Embarking on the journey of teaching English online can be both exhilarating and daunting. Numerous platforms offer opportunities to teach English online, each with its unique features and quirks. Having already touched upon some of these platforms in my compilation of lucrative second jobs for teachers, I’m eager to delve deeper into the details, helping you navigate through the options and find the one that resonates with your teaching style and needs.
From established sites catering to young learners in Asia to versatile platforms offering lessons to a global audience, each option presents its own set of pros and cons. So, let’s dive into this comprehensive guide to the best websites for teaching English online, helping you make an informed decision and kickstart your journey in the world of online language instruction.
Best websites for Teaching English Online
Here are some of the best websites for teaching English online:
1. VIPKid
VIPKid is one of the most well-known platforms for teaching English online. It primarily serves students in China aged 4-12.
Pros: The pay is competitive, and the platform provides you with all the teaching materials you need, which significantly reduces prep time.
Cons: The work hours can be odd due to the time difference with China, and there is not much flexibility in scheduling as classes are typically booked for you based on parents’ preferences.
2. iTalki
iTalki allows you to teach not only English but also any other language you’re fluent in. It caters to a diverse demographic of students from all over the world.
Pros: iTalki offers a great deal of flexibility as you can set your own rates and schedule. You also have the freedom to customize your teaching materials.
Cons: The competition is stiff on iTalki due to its vast number of teachers. Additionally, as teachers create their own curriculum, the preparation time can be significant.
3. Preply
Preply is another global platform that pairs tutors with students looking to learn English, among other subjects.
Pros: Like iTalki, Preply offers flexibility in rates, schedule, and teaching materials. You also have the chance to build long-term relationships with your students as they often book multiple lessons in advance.
Cons: Preply takes a commission from your earnings, which decreases as you spend more hours tutoring on the platform. Initial visibility can be a challenge due to the large number of tutors on the platform.
4. Cambly
Cambly is a platform that connects English learners with native English speakers for conversation practice.
Pros: Cambly offers utmost flexibility as you can log in and start tutoring whenever you’re available. No specific qualifications are required, making it an excellent platform for beginners.
Cons: The pay is lower compared to other platforms. Also, since it’s primarily focused on conversation practice, it may not be the best option for teachers looking to provide comprehensive language instruction.
5. Skooli
Skooli is a platform dedicated to various subjects, including English. It connects certified teachers, retired teachers, professional tutors, and PhD students with learners seeking help.
Pros: The pay on Skooli is quite competitive. Also, Skooli has a functional and user-friendly virtual classroom with useful features such as an interactive whiteboard.
Cons: To be a tutor on Skooli, you need to have a bachelor’s degree or a teaching certification, which might exclude potential tutors who are well-versed in English but don’t have the required qualifications. Furthermore, getting students can be a bit slow at the start.
6. Chegg Tutors
Chegg is known for its wide range of services in the education sector, including online tutoring. You can teach English, among many other subjects, on this platform.
Pros: Chegg offers flexible hours – you can tutor at any time of the day, as it caters to students around the globe. The platform also provides a steady stream of students, which can mean a more stable income.
Cons: Chegg takes a substantial percentage of your earnings as a commission. Furthermore, while it does provide some tutoring resources, it doesn’t offer a fully developed curriculum or lesson plans, which means you may have to invest more time in lesson preparation.
7. TEFL.com
TEFL.com is a premier destination for those seeking international English Language Teaching jobs. Established in 1997, it has grown to host a community of over 200,000 ELT professionals and 30,000+ employers, offering a diverse range of teaching vacancies worldwide.
Pros: TEFL.com provides an extensive selection of job listings, catering to a variety of preferences in terms of location, institution type, and job requirements. The platform is highly user-friendly, allowing for detailed job searches based on criteria like job type, country, institution, and qualifications required. This makes it easier for teachers to find jobs that match their specific qualifications and preferences.
Cons: While TEFL.com offers a wealth of opportunities, the sheer volume of listings and users might make it challenging for new teachers to stand out. Additionally, since it caters to a global audience, the competition for certain positions can be quite high.
8. Lingoda
Lingoda is an innovative online language school connecting students globally with native-level teachers for live language classes. With a focus on practical conversational skills applicable to real-life scenarios, Lingoda offers almost 550,000 classes annually to students in nearly 200 countries.
Pros: Lingoda stands out for its practical approach to language learning, emphasizing conversational topics and real-life applicability. The platform employs certified, qualified teachers who are dedicated to their profession, ensuring high-quality instruction. The flexibility of learning online with simple requirements like a stable internet connection and Zoom makes it accessible to a wide range of learners.
Cons: As Lingoda focuses on conversational skills and practical language use, it might not be the ideal platform for those looking for more traditional, structured English language instruction. Also, the platform’s popularity and large number of students could potentially lead to a highly competitive environment for teachers seeking to join.
Tips for Effective Online English Teaching
As a seasoned online English teacher, I’ve learned a lot through both triumphs and trials. Here are some crucial tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
Engaging the Students
Maintaining engagement in a virtual environment can be challenging. To keep students interested, I found it beneficial to use multimedia materials like videos, songs, and interactive games. Also, remember that engagement is a two-way street – encourage students to interact with you and their peers through discussions, role-plays, and group activities.
Managing Time
Online classes can easily run off schedule if you don’t manage the time effectively. I’ve found it helpful to structure my lessons with a clear timeline in mind and to keep an eye on the clock to ensure all planned activities are covered.
Creating Lesson Plans
The key to successful online teaching lies in designing effective lesson plans. These plans should be concise, flexible, and tailored to the students’ learning needs and styles. Incorporating interactive elements, like quizzes and flashcards, can help to break up the lesson and reinforce learning.
Handling Challenges
Teaching online comes with its own set of challenges, such as technical issues, maintaining discipline, and managing different time zones. I’ve found that patience and preparation go a long way. Always have a backup plan in case of technical glitches, establish clear rules for online behavior from the get-go, and use scheduling tools to manage lessons across different time zones.
Overall, effective online teaching requires a balance of technical proficiency, pedagogical skills, and adaptability. With time and experience, you’ll discover what works best for you and your students.
Conclusion
In this digitally focused world, teaching English online, as I come to see it, is more than just a job or a side hustle – it’s an opportunity to impact lives and bridge cultural divides. While the road to becoming a successful online English teacher may seem complex at first, it’s the passion for teaching and the joy of witnessing your students grow and flourish that truly matter.
Yes, there will be challenges and learning curves along the way, but every step you take will make you a better educator. Whether you’re just starting or have already embarked on your online teaching journey, always strive for progress, not perfection.
