For moms looking to shift into a homebased job, one of the most favored positions is to start with an online job teaching English as an ESL (English as a second language) tutor. Not only is it a growing industry where companies are always on the lookout for new hires, most platforms do not require tutors to have a college degree or previous work experience.
How to get an online job teaching English
There are many opportunities when it comes to online teaching, but it can also get competitive. Macey Rae Pabandero, a mom of 10 who has had four years of experience working in an English Teaching Language (ELT) platform, shares her tips on how she was able to become an ESL tutor.
You don’t need a college degree to qualify.
While some ELT platforms require you to at least be a college graduate, there are some companies who don’t look into your educational background and will hire you based on your English skills. Many of them also offer continuous training and actual teaching conferences to further improve your skills.
You’ll need a fast Internet connection and basic teaching equipment.
Macey, who works at an ELT platform called 51Talk, shares that all she needed was a fast Internet connection with a 3mbps minimum speed, a desktop or laptop with an HD webcam, and a headset with extended mic (preferably noise-canceling).
If, like Macey, you live in an area where there is constant power interruption, you might also need to invest in a power back up. “I [incurred] a lot of absences because power interruptions happen in Baguio very often. I was in danger of being kicked out, so we finally invested in a power back up and I never had absences since then,” she shares.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWYou need a quiet space at home.
Most ELT platforms will require tutors to work in a quiet corner of their house, preferably with a clean, white background. During online classes, there shouldn’t be any distractions like barking dogs, blaring car horns, and the like.
To get more students, make them feel like they are not in school.
You can earn a lot in this online teaching job, but the key is to get more students to choose you as their tutor. Macey suggests taking “more upskills training,” to get your students to like you and become regulars. “I worked hard to keep my ratings high so more students would prefer to book me. I also grabbed opportunities that the company would offer,” Macey shares.
One thing she’s learned is to make lessons feel different than what they teach in school. “As an online teacher, we need to make sure the students are having fun while learning,” Macey says. “The kids are burdened by tons of homework and we don’t want their English lesson to be another load on their shoulders.”
How much will you earn as an ESL teacher?
As a newbie ESL teacher at 51 Talk, Macey earned Php100 per hour. You can expect more or less the same hourly rate from other ELT platforms (although some companies pay more due to the competitive nature of the industry).
“I would earn Php25,000 to Php30,000 back then but I needed to spend more hours working before I can achieve it,” Macey notes. “Now I am earning up to Php34,000 exclusive of trainer’s fee.”
CONTINUE READING BELOWwatch nowWhere to apply for an online teaching job
If you’re set on becoming an ESL teacher, here are some online platforms where you can submit an application.
51 Talk
This ELT platform caters to mostly Chinese students (60 percent). They require English teachers to have a bachelor’s degree and speak the English language with a neutral accent. They are also looking for teachers who are available during their peak hours, which is 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
To apply, visit their website at www.51talk.ph
Rarejob
This is another popular ELT platform that caters to Japanese students. One of its advantages is that tutors create their own schedule and the company does not require minimum teaching hours. They do not require their online teachers to have a college degree, but they must be at least 18 years old.
To apply, visit their website at www.rarejob.com.ph
Acadsoc
Another ELT platform that caters to Chinese students. They require teachers to have a bachelor’s degree or higher and who have excellent English communication skills. You must be available between 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during weekends. One of the advantages of teaching here is that they provide TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages) trainings and will help you get certification.
To apply, visit their website at www.acadsoc.ph
Engoo
This company employs English tutors from over 60 countries around the world and their students can take classes anywhere, anytime from any device. You must be at least 18 years old and proficient in English to qualify. Work hours are flexible and you can work as much or as little as you want.
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOWTo apply, visit their recruitment website at www.teach.engoo.com/app/teach
Looking for more jobs? Click here for options if you have little to no experience.
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