With the ever-increasing popularity of working remotely, it makes sense that you might desire a job that offers flexibility while still making a meaningful difference in students’ lives. And while most teaching jobs require teachers to physically instruct in a school, giving classes online to learners worldwide is an exciting option where teachers can create the schedule they desire while still building a love of learning with students. 

So how exactly do you build a flexible online teaching career? One popular way to get started is by teaching English to students around the world, or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language). This article will walk you through the process to get a dream position teaching English online and will share some pro-tips to make your journey even smoother.

What does teaching online look like?

Teaching English online can look many different ways, but the most popular jobs available include teachers giving live classes to learners around the world from the comforts of their own computers. 

Online English teachers use a variety of platforms to host their classes, and many teachers also use platforms to help organize their schedules, payments, and communication with their students. Some popular platforms for teaching online include Italki, Cambly, Preply, and VIPKid. 

Each platform has characteristics that make it unique, which means teachers have multiple options to choose from that fit their desires. For example, Italki allows students to pick between a wide selection of teachers. 

Teachers market themselves using both video and text and can set their own rate and hours. VIPKid, on the other hand, exclusively serves children; the platform provides pre-written lessons with clear expectations of instructional delivery and offers classes only at certain times of the day. 

If you’re looking for more detailed information, TEFL certification organizations like The TEFL Org have clear explanations of what it looks like to teach online with these platforms.

Platforms generally take a cut of the fee the student pays for the class in order to cover operational costs, which is a factor to take into consideration when deciding which platform to pursue.

If wanting to go a more entrepreneurial route, online teachers can also choose to offer their courses independently from any platform. 

Those who pursue this route enjoy having the maximum flexibility over virtually every decision of their teaching, especially the content they teach and their schedule. That said, they also take on the responsibility of marketing their services and securing their own student base, which may take more time than going through a platform or company. 

How do I build a flexible online teaching career?

Step 1: Research Your Options and Determine Your Path

First: Research your options. Reading through each platform’s website is a great first step; you can go beyond that by reading what current teachers say about each platform on websites like Glassdoor, Reddit, and personal blogs. This knowledge will help inform your decision about the right options for you.

After you’ve researched your options, determine your path. Which option best fits your desires and needs? Identify your end goal and create a plan and timeline to apply for that position. 

Step 2: Prepare Your Application and Apply!

Once you’ve identified your target teaching platforms (or if you’d like to purse the independent route), start preparing your application. 

This step includes completing any certification or training you need. Organizations like The TEFL Org can help you obtain TEFL certification, which will likely make your application even stronger. If you’re going the independent route, a trusted TEFL certification will enhance your credentials and make you an attractive option to students around the world.

After you obtain any training you need, fill out your application as thoroughly as possible. If you haven’t done so, update your CV in order to highlight any skills or experiences that pertain to teaching.

Once you’ve completed your training and have an up-to-date CV, submit your application for your desired role.

Step 3: Set Yourself Up for Success

Congratulations – you’ve found a position teaching online! Now is the time to set yourself up for success by creating your promotional materials, outlining your schedule, and gathering resources and equipment for classes. 

If you were hired by a platform that takes care of assigning classes to you, like many who teach younger learners, you will likely not need to create videos or posters explaining your strengths and areas of interest. 

However, if you are teaching on a platform like Italki, you will want to create clear, interesting, and engaging materials to describe your teaching style and methods, so students know what to expect. Materials can include videos to introduce yourself to your students, posters modeling activities to expect, and descriptions of the various class types you offer.

No matter the platform on which you teach, you’ll now need to create and set your schedule. Do you want mornings free for your other priorities? Or perhaps you want a full teaching day that starts as early as possible? You get to decide. 

Finally, consider what resources and equipment you will need to teach efficiently and effectively. Gather resources that will help you teach students of all skills. Additionally, think about your equipment needs — this likely means using a quality microphone and earphones, having a substantial lighting source, and a welcoming background. 

Step 4: Get Started Connecting with Learners Worldwide

This is the step where you can enjoy – maybe with some natural butterflies in your stomach – your first courses with students around the world. You’ll teach students step by step how to master English all from the comforts of your chosen work location. 

What are some pro-tips for teaching online?

Having a niche or more can help you build a solid client base. For example, if you have a background in business, you can build classes around Business English to teaching working professionals. 

Likewise, if you teach children, advertising that you are experienced with younger students will draw clients your way. Highlighting certain hobbies, sports, or interests can also help clients select you over another teacher. Because children may be signed up for lessons by their parents or guardians, connecting with their interests is essential to help them stay engaged in the class and grow their skills. 

Consider making your teaching availability as consistent and predictable as possible. This can help your students trust that you’ll be available when they want classes with you. 

Finally, use props or physical objects (referred to as realia) in your lessons when you can. TEFL certification courses, like those with The TEFL Org, can teach you strategies to incorporate realia into your lessons. Even though only seen through a screen, they make classes more memorable and effective for your students.

Get Started Today

As a major lingua-franca in today’s society, English fluency remains key for many to unlock new opportunities. With these simple steps, get started today building your own flexible career teaching English to eager students from countries across the world.