In today’s digital age, teaching English online has become an incredibly popular option for TESOL-certified educators. With a growing demand for English language instruction worldwide, online platforms provide teachers with the flexibility to work from anywhere, customize lessons, and engage with learners across the globe. Whether you’re looking to supplement your in-person teaching or transition fully to online education, there are numerous websites that offer opportunities to teach English online, each with its unique features and benefits.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top websites for teaching English online, helping you find the right platform to fit your teaching style and goals.
1. VIPKid
One of the most popular platforms for teaching English online, VIPKid connects TESOL-certified teachers with students in China. VIPKid specializes in teaching English to young learners, using an immersive, one-on-one model. Teachers can set their own schedules, and the platform provides all the lesson materials, so there’s no need for preparation.
Why It’s Great:
- Flexible scheduling with no minimum hours required.
- User-friendly platform that provides lesson plans and materials.
- Competitive pay and bonuses.
Teaching Tip:
Focus on using engaging props, gestures, and facial expressions to keep young learners interested during lessons.
2. Cambly
Cambly offers a more casual platform where English learners from around the world can connect with native speakers for conversational practice. This platform is ideal for TESOL teachers who enjoy informal, conversational lessons without a set curriculum.
Why It’s Great:
- No preparation is needed; students are looking for conversation practice.
- Flexible schedule—log in whenever you want to teach.
- Opportunities to work with both adults and children.
Teaching Tip:
Prepare a few conversation starters or fun activities to engage students who may be shy or hesitant to speak.
3. iTalki
iTalki is a global language learning platform that allows TESOL teachers to offer personalized English lessons to students of all ages. Teachers on iTalki set their own rates and have the freedom to create customized lesson plans tailored to their students’ needs.
Why It’s Great:
- Teachers can set their own prices and control their lesson plans.
- Great for building long-term relationships with students.
- Offers a wide range of language learners at different proficiency levels.
Teaching Tip:
Take advantage of iTalki’s flexible format to tailor lessons to individual students’ goals, such as improving business English or preparing for exams like IELTS or TOEFL.
4. Preply
Preply is another popular platform where TESOL-certified teachers can offer one-on-one lessons to students from around the world. Preply allows teachers to specialize in various areas of English, such as exam preparation, business English, or conversational practice, giving teachers a chance to focus on their strengths.
Why It’s Great:
- Teachers set their own rates and schedules.
- You can specialize in niche areas of English instruction.
- Provides tools for video lessons and scheduling directly on the platform.
Teaching Tip:
Offer students a free or discounted trial lesson to help them get familiar with your teaching style and encourage long-term bookings.
5. EF English First
EF English First is a well-established company that offers online English teaching opportunities to both children and adults, primarily in China. As a TESOL teacher for EF, you can access structured lesson plans and curriculum support, making it a good option if you prefer a more structured approach to teaching.
Why It’s Great:
- Established company with a large student base.
- Access to pre-made lesson plans and resources.
- Provides support and training for teachers.
Teaching Tip:
Use the lesson materials provided by EF as a foundation, but add your own personal touch to make the lessons more engaging for your students.
6. AmazingTalker
AmazingTalker connects TESOL-certified teachers with students around the world who are looking for personalized English lessons. Teachers can specialize in various types of lessons, such as conversation, grammar, pronunciation, or exam preparation. AmazingTalker allows teachers to build their own student base and set their own rates.
Why It’s Great:
- You control your teaching schedule and rates.
- Opportunities to teach both kids and adults.
- Offers an easy-to-use platform for video lessons and lesson management.
Teaching Tip:
Diversify your lesson offerings—consider teaching both general English and more specialized subjects like business or exam preparation to attract a wider range of students.
7. SkimaTalk
SkimaTalk focuses on helping students improve their spoken English through conversational practice. This platform is ideal for teachers who enjoy guiding students through real-life conversations and scenarios, rather than following a structured curriculum.
Why It’s Great:
- Conversational format makes lessons easy and fun.
- Flexible teaching schedule—work whenever you want.
- Focuses on adult learners, perfect for teachers who prefer teaching mature students.
Teaching Tip:
Encourage students to bring topics they’re passionate about to the conversation—this makes lessons more engaging and encourages more natural language use.
8. Lingoda
Lingoda is an online language school that offers group and one-on-one English lessons to students around the world. As a TESOL teacher on Lingoda, you’ll follow a structured curriculum and teach a diverse range of students at different proficiency levels.
Why It’s Great:
- Offers structured lessons, making preparation easier for teachers.
- Opportunities to teach group classes or one-on-one sessions.
- Access to ongoing teacher support and development.
Teaching Tip:
Focus on encouraging student interaction during group lessons—create opportunities for students to practice speaking with one another to build their confidence.
9. Outschool
For TESOL teachers interested in teaching younger students, Outschool is a platform that allows you to create your own classes on topics you’re passionate about. While it’s not exclusively for English lessons, many TESOL-certified teachers use Outschool to teach English through creative themes like storytelling, science, or even games.
Why It’s Great:
- Freedom to design your own unique classes.
- Flexible scheduling with the ability to teach small groups.
- A diverse student base from around the world.
Teaching Tip:
Create thematic classes that appeal to young learners’ interests, such as teaching English through interactive games or storytelling activities.
10. Verbling
Verbling offers online English teaching jobs where TESOL teachers can set their own rates and schedules. Verbling’s platform includes built-in video chat, scheduling tools, and payment systems, making it a seamless option for both teachers and students.
Why It’s Great:
- Full control over your teaching rates and schedule.
- Built-in platform for video lessons, scheduling, and payments.
- A large base of students from around the world.
Teaching Tip:
Use Verbling’s built-in tools to create a professional teaching environment and manage your lessons and students effectively.
Conclusion
Teaching English online offers TESOL-certified educators the chance to connect with students from all over the world, while providing the flexibility to teach from home or anywhere with an internet connection. Whether you’re looking to teach young learners in China through VIPKid or offer personalized lessons to adults on platforms like iTalki and Preply, there are plenty of websites to choose from.
By using these platforms and following our teaching tips, you can create engaging, impactful lessons that help students improve their English skills, build your online teaching career, and experience the rewards of teaching in a digital classroom.
Ready to start teaching online? Choose a platform that suits your style and begin your TESOL adventure today!
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