Requirements to Teach English Online Without a Tertiary Degree
In today’s interconnected world, teaching English online has become a viable and popular career option for many. With the growing demand for English language skills globally, there are ample opportunities for individuals to teach English online, even without a tertiary degree. This article will guide you through the steps, provide tips, and highlight the potential challenges and rewards of teaching English online without a formal degree.
1. Understanding the Market and Opportunities
The online English teaching market is
booming, fuelled by the globalization of business, travel, and the internet.
Non-native English speakers from countries such as China, South Korea, Japan,
Brazil, and Russia are actively seeking English tutors to improve their
language skills. Many of these learners prefer online classes because they
offer flexibility, convenience, and a personalized learning experience.
Key Opportunities:
Teaching Platforms
There are several online platforms
like Cambly, iTalki, and Preply that allow you to sign up as a tutor without
requiring a tertiary degree.
Freelancing
You can also choose to work as a
freelance English tutor, finding your own students through social media, word
of mouth, or specialized forums.
Specialized Tutoring
Teaching English for specific
purposes, such as business English or exam preparation, can also open doors to
higher-paying clients.
2. Essential Skills and Qualities
While a tertiary degree may not be necessary, there are essential skills and qualities that can significantly increase your chances of success:
·
You
must have a strong command of the English language, including grammar,
pronunciation, and vocabulary.
·
Understanding
how to explain concepts clearly, engage students, and adapt to different
learning styles is crucial.
·
Every
student learns at their own pace, so being patient and adaptable is important.
·
Working
with students from diverse backgrounds requires an awareness and sensitivity to
cultural differences.
3. Certification and Qualifications
While a degree is not mandatory,
having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching
English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification can greatly enhance your
credibility and employability. These certifications provide foundational
knowledge in teaching methodology, lesson planning, and classroom management,
which can be valuable even in an online setting.
Click here to sign up for a TEFL certification!!!
Benefits of Certification:
·
Certifications
make you more attractive to both hiring platforms and prospective students.
·
TEFL/TESOL
courses equip you with teaching techniques that can make your lessons more
effective and engaging. (Click here to find out more about TEFL/TESOL)
·
Some
platforms or students may prefer or require certified tutors, even if they
don’t insist on a tertiary degree.
4. Choosing the Right Platform
Not all online teaching platforms have the same requirements or offer the same benefits. Some platforms are more flexible regarding qualifications, making them ideal for those without a degree.
Popular Platforms:
Cambly- No degree or teaching certification
required; it focuses on conversational English, and students can book sessions
spontaneously.
iTalki- Allows you to set your own rates and
schedule. While it prefers experienced tutors, it does not mandate a degree.
Preply- This platform allows tutors to
create their own profiles, set rates, and define their niche, such as business
English or exam preparation.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Platform:
·
Understand
how much of your earnings will be taken as commission by the platform.
·
Consider
the flexibility of scheduling and whether you can control your own working
hours.
·
Look
into the demographics of the students on each platform to ensure they align
with your teaching strengths.
5. Building a Strong Profile
Your profile is your first impression
on potential students. Here are some tips to create an attractive and
professional tutor profile:
Professional Photo:
Use a clear, friendly, and
professional-looking photo.
Engaging Introduction Video:
Platforms like Preply allow you to
upload a video introducing yourself. Highlight your teaching style, skills, and
enthusiasm.
Detailed Bio:
Write a compelling bio that outlines
your teaching experience, methods, and any relevant certifications. Emphasize
your strengths, such as your ability to teach business English or prepare
students for exams like TOEFL or IELTS.
Set Competitive Rates:
Start with competitive rates to
attract your first students and increase them gradually as you gain experience
and positive reviews.
6. Creating Effective Lessons
To stand out as a tutor, your lessons
need to be engaging, well-structured, and tailored to meet the needs of each
student.
Tips for Creating Engaging Lessons:
·
Start
by understanding what each student wants to achieve, whether it's improving
conversation skills, passing an exam, or enhancing business communication.
·
Incorporate
videos, articles, quizzes, and interactive activities to make lessons more
dynamic.
·
Provide
Constructive Feedback, regular feedback helps students recognize their progress
and areas that need improvement.
·
Be
prepared to adjust your teaching style or lesson plan based on how the student
is responding.
7. Marketing Yourself as a Tutor
If you choose to freelance, marketing
yourself effectively is key to attracting students.
Marketing Strategies:
·
Use
platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to promote your services. Join
groups or communities where potential students are active.
·
Create
a website or Blog, having a personal website or blog can help showcase your
expertise, share valuable content, and attract students organically.
·
Encourage
satisfied students to refer you to others. Offering a referral discount can be
a great incentive.
Click here to sign up for a TEFL certification!!!
8. Challenges and How to Overcome Them
·
The
market can be saturated with tutors, some of whom may have degrees or more
experience. To stand out, focus on niche markets or offer unique services.
·
It
may take time to build a steady stream of students. Patience and consistent
marketing efforts are key.
·
Online
teaching can be unpredictable in terms of income. Diversifying your teaching
platforms or offering various services can help stabilize your earnings.
Teaching English online without a
tertiary degree is not only possible but can also be a successful and rewarding
endeavour. By leveraging the right platforms, obtaining certifications, and
continuously improving your teaching skills, you can carve out a niche for
yourself in this dynamic field. Whether you’re looking to supplement your
income or build a full-time career, the opportunities are vast and accessible
for those willing to put in the effort..
