What Are The Basic Requirements To Teach English Online?

Dreaming of that work-from-home life where pants are optional? Perhaps becoming a digital nomad while you bounce from country to country and work when it suits you is more your style? Whatever it may be, teaching English online is making this possible for thousands of people around the world - and it's here to stay! But before you embrace a pants-less work environment, make sure you meet the basic qualifications to teach English online.

What Qualifications Do You Need to Teach English Online?

To teach English online successfully, you must have a TEFL certificate, a laptop with a webcam, and a fast and reliable Internet connection. A 4-year college degree is recommended but not mandatory. Finally, native English proficiency is expected from employers. 

How to Become an Online Teacher: the Requirements

Now that you know what you need, let's take a look at the following requirements to teach English online in more detail:

Watch this brief video about online teaching requirements:

1. Get Your TEFL Certification

Being a native or fluent English speaker is a key part of teaching English online, but that alone does not qualify just anyone to take charge of a student’s future with the English language.

Do You Need TEFL to Teach English Online?

Both students and online language schools typically seek out English teachers holding a legitimate (accredited) TEFL certificate because they are looking to hire teachers with a strong grasp of important skills in areas like lesson planning, classroom management (in a virtual setting), and teaching grammar.

Can I Teach English Online with a TEFL Certificate?

Yes, you can. Online language schools typically require their English teachers to hold a legitimate TEFL certificate. A professional-level TEFL certification will provide you with the skills and qualifications you need to get hired to teach English online, even with no prior experience in education.

If you don't have an accredited TEFL certification, then this is your first step. To start your research and learn how to get TEFL certified to teach English online, take a look at International TEFL Academy's TEFL course options. We offer online TEFL courses, in-person TEFL classes in 20+ locations globally as well as additional TEFL Programs and ESL certification. 

2. Hold a 4-Year College Degree (Recommended But Not Mandatory)

While this is not always a mandatory requirement, you will find that a majority of the reputable teach English online employers require that all their teachers hold a Bachelor's degree (BA).

Demand for English language education among online students remains high, and a native English speaker is the ideal educator for this language education. It is extremely common for online language schools to prioritize a 4-year degree in addition to a TEFL certification when seeking English teachers, even if your degree is unrelated to education! Your 4-year degree can be in any field or subject matter - Marketing, Arts, Computer Science, Civil Law... you name it, it'll work - so long as it is a 4-year BA. 

Can I Teach English Online without a Degree?

Yes, you can. While many of the biggest online teaching companies require a 4-year degree and a TEFL certification, there are still some companies and online schools that will employ you without a degree, if you gain an accredited TEFL certification.

To learn more about opportunities to teach English online without a degree, please read 13 Companies That Let You Teach English Online Without a Degree.

3. Possess a Laptop, Webcam and Other Devices

This may seem obvious enough but the following technical items are important requirements for online teaching:

• Laptop (or desktop computer): Choose either a desktop computer or a laptop. A small number of online schools work via an app-based platform in which your cell phone or an iPad may be used. Make sure the teaching platform your online employer uses is both Windows and MAC compatible. Hujiang for example, is only compatible with a Windows operating system.
• Webcam or other cameras: You will need a high-definition (HD) external camera or an HD integrated camera (most laptops these days come with in-built cameras).
• Headset & microphone: Use a headset with a microphone for clearer communication and to help omit background noise.

4. Secure a Fast and Reliable Internet Connection 

It should go without saying that you will need a fast Internet connection to teach English online. Most online employers require a wired connection (instead of WiFi) and a majority of them even have upload and download speeds you will need to adhere too. During the interview process, you will likely be asked to conduct a speed test so they can confirm that your Internet speed will satisfy their requirements and not drop out mid-class.

Not sure how to check your Internet speed? You can do it here.

Here are just a few Internet speed requirements requested by some online English teaching schools:

• VIPKid: Wired DSL Internet Connection - at least 20 Mbps
• DaDa: Upload speed at least 2Mbps & download speed at least 10Mbps
• Magic Ears: Min. requirement for both download and upload speed is 10Mbps
• Hujiang: Internet speed over 10Mbps
  
  

5. Planning & Research

Researching your options for TEFL training, employment options, and even equipment is critical for you to achieve success as an online English teacher. Here are some top resources to help you get started on your journey as a professional online English teacher.

• Downloadable PDF Ebook Guide to Teaching English Online
• Internationally Accredited TEFL Certification options
• How Much Money Can I Make Teaching English Online?
• Teaching English Online Specialty Course
• 8 FAQs About Teaching English Online

Extra Helpful Tips for Teaching English Online

Boost Your Online Teaching Skills Set & Your Resume with Advanced Teaching English Online Training

By taking ITA's two-week, 30-hour Teaching English Online Specialty Course, you can enhance both your teaching skills and make yourself more marketable in an increasingly competitive job market. Developed by experienced experts in the TEFL field, this part-time course will not only train you in teaching methodologies specific to virtual learning, you will also learn how to navigate international job markets for teaching English online.

How Much Can I Earn Teaching English Online

Most new teachers holding a TEFL certification typically earn between $10 and $20 USD per hour. However, those with additional experience and qualifications, such as an education degree, can earn between $30 and $50 USD per hour or even higher, particularly when teaching specialized courses like Standardized Test Prep for proficiency exams.

Additionally, it's important to consider that in numerous countries, the cost of living is much lower than in the U.S., which means the money you earn from teaching English abroad can stretch much further.

Read More: How Much Money Can I Make Teaching English Online?

How to Become A Digital Nomad

Do you envision living and exploring places like Mexico, Vietnam, and Costa Rica? As an online English teacher, you have the freedom to work from any location, allowing you to carry your job with you and earn an income on the go. If this is something you're interested in, check out ITA's new Digitial Nomad TEFL Package, which will provide you with the training, resources, and guidance you need to live and teach English abroad and online as a Digital Nomad.

What Are Some Advantages of Teaching English Online?

Why teach English online? Here are some critical advantages of teaching English online versus teaching in a classroom setting:

• Work from anywhere in the world. Teaching online allows you to travel and work from virtually any location without disrupting your income. This is ideal if you want to live, work and travel internationally as a "Digital Nomad."
  
  With a reliable internet connection and a suitable environment, you can teach English remotely from almost anywhere. Recently, numerous ITA graduates have been exploring different countries while maintaining a consistent income through remote teaching. 

• Teach from the comfort and convenience of home. Online English teaching provides an opportunity to work remotely and make money from home as a full-time job or part-time gig. 
  
  
• Flexible scheduling. Typically, teaching English online offers greater flexibility in managing your daily and weekly schedule compared to classroom teaching. You have the option to work either full-time or part-time and can determine your own hours and work schedule. Conversely, in-person English teachers often have limited control over their schedules and frequently adhere to a standard 9-5 workday. 
  
  
• Gain professional experience in the field of remote learning, one of the fastest-growing areas in education both in the U.S. and abroad. You can't learn these skills teaching in a brick-and-mortar classroom.
  
  
• If you are planning to teach English abroad, you can gain valuable teaching experience – and make start-up cash – before you head overseas.
  
  

• You have the opportunity to positively influence people's lives while earning an income. With over 1 billion individuals learning English to improve their professional, educational, and personal prospects, you can play a crucial role in helping them reach their aspirations.

• Interact with people from all over the world, and build relationships with students from different cultures & backgrounds.

How Can I Secure a Position Teaching English Online?

Most top online teaching platforms offer links and forms on their websites for applying to English teaching positions. Furthermore, many of these platforms list job vacancies on well-known online ESL job boards. There are also online communities and job boards specifically for teaching English online, where you can market your services as an independent instructor to students looking for private lessons.

When applying for online English teaching roles, you can enhance your likelihood of receiving favorable responses by tailoring your resume and cover letter to emphasize your online teaching skills and your commitment to helping your students succeed in their goals.

Many organizations may also ask for a video profile or a sample video of you delivering a virtual lesson. It's crucial to emphasize any prior teaching experience, especially in ESL (English as a Second Language) or online teaching, and to highlight your TEFL certification along with any other TEFL or TESOL-related training.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, teaching English online offers a flexible and rewarding career path that allows you to work from virtually anywhere in the world. To embark on this journey, securing a TEFL certification is essential, along with having a reliable laptop, webcam, and internet connection. While a 4-year degree is recommended, it is not always mandatory, opening doors for many aspiring teachers. The benefits of teaching online include the ability to set your own schedule, gain valuable remote teaching experience, and make a positive impact on students' lives globally. By leveraging the right resources and honing your skills, you can successfully navigate the online teaching landscape and enjoy the freedom and opportunities it brings.