Since the covid-19 pandemic of 2020, online English teaching jobs have seen a significant rise in both demand and popularity. A lot more people are choosing the avenue of remote working and teaching English to students worldwide has become an attractive venture for people who would otherwise have trouble finding work.
Teaching English is a great career option if you want to have flexible hours, a chance to work independently, and the space to set your own rates.
In this article, we will walk you through 20 website options for pursuing online English teaching as well as which tools to prepare to improve your chances of being a successful candidate in this field.
5 Things You Might Need To Prepare Before Applying
- Bachelor’s Degree
Although a degree is not particularly mandatory for some teaching platforms, having one will help your chances greatly. Luckily for you, a degree in English is not necessary. Any degree will qualify you for teaching English and will simply make your application more credible.
- TEFL qualification
TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is an internationally-recognized certification that qualifies you to teach English in your own country or abroad. The certification is given to candidates who complete courses and acquire credits that verify completion of the training.
- Strong internet connection
To teach online, you will most likely need to give lessons over video-conferencing platforms. You must be able to do so uninterruptedly and with minimal technical difficulties, so having a strong internet connection for your lessons will ensure this is possible.
- Reliable computer
Being an online teacher requires more than just teaching. You will also need to draw up assessments, grade students’ performances, and give feedback regularly. It would be in your best interest to invest in a computer that will allow you to do the above and more to cater to your students.
- Video and audio gear
Having a good webcam and clear microphone will ensure that you’re capable of being seen and heard clearly by your students. Getting equipment for maximum efficiency will help you perform better in the long term.
Best 20 Companies to Find An Online English Tutoring Job
In this article, a curated list containing 16 of some of the best online tutoring websites and 4 of the best job board websites has been created for you to check out for yourself and investigate a career in online teaching.
Online Tutoring Websites: Top 16 companies where you can find English tutoring jobs
1. AmazingTalker
Company Summary
AmazingTalker as a platform emphasizes tutors having autonomy for their lessons. You are encouraged to set your rates, plan your lessons and create whatever learning environment works for you and your learner. There is a system that matches potential learners with tutors based on their chosen specifications.
Job Requirements
- Fluent proficiency in English
- Either individual or classroom English teaching experience
- Passion for teaching
Salary (USD)
Set your own rates anywhere from $3 – $100 per hour
Commission
None
2. FluentBe
Company Summary
FluentBe is an online platform that has both individual and group learning availability for tutors. The company has all 14 proficiency levels for language training and even offers a free test for learners to place them in the right lessons with the intensity that would suit them. Their model is designed to be a conversational style of teaching to encourage immersion from learners.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- English teaching certification
- At least 1 year of teaching experience
Salary (USD)
$10 – $12 per hour
Commission
None
3. iTutuorGroup
Company Summary
iTutorGroup is a Chinese company for English tutors worldwide to connect with Asian learners and help improve their proficiency. The company primarily focuses on personalized learning and uses an algorithm to match learners with their potential tutors.
Job Requirements
- English teaching certification
- Bachelor’s degree
- Proof of online teaching experience
Salary (USD)
$12 – $18 per hour
Commission
Tutors are eligible for a referral commission
4. EF – English First
Company Summary
English First is one of the oldest tutoring companies on the list having physical premises as well as an online platform. The company teaches children in China both at their physical centers as well as online with qualified English tutors from around the world and has many subsidiaries for a range of different educational topics.
Job Requirements
- A native English speaker
- A Bachelor’s degree
- A reliable internet connection
Salary (USD)
$10 – $17 per hour
Commission
Tutors are eligible for additional rewards for teaching more classes and up to $20 per hour.
5. Learnlight
Company Summary
Learnlight as a platform emphasizes being an ed-tech company whose tutors design their own lesson plans for students ranging from preschool to high school age. Although not required, the company states how advantageous having a background in business is for their tutors.
Job Requirements
- English teaching certification and proficiency
- At least 2 years of language teaching experience
- At least one-year commitment to the teaching schedule
Salary (USD)
$12 – $14 per hour
Commission
None
6. Novakid
Company Summary
Novakid is a platform that specializes in connecting children ages 4-12 from European and Asian countries with English tutors from all over the globe. They allow tutors to withdraw their earnings at any time rather than on a monthly or weekly basis.
Job Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree for both non-native and native English fluency
- Minimum one-year teaching experience with children
- English teaching certification
Salary (USD)
$5 – $6 for non-native speakers
$16 for native English speakers
Commission
None
7. VIPKid
Company Summary
VIPKid is a language tutoring website that connects Chinese children with native English-speaking American and Canadian tutors. This platform is one of the higher-paying sites with community perks for tutors from places like Amazon.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree
- At least 2 years of teaching experience
- US and Canada work authorization
Salary (USD)
$14 – $22 per hour with financial incentives
Commission
Tutors can earn extra with additional classes and a referral program.
8. Lingoda
Company Summary
As an online teaching platform, Lingoda gives tutors and learners space to interact through the video conferencing software Zoom. The company adheres to the language proficiency standards of the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) to screen its tutors.
Job Requirements
- At least 2 years experience in teaching
- English teaching certification
- A webcam and microphone
Salary (USD)
$8 – $13 per hour
Commission
None
9. QKids
Company Summary
Established in 2015, QKids is an online tutoring platform that intends to connect American and Canadian English teachers with Chinese learners aged 6 to 12. The learners work closely with their tutors to improve their language proficiency through games and a more interactive fun model to keep them engaged.
Job Requirements
- US and Canadian work authorization
- English teaching certification
- A Bachelor’s degree or a national diploma
Salary (USD)
$16 – $20 per hour
Commission
None
10. Skooli
Company Summary
Skooli’s teaching platform covers a range of topics from English to mathematics and science. Their model is designed to match learners’ inquiries with a personalized tutor who will work collaboratively with them to teach any problem areas. There are progress trackers and live chat functions to assist with any problems the learner might face.
Job Requirements
- Either a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD
- A TEFL certification
- Stable internet connection
Salary (USD)
$25 per hour
Commission
None
11. Skimatalk
Company Summary
As a teaching platform, SkimaTalk connects native English-speaking tutors to Japanese learners in a one-on-one 25-minute Skype lesson. Learners can track their progress and rate their sessions and tutors. Tutors are expected to be both professional and passionate about their teaching material and are paid monthly.
Job Requirements
- Being a native English speaker
- Teaching experience is preferred but not mandatory
- A stable internet connection and headset with a microphone
Salary (USD)
$16 – $60 per hour
Commission
None
12. Superprof
Company Summary
As a tutoring website, Superprof is a vast library of topics from languages to general subjects. The company employs people with knowledge that they feel needs to be shared and is the leading platform in a variety of regions.
Job Requirements
- Some form of academic qualification (degree is not necessary)
- Passion and in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject
- A stable internet connection and equipment
Salary (USD)
$10 – $30 per hour
Commission
None
13. Cambly
Company Summary
As a teaching company, Cambly is a less formal and more conversational platform that gives tutors an opportunity to connect with learners from all over the world. Their model is centered around chatting with people to help them improve their conversational English.
Job Requirements
- At least 18 with strong fluency in English
- No experience or degree required
- Stable internet and equipment
Salary (USD)
~$10 – $12 per hour
Commission
None
14. Whales English
Company Summary
Established in 2013, Whales English focuses on connecting Chinese students with native English-speaking tutors from just about all over the world. Classes range from students as young as 4 to students aged 18.
Job Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree
- Accredited teaching certification
- At least 1 year of experience in a teaching position
Salary (USD)
$18 – $30 per hour
Commission
Teachers get a bonus of $5 per hour incentive on top of their hourly rate and are eligible for pay raises at the end of their contract if their performance is satisfactory.
15. italki
Company Summary
italki is one of the largest tutoring sites with a wide variety of subjects in different languages. The platform has community tutors and professional tutors, both with trial lesson availability, and lessons are paid for with italki credits.
Job Requirements
- A C1 proficiency in English as per the Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR)
- Either a Bachelor’s degree or accredited documentation such as TEFL certification or a teaching license
- Valid identification documents
Salary (USD)
$10 – $80 per hour
Commission
italki tutors receive a 15% commission after their final lesson in the chosen package.
16. English Ninjas
Company Summary
English Ninjas as a company emphasize the importance of fun and practice to supplement their English lessons. Learners can choose from a variety of tutors and have their lessons saved to review or help with assessment. Completion of coursework is awarded a certificate.
Job Requirements
- Either an already-obtained Bachelor’s degree or an undergraduate student
- A strong internet connection to be able to be in your lesson for the full allocated time
- Being a native English speaker
Salary (USD)
$9 – $13 per hour
Commission
Tutors are eligible for bonus compensation for blog post contributions as well as for the total amount of time tutoring on top of their base allocated time.
Job boards: The Top 4 Places To Look For Online Tutoring Jobs
Whether you choose to apply independently using a job board or find work through a specific teaching company, consider the following when conducting your research.
Teaching Company
Pros
- You have a set framework for your potential earnings and a reliable payment schedule.
- You get access to the established user base of the platform and gain the website’s credibility.
- There is often a lesson plan already made for you and all you have to do is teach it.
Cons
- Time zone differences can present unique challenges in keeping up and finding students.
- Some platforms take a percentage of your earnings.
Independent Teaching
Pros
- You have increased flexibility with your time and availability.
- You can set your own rates with fewer restrictions or caps.
- Your lessons are fully customized to your preferences and you have space to make adjustments.
Cons
- You have to be responsible for finding your students which can be a very long process if you don’t have a strong network.
- Your reputation has to be established from the ground up.
17. Teach Away
An internationally recognized platform for the education industry, this platform connects teachers from different avenues to their potential schools. The platform is for aspiring teachers and certified teachers alike as well as ESL teachers looking for an online role.
18. TeachingJobs
This platform focuses solely on education-related job postings. As a service, the platform connects qualified teaching professionals from preschool to senior schooling levels with an educational establishment.
19. FlexJobs
Established in 2007, this job board specializes in remote job postings and gives users all across the world access to work-from-home opportunities. They also provide résumé coaching and career help services.
20. The Job Network
One of the leading job boards out there, this platform has over 2 million worldwide job postings and connects qualified job seekers with employers through personalized job posting campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1: Is an ESL certification, like a TEFL certificate, needed?
Yes. For you to qualify for globally-recognized certification and be permitted to teach English online or acquire an online ESL job, a TEFL certificate from a reputable provider is needed.
#2: How can I be certain that my students are learning?
If you’re feeling unsure about the effectiveness of your online English lessons, it’s always a good idea to use measures that track your student’s progress. Practice exercises and even an online English test are great ways to know your students are learning in class.
#3: Do I have to prepare the teaching material by myself?
While it is encouraged that a tutor has pre-planned teaching materials, searching for online English lesson plans as inspiration might help. There are no set rules on how to teach English online so taking bits and pieces of information from various sources can help.
#4 What will I need to change if I already have the lessons planned to teach them online?
Your plans might be subject to change if you have to adapt to teach English online to kids, for example. Perhaps you would need to make your English lessons easier for younger minds to comprehend in a fun and engaging way by adding games or imaginative methods of teaching.
#5: How can I encourage online students to participate more actively in lectures?
This depends on whether you teach English to adults or teach English to kids. With adults, creating an environment that welcomes mistakes will account for potential anxiety or embarrassment and make it less hostile to engage. Children are more likely to respond better to fun activities and play that is also educational.
Go Ahead and Apply Away!
With this comprehensive list of options for you to try your hand at online tutoring, you’ll be setting up your webcam and workstation in no time at all. Find a platform that suits your individual needs and see what works and what doesn’t. Be sure to check out AmazingTalker for an online tutoring experience that puts you in control.
