How to Make Money Online Teaching English: Best Platforms and Tips

English Teacher

The demand for learning English has never been greater, thanks to the rise of globalization, the expanding international job market, and the internet's ability to connect people from all corners of the world. As a result, teaching English online has become a fantastic way to make money, whether you're looking for a flexible side gig or a full-time career. This could be a perfect opportunity if you're fluent in English and enjoy helping others learn. Whether you're a certified teacher or someone with strong English skills, plenty of platforms make it easy to start teaching online. But to be successful, you need to know which platforms suit your skills, what each requires, and how to engage students effectively in a virtual setting. This guide will explore some of the best platforms for teaching English online and provide tips to help you excel and make a good income from it.

Why Teach English Online?

Teaching English online offers a unique opportunity to work from home or anywhere in the world. It provides flexibility, allowing you to set your own hours and decide how much or how little you want to work. Some people use it to supplement their income, while others make it a full-time career. Beyond the financial benefits, it's also gratifying to help people from different countries and cultures learn a new language and improve their lives, whether they're kids learning English for school or adults preparing for their careers.

The demand for online English teachers comes from a wide variety of learners—from young children in China and South Korea to adults in Europe and Latin America looking to improve their business English or conversational skills. This means there are opportunities for different teaching styles, from structured, curriculum-based lessons to informal conversation practice. While a teaching certification or prior experience can help, many platforms are open to native or fluent English speakers eager to teach and willing to learn.

The Best Platforms to Teach English Online

Many platforms are available for teaching English online, each with its requirements, pay rates, and teaching styles. Understanding what each platform offers will help you choose the one that best fits your skills, availability, and income goals.

VIPKid

VIPKid is one of the most well-known platforms for teaching English online, especially to children in China. It connects North American teachers with Chinese students one-on-one, focusing on making learning fun and interactive. VIPKid provides all the lesson plans and materials, so your job is to deliver engaging lessons using virtual classroom tools.

To work with VIPKid, you usually need a bachelor's degree in any field, and while teaching experience or a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification is preferred, it isn't required. Pay ranges from $14 to $22 per hour, depending on experience and student feedback, with bonus opportunities. The platform is excellent for those who like a structured approach and enjoy teaching kids. However, be prepared for early mornings or late nights if you're in North America due to the time difference with China.

Cambly

Cambly is a platform for practicing conversational English. Unlike other platforms, It doesn't require a degree or teaching certificate, making it accessible to a broader range of people. As a tutor on Cambly, you can help students from all over the world—both adults and children—improve their English through casual conversation and practice.

Cambly pays by the minute, with rates around $10 to $12 per hour. One of the best things about Cambly is its flexibility; you can log in and start teaching whenever you want without a set schedule. While the pay is lower compared to some other platforms, Cambly is ideal for those looking for a relaxed, flexible teaching environment or those just starting out in online teaching and wanting to gain some experience.

iTalki

iTalki offers a unique way to teach English online by allowing you to become a professional teacher or a community tutor. Professional teachers typically have formal qualifications, while community tutors must be fluent in English and enjoy teaching. This flexibility means you can tailor your lessons to what you're comfortable with—structured lessons or more casual conversation practice.

On iTalki, you set your own rates and schedule, giving you a lot of control over how much you earn and when you work. You create a profile showcasing your skills and experience, and students choose who they want to learn from based on your profile, rates, and reviews. This platform is particularly appealing for those who want to build a personal teaching business and have the freedom to teach on their terms.

Preply

Preply is another flexible platform that connects English teachers with students worldwide. Like iTalki, Preply allows you to set rates and decide your availability. It doesn't require a teaching certificate, although having one can help you attract more students and set higher rates.

Preply also allows you to focus on different areas of English teaching, such as business English, exam preparation, or general conversation. The platform takes a commission from your earnings, but this decreases as you teach more hours. Teachers on Preply can earn between $10 and $30 per hour, making it a good option if you want to control your pricing and schedule.

EF Education First

EF Education First is a long-standing company that offers opportunities to teach English online to both children and adults, primarily in China. Unlike some other platforms, EF provides all the lesson plans and teaching materials, which can be helpful for those who prefer a more guided approach.

You generally need a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certificate to teach with EF. The pay ranges from $12 to $19 per hour, with additional bonuses available for good attendance and student retention. EF is known for its structured environment and strong support for teachers, but it may require a more consistent schedule and commitment compared to other platforms.

Tips for Becoming a Successful Online English Teacher

Teaching English online can be highly rewarding but comes with challenges, like any job. To be successful, you need to connect with your students, provide high-quality lessons, and manage your time effectively. Here are some tips to help you excel as an online English teacher:

Know Your Students and Their Goals

Every student is different, and understanding their specific needs and goals is critical to being an effective teacher. Some students may want to focus on improving their conversational skills. In contrast, others might need help with grammar, business English, or preparing for exams like the IELTS. Tailor your lessons to match what they're looking for, and be ready to adjust your teaching style to meet their needs. For younger students, incorporating games, visuals, and interactive activities can make learning more enjoyable and effective.

Create Engaging and Interactive Lessons

Engagement is crucial in online teaching. It's easy for students to become distracted, so keeping lessons interactive and dynamic is essential. Start each lesson enthusiastically and use various tools—like props, digital whiteboards, and visual aids—to make the content more engaging. Use fun activities like songs, flashcards, or educational games for younger learners. Incorporating real-life scenarios, discussions, and multimedia resources can make lessons more relevant and engaging for adults.

Building rapport with your students is also essential. Take the time to learn about their interests and create a positive, encouraging environment where they feel comfortable speaking and making mistakes.

Communicate Clearly and Provide Constructive Feedback

Effective communication is the foundation of good teaching, especially when working with non-native English speakers. Speak clearly, use simple language, and check for understanding regularly. Provide constructive feedback that balances what the student did well with areas for improvement. Positive, specific feedback helps build confidence and encourages continued learning.

Communicating with parents is also crucial when teaching children. Keep them updated on their child's progress and provide feedback that helps them understand what their child needs to work on.

Be Professional and Reliable

Consistency and professionalism are critical in online teaching. Always show up on time, be well-prepared for each lesson, and follow through on commitments. This reliability builds trust with students and parents, leading to better reviews and more referrals.

Technical reliability is also essential when teaching online. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, a high-quality webcam, and a quiet, well-lit space for teaching. Regularly check your equipment to avoid any technical issues that could interrupt lessons.

Keep Learning and Improving

Just like your students, you should also be constantly learning and improving. Take advantage of training resources provided by your platform, attend webinars, and join other teachers' online communities. Getting feedback from students and peers can help you understand what works well and what doesn't. Continuing to develop your teaching skills and learning about new tools and methods can make you a more effective and in-demand teacher.

A TEFL or TESOL certification can boost your qualifications, open more job opportunities, and increase your earnings. These certifications provide valuable knowledge on teaching English to non-native speakers. They are often preferred or required by many platforms.

Manage Your Time and Set Realistic Goals

While teaching online offers flexibility, managing your time effectively is essential. Decide how many hours you want to teach each week and set your schedule accordingly. Consider time zones, especially if you're teaching students from different parts of the world, and plan your lessons to ensure you're fresh and prepared for each one.

Balancing your workload is essential to avoid burnout. Schedule breaks between classes to rest, recharge, and prepare for your next lesson. This will help maintain the quality of your teaching and ensure a better experience for your students.

Building Your Reputation and Increasing Your Earnings

As you gain experience and build a positive reputation, you'll have more opportunities to increase your rates and attract more students. Encourage your students to leave reviews and testimonials, which are invaluable for attracting new students and building credibility. On platforms where you can set your own rates, consider adjusting them as you gain more experience and receive positive feedback.

Networking with other teachers and joining online communities can also lead to referrals and collaboration opportunities, helping you expand your reach and increase your earnings. Some teachers even create independent teaching businesses, offering lessons directly to students or creating specialized courses for niche markets.

Conclusion: Start Your Journey as an Online English Teacher

Teaching English online is a great way to make money while helping people worldwide learn a valuable skill. It offers flexibility, independence, and the chance to connect with people from different cultures. You can build a successful and rewarding career teaching English online by choosing the right platform, understanding your students' needs, creating engaging lessons, and continuously improving your skills.

Whether you're looking to earn extra income or make it a full-time job, the demand for online English teachers continues to grow, and there's never been a better time to start. Explore the different platforms, create your profile, and start sharing your love for the English language with students worldwide. The world is your classroom, and with dedication and passion, you can turn teaching English online into a thriving and fulfilling career.