Teaching On Whales English: What You Need To Know

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Written by

Teacher in the Field

Edited by Lauren Johnstone

March 23, 2026

Blog
Teaching English Abroad Jobs, Teaching Online
Teaching On Whales English: What You Need To Know

With the plethora of online platforms offering English language lessons to learners and teaching positions to English teachers and tutors, it is difficult to know which online teaching companies are legit.

We’re going to get to the bottom of this by asking those who know best: the teachers themselves.

In this series, we’ll talk to teachers currently teaching online in 2026 and ask them the important questions.

Meet Tasmika, a Whales English tutor

Tasmika, an online teacher with Whales English

Hi, I’m Tasmika, a South African online English teacher. I’ve taught both in-person and online for several years and have worked across multiple online teaching platforms.

Over time, I’ve developed an interest in online pedagogy and supporting international learners. I currently teach part-time at Whales English and offer a realistic review based on both my professional experience and extensive teacher feedback.

Why did you choose Whales English?

Whales English stood out because it took a different approach from many entry-level ESL platforms. Its structured, American-style curriculum with longer lessons and small student groups gives the platform a more academic, results-focused feel.

The platform also advertised higher pay than its competitors, promoting semester-based classes with the same students. I found this appealing because it suggested greater stability, continuity, and the chance to build meaningful learning relationships rather than one-off lessons.

What is your experience with Whales English?

I’ve been teaching with Whales English since August 2025. They offer semester-based teaching cycles that typically last several months, allowing lesson continuity and student progression — something I find professionally rewarding.

Overall, my experience has been mixed, but mostly positive. The curriculum and student quality are often praised, but the platform is demanding and performance-driven, with high expectations around delivery, energy levels, and consistency.

Note: External factors — particularly regulatory changes in China around 2021 — have affected job security and long-term prospects for many foreign teachers.

How easy was it to start teaching on Whales English?

The application process is more selective than many ESL platforms. First preference is given to native English speakers from English-speaking countries, namely the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.

It was a challenge to join Whales English as a teacher from a non-preferred country, but once the interview, demo lessons, and onboarding are complete, things become easier.

Lesson materials are provided, but I was expected to familiarise myself thoroughly with the curriculum and teaching standards.

Once approved, I could open availability — full schedules aren’t guaranteed and depend heavily on demand, timing, and performance metrics.

Does Whales English allocate students to you?

Yes, students are allocated to teachers based on availability, internal performance scores, attendance history, and teaching evaluations. This removes the need for self-marketing but also limits teachers’ control over their schedules.

Drops in performance ratings or cancellations can quickly lead to fewer class allocations. The system is efficient but strict, leaving little room for flexibility or recovery after minor issues.

How much do teachers earn at Whales English?

Whales English is known for offering some of the highest standard rates among online ESL platforms. Teachers typically earn between $18 and $25 per 50-minute lesson, depending on qualifications, performance, and class type.

I currently earn $20 per 50-minute lesson and usually teach between 10 and 12 classes a week. Lessons are longer and more academically demanding than standard 25-minute ESL sessions — they require ongoing engagement and consistent lesson delivery.

Pay is closely tied to performance. Bonuses are awarded conditionally, and deductions are applied for missed lessons, lateness, or technical disruptions.

Whales English is best suited for teachers who value higher pay and can thrive under high-performance expectations.

What does a typical day look like for you teaching on Whales English?

A typical teaching day involves early mornings or weekends, as peak demand aligns with China-based schedules. I log in ahead of lessons to review student information and lesson objectives.

Lessons are delivered through Whales English’s proprietary platform using pre-designed materials, which reduces preparation time. Lessons are structured, academically focused, and require strong classroom management and engagement skills, particularly with Younger Learners.

After lessons, I’m expected to complete feedback and administrative tasks.

What are your students like?

Students are primarily Young Learners in China within the primary school age range. Many come from families that value academic achievement and structured learning.

They are usually polite and accustomed to online lessons, though teaching younger children requires high energy, clear instructions, and consistent engagement.

Teachers who maintain stable schedules often build strong rapport with students, enhancing lesson quality and student enjoyment.

How does the feedback system work?

Teacher performance is monitored through student feedback and internal evaluations. These ratings directly influence class allocations, bonus eligibility, and long-term standing on the platform.

There are limited opportunities to challenge or contextualise unfair feedback, which can be stressful. Maintaining consistently high performance scores is essential to sustain teaching hours.

Have you experienced any technical issues?

The teaching platform is generally stable. However, teachers are fully responsible for ensuring reliable power and internet connectivity.

Missed or disrupted lessons due to power or connectivity issues could result in loss of pay and negatively impact performance scores. Having backup power and internet solutions is essential to avoid penalties.

Does Whales English offer support to teachers?

Yes. Initial onboarding and access to teaching resources are provided, but ongoing support is inconsistent.

Probation involved support by way of communication, which was helpful, but as you progress, communication slows down or becomes generic. Also, feedback isn’t instant — it arrives within 24 hours.

There is limited emphasis on long-term professional development, mentorship, or career progression. Expectations are high, yet the support provided isn’t always sufficient to meet them.

Is teaching on Whales English sustainable as a full-time job?

Whales English is better suited as a part-time venture.

For most teachers — particularly those based outside China — Whales English is not a sustainable full-time option. Although earnings are reasonable during peak periods, schedules aren’t guaranteed and are vulnerable to performance scores and external regulatory changes. I treat the platform as a supplementary income.

Regulatory shifts have reduced opportunities for foreign teachers, highlighting the lack of long-term security.

Would you recommend Whales English?

Whales English offers structured lesson plans, motivated students, and a competitive pay structure; however, it is demanding.

I recommend Whales English as a short-term solution for experienced teachers seeking part-time or supplementary work.

For teachers seeking sustainable long-term online teaching careers, there are more reliable alternatives available, especially for teachers outside of the preferred countries.

Author Bio

Written by

Teacher in the Field

Edited by Lauren Johnstone

Teacher in the Field represents our TEFL Academy global community sharing their real-world experiences from classrooms and institutions across the world. From diving into TEFL to chomping down on chow mein in China, to navigating your first-day nerves in Spain, our collective voice brings authentic stories, insights, and practical advice right from those living the adventure. Read Teacher in the Field's story →

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