Teaching English online is a flexible and profitable way to earn money, whether as a side hustle or a full-time career. With a growing global demand for English language learning, online tutors and teachers have many opportunities to earn from anywhere.
Step 1: Determine Your Teaching Approach
You can teach English online in different ways:
- One-on-One Tutoring: Personalized lessons for individual students
- Group Classes: Teaching multiple students at once
- Pre-Recorded Courses: Selling self-paced English lessons
- Teaching for Companies: Working for established online teaching platforms
Step 2: Get the Right Qualifications
While some platforms accept native English speakers without certifications, having these can increase job opportunities and pay rates:
- TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
- CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults)
Step 3: Choose an Online Teaching Platform
Many platforms connect English teachers with students worldwide. Some popular ones include:
- VIPKid (teaching Chinese students, requires a degree)
- Cambly (conversational English, no degree required)
- iTalki (set your rates, flexible schedule)
- Preply (personalized lessons, varying pay)
- Outschool (teaching kids in various subjects)
Alternatively, you can use Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet for private lessons.
Step 4: Set Your Rates and Payment Methods
Rates depend on experience and qualifications. Typical earnings include:
- Beginner tutors: $10–$20 per hour
- Experienced teachers: $25–$50 per hour
- Specialized English (e.g., Business English): $50+ per hour
Get paid through PayPal, Stripe, Wise, or direct bank transfers depending on the platform.
Step 5: Create Engaging Lesson Plans
Successful online English teachers use:
- Conversational practice
- Grammar exercises
- Reading and comprehension activities
- Interactive games and quizzes
Use resources like BBC Learning English, Duolingo, and Quizlet to make lessons more engaging.
Step 6: Find Private Students
Increase your earnings by teaching privately. You can:
- Market yourself on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- List services on Upwork, Fiverr, or Craigslist
- Build a personal website with your services and testimonials
Step 7: Scale Your Teaching Business
To increase income, consider:
- Offering group lessons
- Creating pre-recorded courses on Udemy or Teachable
- Writing English learning eBooks
- Starting a YouTube channel with English lessons