Teaching English as a Second Language opens doors to a world of opportunities: travel, a sustainable income, flexibility, adventure. While the world may look different today after Covid-19, this should not be a hurdle to realizing anyone’s ambitions. These last two years have been difficult for many, with teachers finding creative solutions in the face of all new pressures and challenges. However, a career in education has never been so accessible. While some may be yearning to travel, others seek to broaden their experiences or earn a better living amidst these unstable times. Teaching offers any qualified aspirant an opportunity to embark on a new path.
Why Online
Sixty percent of the world’s population is now online, which signals a global shift in how humans learn. Today’s online students come from every background, from every corner of the world; they span a range of ages and abilities and are learning English for equally diverse purposes. Online learning has sky-rocketed during the pandemic, with estimates the online learning market will peak at a value of $10.5 billion by 2025. With more teachers turning to online markets, there has been an increasing competitive edge in the application process; however, the sector’s exponential growth fuels an unprecedented demand for qualified teachers. There are abundant opportunities for any aspiring teacher. Be it part-time or full-time, be it solo or part of an online platform, with a bit of patience and dedication, anyone can establish a niche within the diverse landscape of online learning.
TEFL Qualification
A TEFL qualification is essential for any prospective online teacher, and with any competitive market, it is crucial to stand out from the crowd. An accredited TEFL course provides the entry-level qualification required to be an effective teacher. A 120-hour Online TEFL Course offers a robust understanding of language teaching methodology, grammar, and language awareness, as well as practical and specialized lessons relevant to both online and in-person teaching. Most employers will require an accredited 120-hour TEFL qualification and a reliable, high-speed internet connection, a working webcam, and a microphone.
Online Platforms
The easiest option for fresh graduates to boost their experience and improve their teaching skills is by working for any of the numerous online teaching companies. After a relatively painless application process (generally consisting of a 1-2 minute introduction followed by a mock lesson), teachers can get to the work of teaching by simply logging in. Online companies source students and often provide a set of curricula for teachers to follow. Working for an online platform offers a relatively easy transition into teaching and establishes confidence and the necessary experience required to be an effective teacher. But it is important to remember these online companies can be competitive environments, and one’s earnings may be limited, with the companies often taking a commission from the hourly rate. ADD PARAHGRAPH
Independent Teaching
With qualifications in hand, the big question is— how to find a job? There are generally two avenues available for those aiming to teach online: independent teaching or working for an online teaching company. When it comes to independent teaching, an excellent self-marketing strategy is vital, as teachers must build a solid client base from scratch. Many independent teachers will typically have their own website and conduct their own marketing either via social media, paid advertising, or online marketplaces. Often experienced teachers opt to teach independently on account of their increased earning potential and a satisfaction of having complete control over their own business. Teaching independently takes both experience and patience; it is helpful to remember that most independent teachers started their careers working for online teaching companies themselves!
Business Thinking
Online teaching falls under the category of freelance work, and while freelancing offers relative freedom, it also requires a savvy understanding of business thinking and strategic planning. Remember, a freelancer is essentially an entrepreneur. To maximize one’s earning potential, any teacher, whether working independently or for an online platform, needs to focus on effective time management and begin seeing themselves as a business person. It is essential for both a part-time side-hustle and a full-time job to understand your skills, build up a client base, develop lesson plans, devise a marketing strategy, gain experience, and manage contracts. In the competitive online teaching marketplace, a teacher needs to establish their niche (this can be as simple as finding the right online company to work for) and gain experience that will enable sustainable growth and confidence.
We all want more freedom, a chance to set our own rules. Teaching English online opens the doors to many opportunities for anyone regardless of their educational background, age, or location. These days anyone with access to the internet can become an online teacher. And while borders and schools may remain closed in the foreseeable future, that should not be a deterrent to realizing your potential.
Since 2008, TEFL Org has trained over 140,000 teachers and is one of the most recognized TEFL course providers globally. With a team of experienced TEFL teachers, the customized learning experience provides trainees with the necessary tools needed to teach English. Course modules are designed to develop new skills and the confidence needed for effective teaching. All trainees are provided a dedicated online tutor, as well as access to course discussion forums where they can brainstorm with other students. Over 80% of TEFL Org graduates secure a job within 2 months of the course’s completion and all students have lifetime access to the TEFL Job Center.
