Want to teach English online but don’t know where to start. What should you consider? What is important to know?
Let me break it down for you as to what I think are some important things to consider:
1. Money
Wages are obviously a priority.
Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy you the things that make you happy!
How much you will earn will depend greatly on the company. There is a general bracket for the total wages of each company averaging between £10 – £15 over all of the online companies with the higher end giving you more work and less assistance such as preparing your own lessons.
The first you will see is the ‘base rate‘. The standard you will be paid, per hour, for your services. Some do appear quite low but usually offer substantial “incentives“. Be careful when reading the base rate as it may be per hour or per lesson. Lesson usually lasts either 40mins or 25mins.
Now, incentives are where the trick comes in. This can be the make or break for your monthly remuneration. Each company offers these, aptly named, “incentives”. Depending on certain conditions they will pay you more. Had a student sign up after your lesson, bonus, hold a high rating for a month, bonus, complete your lesson review within 24 hours of the lesson, bonus. These may only be a small sum hear and there, but, they will soon add up to a very big part of your wages.
2. Curriculum
The curriculum, what your students will learn, can be a fun one. Most companies now have a set curriculum to ensure all of the students reach a set level, and to be sure that teachers are all able to offer a higher quality of education(ish).
Each company has their own individual curriculum with its own upsides, and flaws, but generally they are all much of a muchness.
Companies which request you produce your own curriculum will also offer high base rates for lessons, but will require significantly more work, for obvious reasons.
As a warning, be sure to check which language you are actually supposed to be teaching in: British English or American English. This can become quite confusing with lots of companies, surprisingly, using a blend of the both. This makes it difficult to teach some lesson and vocabulary but, that’s what you’re there for I guess….
3. Platform
What are you using to teach?
Again, most companies have there own platform to teach through. All of the platforms have the same basic structures: Timetable, Notifications, Dashboard(next lesson, etc) so joining or changing companies shouldn’t be to much of a hassle to find your feet or be a bearing on which to join.
The real question is whether it is software or online based. Downloaded software tends to run a little smoother with solid builds and not random updates which break the entire system leaving you with lessons to teach but unable to access for the day….
Any who, this also means you have to store more company data. If you computer breaks you will need to find another and quickly download the files and re-setup, as opposed to jumping onto any old computer and working away.
Some other companies offer an app to work from, allowing for on the go teaching from a smartphone or tablet, these are usually more freelance orientated, connecting teacher with students.
Others will actually require you to have a Skype, Zoom or other video conferencing software to work. This may not seem like a big issue, but it will build-up with all of the contacts you will need to track yourself, including time zones.
4. Hours
Due to issues with the pandemic and people having new priorities most companies have moved away from the idea of minimum hours so this isn’t a big issue anymore. However, not all have dropped them so be careful.
Peak time depends per company, as do time zones, but it will normally tell you in the FAQ. These are the periods when they have the highest demand and will sometimes offer an incentive for the times to be booked.
Now, some companies also require a specific schedule, not just hours, such as a minimum of 6 hours during peak time. If the company registers 1 hour per day as their peak times then, doing the maths, this becomes a six days a week job. If you have no problem with spreading out a small amount of work over more days then, go you, but me, I prefer to work longer hours and less days. Be careful, it’s not always obvious.
The lesson length will be another point. Generally, 25minute lessons mean 2 per hour and you get a small gap between each lesson of 5 minutes. However, depending on the base rates, you may earn more by squeezing in an extra lesson every few hours with the 40 minute lessons, just be sure not to leave to little time between to move from lesson to lesson, you will be penalised.
Please, check to see the companies stance on student no shows. Will you still be paid if a student doesn’t turn up to the lesson or cancels last minute.
5. location
If you are considering TEFL as a route to nomadic freedom then join the club, just be sure not to make the mistake I made many moons ago and join a company that doesn’t allow you to travel due to there “policies” of a strong, wired, internet connection. Ironic really considering I get better and more stable connection tethering from my mobile than I did through our house Lan but, that’s their choice.
Most will allow you to travel as you please, as long as you can prove that you have a stable connection where you are.
6. Students
This may seem like a strange thing to consider but hear me out.
As a new teacher I would worry about presenting to other people, the entire role of a teacher but don’t question my life decisions, that’s for another post.
The main things I always consider are: age and number.
Do you want to teach adults? – As a relatively young person I stay clear of adults as some people don’t enjoy the idea that a person, younger than them, are teaching them. Although, most people in this form of education are usually there for business so see this as simply a tick box and will work hard and focus.
Teaching young children can be easier for the traditional teaching style, mildly patronising. Children are used to being corrected and learning through school and exams. As well as always being older than them they should have a little more respect. You will have to be very enthusiastic and energetic, as well as patient when you get a really naughty little…
Anyway, the last thing with your students is what they are learning: conversation, exam based, business.
Business English students will work hard, but that puts the pressure on you to work hard, too.
Conversational English can be more relaxed as it is down to the student to practice as they wish, but you ill have to be more imaginative in your teaching methods.
7. Other
Here are a few extras to consider if you are still torn between companies.
Commission – Companies often offer you a small commission if you refer other to join the company.
Timezones – Where are the students and where are you. The U.K. to China, for instance, currently has a start of 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. working day. Do also note, daylight savings.
Company Age – if the company is several years old, lots have sprang up in recent years due to the increased demand. Are more teachers being let go than taken on, this may show the company collapsing. Other, bigger companies have actually began to thrive as smaller companies collapse and students look for other places to learn English.
“8”? More than 1 company
If you feel unsure about some companies, don’t be afraid to work for multiple companies. As long as you teach the minimum hours most businesses will allow you to work for others, too. This is usually stated in the FAQ so do take a look. This can also help fill up your day to make a standard 9-5 if thats what you’re looking for.
So, these are the things that I always consider while looking for different companies. I hope this break down helps you to decide who to work for, or even whether to change who you work for and teach.
If this helped, please do let me know. If you would like more information then please ask. Any further questions Leave a Q.