How Can I Become An Online English Teacher?

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If you’re just starting out in your career, have lost your job, would like to change careers, or are looking for a side hustle, teaching English online may be just what you’re looking for. In fact, if you’re reading this you’ve probably heard a thing or two about it, but you’re just not sure how to start. Well then, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s go through the steps you need to follow to become an online English superhero, I mean, teacher. 

Read more: 7 Reasons You Should Be Teaching English Online Right Now

How Can I Become an Online English Teacher?
How can I become an online English teacher?

1. Do a TEFL course

Even if you have a degree in Education, it’s still preferable for you to do a teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) course. Yes, you can get a job without one but it’s like finding a needle in a haystack these days and for good reason. A TEFL course will teach you all you need to know about teaching English as a foreign language. Lesson planning, teaching methodologies, theories of learning, teaching techniques, classroom management and the foundations of English grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation are all taught to you to help you prepare to teach this crazy language to your students. Just because you can speak the language doesn’t necessarily mean you can teach it and teaching History is not the same as teaching English as a foreign language. This is why you need to do a TEFL course.

2. Get your paperwork in order

Once you’ve done the course, it’s time to make sure all your paperwork is in order before you can start applying to jobs. Getting a job teaching English online is no different to any other job, so your paperwork will be the same. Update your CV, making sure you highlight any experience or skills you have that could be useful when teaching. Certify your degrees and make sure you have digital copies of your certificates and ID. In terms of digital paperwork, you should also sort out a Paypal, Payoneer or similar payment portal so that your school or students can pay you quickly and easily. This can sometimes take a few days to be approved so do it sooner rather than later.

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3. Do your research

At this point you need to think about what kind of teaching you want to do. Do you want to teach Young Learners or would you rather teach adults? Would you like to teach General English or Academic or Business English? How many hours a week would you like to teach? Once you’ve thought about these questions, do some research online and find some companies which suit your needs. Your teaching preferences will dictate which companies you will apply at. For example, if you’re a North American citizen and you’d like to teach Young Learners, you can apply at VIPKid or Palfish. If you’d rather teach adults and you’re in the UK, look at English First or Skimatalk. Make sure you know exactly what the companies require of their teachers to make sure you qualify before applying.

Read more: 7 Companies to Teach English Online to Adults

4. Apply apply apply

Just as with any other job hunt, now you need to apply for as many different teaching jobs as you can. It might take a while to find the right fit for you, but any demo you need to do can be from the comfort of your own home, which makes the application and interview process really easy! What’s even better is that with online teaching you can work for more than one company, so you don’t need to worry about having to choose employers if you can’t decide between two.

5. Teach!

By now you should have all the equipment that you need to teach English online. Once you’ve been accepted by a teaching company and you’ve organised all the equipment and resources that you need, you’re ready to put a smile on your face, teach and change the world!

5 ESSENTIALS FOR TEACHING ENGLISH ONLINE

Comments:

Hi,
I’m 21 years old (still a student) and currently studying at a university in SouthAfrica.I’m really interested in the TEFL course and becoming a online English teacher. Will it be possible for me to do this course without a bachelor’s degree and 2 years experience? I have experience with teaching junior children and love working with them. Can you please assist me?

Kind regards
Lou-Janie

Lou-Janie, 11th October 2020

Good day

Please can I get more information on the TEFL course.

Thank You

Lee-Ann, 13th May 2020

Good day

I’m interested in becoming an online teacher. I noticed that we have to complete the level 5 TEFL course first.
Could you please assist me in this program and how to apply to become an online teacher.

Regards
Shimone

Shimone, 11th May 2020

Pls can u send me details to do the tefl course and how to get work from that, many thanks

karine, 8th May 2020

Am about to complete my level 5 but I don’t have a degree do I qualify to teach english online

Derol, 6th May 2020

Good day,

I am very interested in becoming an online English teacher.

Please let me know what I need to do to get started.

Cherise Botha, 6th May 2020

Hi

Which websites or platforms would you recommend to South African teachers looking to teach young learners?

thank you

Skye Adams, 6th May 2020

Please send me details and pricing for the TEFL course.

Thank you.

Cindy, 6th May 2020

Hi there
I’ve read all the steps about this TEFL course and I am really interested in getting myself a course to start a career in teaching English around the world .I am very passionate about getting myself into a career like this .I am currently a student(16 years old ) and I do have experience in teaching kids in junior grades .I love reading in my spare time and I like doing outdoor activities…I do have some questions regarding TEFL courses:
Is it possible for me to do a TEFL course now at the 50% discount
how long will it take me to do my course
can I sign up now
what is the charges

Huzaifah Bulbulia, 1st May 2020

Good day

I would like to find out about which course is recommended for me to study to become an online English tutor.

I am based in South Africa, but would love to offer online lessons around the world. Please let me know what is required to start.

Kind regards
Sue

Sue Conn, 1st May 2020

helpful

Mpho Ralph Thihumbulwi, 30th April 2020

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