due to globalization, the rise of English as a global language, and the growing importance of English proficiency in both academic and professional settings. As more people around the world recognize the value of being proficient in English, the need for qualified TESOL teachers continues to rise. In countries where English is not the primary language, such as China, Japan, South Korea, and many countries in Europe and Latin America, there is a high demand for TESOL teachers to help students improve their English language skills. This demand is driven by factors such as the desire to compete in the global economy, the need to pass English proficiency exams for study...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad as a digital nomad is a popular choice for many individuals seeking a location-independent lifestyle while making a positive impact through education. As a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) expert, I can provide you with insights and guidance on how to pursue this rewarding career path. Firstly, it is important to obtain a TEFL certification from a reputable institution. This certification equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Many employers, especially in countries where English is not the primary language, require a TEFL certification as a minimum qualification. Once you have obtained your TEFL certification, you can start exploring job opportunities abroad. There are various options...  [Read more]

When it comes to finding TESOL teaching jobs, there are several effective strategies that you can employ to enhance your job search and secure a desirable position. One of the most popular and successful ways to find TESOL teaching jobs is by utilizing online job boards and websites that specialize in advertising opportunities for English language teachers. Websites such as Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and TESOL.org often have a wide range of job postings from schools and language institutes around the world. These platforms allow you to filter job listings based on criteria such as location, salary, and job requirements, making it easier to find positions that align with your preferences and qualifications. Networking is another valuable tool for finding TESOL teaching jobs. By connecting...  [Read more]

Teaching English online generally requires all the same skills and knowledge as in-class teaching, although you will also need to be confident with the technology involved. Some online teaching platforms operate their lessons via their own software, while others operate using general communication programs such as Google Classroom or Zoom. If you choose to go down the online teaching route you will find that there are just as many different potential scenarios as there are in traditional classroom teaching. You might find yourself teaching only kindergarten children or only adults, or any other mix in between. Your lessons might be strictly one-to-one or you might have groups of various sizes. Specialized courses such as business English are also a common option. As online teaching...  [Read more]