{"id":11104,"date":"2021-09-03T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=11104"},"modified":"2025-12-19T11:13:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T18:13:58","slug":"how-to-become-an-online-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-become-an-online-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become an Online Teacher in 5 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As the world continues to move toward online learning, virtual ESL teachers are in high demand, so there\u2019s no better time than now to break into the field of online English teaching<\/a>. After all, what\u2019s not to love about a fun, rewarding job with the flexibility to work from anywhere you like? Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide on how to become an online teacher to help you kickstart your new career.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Get qualified to teach online<\/h2>\n

Most new online English teachers start out working with a company (like LISA Learning International Language School<\/a>), but before you embark on a job hunt or send your application out, you’ll first want to make sure you fit the bill for teaching English online<\/a>. Each of these companies sets its own qualifications for online teachers; however, generally speaking, applicants are required to have the following prerequisites. Chances are, you\u2019re already close to qualified!<\/p>\n

A TEFL\/TESOL certification<\/h3>\n

Nearly every company asks their online English teacher to have a TEFL certification<\/a>, preferably one that incorporates a minimum of 120 hours of study<\/a> (consider earning the\u00a0Bridge Master TEFL\/TESOL Certificate<\/a> or, for more advanced training, the Bridge IDELTOnline<\/em>\u2122<\/a>). Having this certification proves that you\u2019re equipped with fundamental English teaching skills.<\/p>\n

To take your resume a step further and stand out to employers as a candidate who’s serious about preparing for a virtual teaching position, it’s highly recommended that you also add Specialized Certification in Teaching English Online<\/a> to your general online TEFL course<\/a> training. This will ensure that you have the skills needed for the virtual classroom, such as using online platforms and engaging students virtually.<\/p>\n

Another option is to take the Master Certificate + Teaching English Online Bundle<\/a>, a comprehensive, 240-hour certification that qualifies you to teach both online and abroad.<\/p>\n

A bachelor\u2019s degree<\/h3>\n

While it\u2019s true that many companies request teachers to possess a university degree (usually in any field), it\u2019s not impossible to find employers who accept applicants who are currently enrolled in a bachelor\u2019s program or who don\u2019t have a degree at all.<\/p>\n

Find out more about teaching English online without a degree.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Previous teaching experience<\/h3>\n

Although some companies require a certain number of years of classroom or online teaching experience, there are a number of online English schools that welcome newcomers<\/a> to the field. But even if you haven’t ever taught English, you can always gain experience in other ways, such as by completing a virtual teaching practicum<\/a>, volunteering, or offering your online tutoring services for free. When applying for online teaching jobs with companies, be sure to highlight these kinds of experience, along with other education-related activities like mentoring or training employees.<\/p>\n

Here are more ways to gain TEFL\/TESOL experience.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Computer and other equipment<\/h3>\n

A working computer (laptop or desktop), headset with microphone, webcam, and stable internet connection are the tech essentials required by online English teaching companies, though specifications may vary from company to company. Remember to give your equipment a test run before your interviews or any teaching demos to ensure that it is compatible with the most common teaching platforms.<\/p>\n

Check out our more comprehensive guide to online English teaching requirements.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Step 2: Decide who you want to teach online<\/h2>\n

If you want to become a teacher online, you’ll need to ask an important question: Do you want to teach English classes to kids, adults, or both? Choosing the right age group to teach will depend on your personal preferences and previous experience, as well as weighing the pros and cons of each option.<\/p>\n

Teaching English to kids or teens<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a teacher who’s brimming with energy and enjoys doing dynamic activities with your students, you\u2019ll have fun teaching children!<\/p>\n

Kids\u2019 classes often require you to have tons of patience, classroom management skills<\/a>, and a wealth of ideas to keep your learners engaged. Nonetheless, you\u2019re sure to have enthusiastic learners who are eager to participate in your games and not afraid to look or sound silly in class.<\/p>\n

Find out more about teaching English to adults vs. kids.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Teaching English to adults<\/h3>\n

On the other hand, giving English classes to adults<\/a> \u2013 who can include, for example, college students, business professionals, or people who work in tourism \u2013 is focused more on bolstering their language skills for a particular purpose. Though teaching adults involves less disciplining than teaching kids, it requires you to be detail-oriented and keep lessons relevant to their lives.<\/p>\n

Here are some companies where you can teach English online to adults.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

ESL niches<\/h3>\n

Aside from teaching a particular age group, you can similarly opt to teach specialized subjects or ESL niches<\/a>\u00a0such as Business English<\/a>, technical English, or preparing students for English language proficiency exams<\/a>, like the TOEFL or IELTS.<\/p>\n

If you want to stand out by teaching a certain ESL niche, you can gain unique, practical skills by taking Specialized Certificate courses<\/a> or short, targeted Micro-credential courses<\/a> in various subjects.<\/p>\n

\"Nasim,

Nasim, from Iran, teaching IELTS exam prep online<\/em><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

Step 3: Search for jobs that fit your qualifications and preferences<\/h2>\n

Now that you\u2019ve checked off the most important online ESL teaching requirements and you\u2019ve chosen who you want to teach, you can start your job search. The good news is, more and more online English teaching positions are becoming available, so if you have the right credentials, you\u2019ll find an opportunity that matches your qualifications and preferences.<\/p>\n

If you’re wondering how to teach online courses, here are some ways to find online English teaching jobs:<\/p>\n