A Review of Teaching on Preply: Here's All You Need to Know
Online teaching platforms have
revolutionized the way education is delivered, offering flexibility, a broad
audience, and the chance to grow professionally. For aspiring tutors, platforms
like Preply have opened up global teaching opportunities, allowing them to
connect with students from over 180 countries. This article explores what it’s
like to teach on Preply, covering the essentials such as class structure,
earnings potential, the tutor approval process, and more.
The Tutor Registration Process
The process of becoming a tutor on
Preply is straightforward, designed to attract a diverse group of tutors.
Preply welcomes tutors with various backgrounds, regardless of whether they
have teaching experience or specific certifications. The platform's key focus
is on tutors who are passionate about sharing knowledge, have strong
communication skills, and can create personalized learning experiences for
international students.
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the Preply registration process:
Sign Up and Profile Creation: Tutors start by signing up and
filling in basic information about themselves. They are required to upload a
headshot photo, describe their teaching strengths, and record a two-minute
introduction video.
Approval Process: Once the profile is submitted,
Preply’s Tutor Success Team reviews it within five business days. A common
hurdle to quick approval is not meeting profile standards—particularly in terms
of the photo and video quality. Tutors can ensure faster approval by following
Preply’s specific guidelines, such as avoiding contact details in their
profiles and ensuring the content is authentic.
Start Earning: After approval, the tutor’s profile
becomes visible to students globally. From there, they can start booking
lessons with learners from all over the world.
This accessible registration process is one of Preply’s major draws. Tutors can teach over 100 subjects, including languages, academic subjects, hobbies, and arts. The platform provides guidelines for setting up a successful tutor profile, and tips on how to attract students quickly.
Class Structure and Teaching Flexibility
Preply offers an extremely flexible
teaching model that empowers tutors to manage their schedules independently.
This freedom is ideal for people with varying availabilities and lifestyles, as
there are no minimum time commitments or fixed schedules. Tutors can decide
when, how, and how often they want to teach.
Classes are conducted through an
interactive virtual classroom, designed to make online learning seamless and
efficient.
The platform provides built-in tools that help enhance the teaching experience:
Smart Calendar: Tutors can manage their availability
and schedule classes effortlessly.
Interactive Classroom: Lessons are conducted through
Preply’s own video conferencing tool, which supports various learning
resources.
Student Base: Tutors have access to a global
audience. Preply boasts more than 800,000 students from over 180 countries.
This structure allows tutors to teach
in a way that suits their preferences and lifestyle, making it ideal for both
part-time and full-time teaching.
Salary Potential: How Much Can Tutors Earn?
Preply provides tutors the freedom to
set their hourly rates, which can be changed at any time. According to data
from Preply, English tutors generally charge between $15 and $25 per hour (this
is approximately R280 to R475 per hour as of the latest exchange rates).
However, it’s important to note that Preply takes a commission on each lesson,
so the earnings will be slightly reduced.
Commission Structure
Trial Lesson Commission: Preply takes a 100% commission on
the first lesson with every new student. This means tutors do not earn anything
for trial lessons, but it is a good opportunity to secure long-term students.
Subsequent Lessons: After the trial, commissions range
between 33% and 18%, depending on the number of hours taught on the platform.
The more lessons a tutor conducts, the lower the commission rate becomes.
Despite the commission, many top
tutors on the platform earn up to $550 (which is approximately R10,450) per
week. For new tutors, Preply advises starting with a lower hourly rate to
attract students faster, and then gradually increasing it as they build up a
student base.
Preply’s Support and Professional Growth Opportunities
Preply offers several avenues for
professional development, making it an attractive platform for both new and
experienced tutors. Once registered, tutors have access to resources that help
them grow, improve their teaching methods, and maintain student engagement.
Webinars and Training
Preply has readily available
professional development webinars, providing tutors with insights and
techniques to improve their performance. These webinars cover a wide range of
topics, from teaching methodologies to managing online classes effectively.
Attending these webinars can give tutors a competitive edge, as they learn new
skills to deliver better lessons and attract more students.
Supportive Tutor Community
Another valuable feature of Preply is
its tutor community. Tutors can interact with their peers, share tips, and seek
advice on improving their teaching methods or attracting more students. This
community-driven approach fosters collaboration, ensuring that tutors do not
feel isolated in their online teaching journey.
Preply’s Tutor Success Team
Preply provides customer support that helps tutors navigate issues, such as technical problems or concerns about students. The Tutor Success Team also guides tutors through the registration and approval process, making it easier to get started on the platform.
Requirements and Equipment Needed to Teach on Preply
One of the most appealing aspects of
Preply is the low barrier to entry. Tutors do not need any formal teaching
certification or prior teaching experience to get started. Instead, the
platform values communication skills, passion for teaching, and the ability to
personalize lessons for students. This inclusivity makes Preply a viable option
for a wide range of people, from students looking to earn extra income to
professionals seeking a flexible side job.
Technical Requirements
The technical requirements for
teaching on Preply are minimal. Tutors need:
·
A
reliable computer or laptop.
·
A
strong internet connection to ensure smooth video lessons.
·
A
good-quality webcam and microphone to conduct classes effectively.
·
The
platform’s in-built interactive classroom is user-friendly, and the smart
calendar helps tutors keep track of their schedules with ease.
Conclusion: Is Preply Worth It for Aspiring Tutors?
For anyone looking to teach online
and reach a global audience, Preply presents an attractive option. With
flexible scheduling, the ability to set your own hourly rates, and access to a
large pool of students, tutors can shape their teaching careers in a way that
suits their lifestyle.
While the commission structure might
seem daunting at first, the potential to earn up to R10,450 per week by
attracting regular students makes it worthwhile. Additionally, Preply's
supportive community, professional development opportunities, and user-friendly
interface make it easier for tutors to grow and improve over time.
Whether you’re an experienced teacher
looking to expand your reach or a newcomer eager to try out online tutoring,
Preply offers a supportive and flexible platform to start your teaching
journey.
