Teach English Online, Work From Home — Things You Should Consider.

English is a complicated language.

You might not think English is tough if it is your mother tongue but pretty much everything is irregular, or at least it appears that way when you are teaching.

I started teaching English online in September. I am not new to the English teacher game. I taught many levels, for many years, in person, living in other parts of the world.

What I am new to is the format of teaching online; using a computer to teach kids in other countries. It is a strange way to become an English teacher.

(I suppose for me it was always about the travel and never about the work.)

Things I didn’t think about before starting on this journey:

1. Teaching platforms. We have evolved and with that has introduced SO many different platforms. Each class does something different. Microsoft teams, Skype, Google or maybe a platform that the company has developed. This has meant learning different software for each group or student. Platforms are tricky. Tech is tricky. (Some days I feel so incredibly under qualified)
2. Time Change. Depending on where the kids (students) are will depend when you teach. Most students take English lessons after school or after work and on the weekend. So you will be teaching those hours — but remember after school in South Korea is actually the middle of the night in North America. So time change — are you willing to teaching super early in the morning or overnight?
3. A lot can be lost in translation when you are speaking through a screen. It can be hard to hear exactly what the student is saying. We have all had to adjust to Zoom life and facetime in the last couple of years. Teaching online is no different. Sometimes it is hard to read the body language of the student or see the facial expression of misunderstanding when you are viewing through a screen.
4. Tactile props and games. Some people learn better when it is hands on. It can be hard if you are learning online — the intention behind the lesson needs to be really thought out and you need to have a plethora of props at your finger tips (at least for me teaching kids - my props have grown exponentially). — If you intend on teaching online so you can travel be aware that you computer might not be enough. You will need additional props to get the class moving. Flashcards are a go-to for me; especially with young learners.
5. Internet. Internet connections can be tricky. Is your internet fast enough and connected enough? Is the student's? Depending on where you teach this can be difficult.
6. Age and Fluency Level. Are you confortable teaching with the parents sitting next to your student? Are you confident teaching adults? What level and age group is best for your teaching style. I am pretty dynamic so I find kids to be the cutest. But I have other teacher friends that are scared to teach kids. Know yourself, know what best suits your skills.

There are so many more things to think about when getting into the business of teaching English online.

The biggest question might be …

WHY?!

Why are you in the market to become an ESL instructor?

What do you bring to the game?

My experince so far online has been wonderful. I teach mostly beginners and most of them are 8 years old. This is the CUTEST age. They mostly listen, they are excited about the cutest things and they want to learn. They haven’t learned to talk back yet AND they are willing to get things wrong.

My students might be the best students. There is nothing I love more than making a connection with a student and having them appreciate and like you.

This teaching journey is exactly what I need in my life right now.

What are your hestitations about teaching online? How can I help you get past it?