{"id":14816,"date":"2025-08-04T00:09:54","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T06:09:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=14816"},"modified":"2025-08-05T22:26:14","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T04:26:14","slug":"what-is-freelance-english-teacher","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is an Independent English Teacher (and Should I Become One)?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>Teaching English online independently is a job that offers the ultimate flexibility. You can work from anywhere in the world, put in as many or as few hours as you want, and run your own business. It\u2019s a great option for new teachers without experience, for experienced teachers looking for extra money on the side, or for anyone wanting to be their own boss and make a long-term career out of TEFL. Let&#8217;s take a look at what being a freelance English teacher entails!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-bf8bdcb1-a6b0-461c-a19b-611a45dc478b\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/#0-what-is-an-independent-online-english-teacher\" style=\"\">What is an independent online English teacher?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/#1-types-of-independent-english-teachers\" style=\"\">Types of independent English teachers<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/#2-1-teachers-who-freelance-with-online-language-schools\" style=\"\">1. Teachers who freelance with online language schools<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/#4-2-freelance-teachers-who-use-online-marketplaces\" style=\"\">2. Freelance teachers who use online marketplaces<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/#6-3-teacherpreneurs-who-run-their-own-business\" style=\"\">3. Teacherpreneurs who run their own business<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/what-is-freelance-english-teacher\/#8-profile-of-a-freelance-english-teacher\" style=\"\">Profile of a freelance English teacher<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-is-an-independent-online-english-teacher\">What is an independent online English teacher?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>At Bridge, the term <em>independent English teacher<\/em> refers to educators who operate outside of traditional school structures and have greater control over their teaching careers. This includes:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-cd77dc65-7972-4403-96aa-045d1ca49d16\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-755b239d-a99c-4b46-8182-faf42265754a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Freelance<\/strong> teachers who work with online language schools<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2f987066-cfdf-47ef-9394-f7e6a92cf442\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Teachers on marketplaces<\/strong> who promote their services directly to students through platforms<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-939b716a-97cf-4708-a066-9a1ad646d36a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Teacherpreneurs<\/strong> who run their own businesses, offering private or group lessons independently<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>A freelance teacher typically works for themselves rather than being employed by a single company. This can include online or in-person teachers, those who work with students one-on-one or in groups, and teachers with specialized <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/finding-your-english-language-teaching-niche\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ESL niches<\/a> like <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/start-teaching-ielts-exam-prep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">exam prep<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-business-english\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Business English<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike teachers who work for a company, independent teachers set their own rates, choose their schedules, and market their services. They also handle logistics like payment processing and curriculum. Some may blend approaches \u2013 freelancing with companies while also <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/start-an-online-english-teaching-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">running their own businesses<\/a> on the side, a practice sometimes called portfolio teaching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teaching English online independently is also a great way to live and work abroad. Thanks to advances in technology, you no longer need to secure a job with a local school before moving to another country. You can support yourself by teaching English online while you explore your new home, or even while searching for an in-person teaching job once you arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>For more info on the differences between working with ESL companies and freelancing, read this next: <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-teach-online-work-for-company-or-myself\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Should I Work With a Company or for Myself?<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template2\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teacherpreneur-academy\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Teacherpreneur-Academy.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Create your path to professional independence<\/h5><h3>Teacherpreneur Academy<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teacherpreneur-academy\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Join the Academy<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-types-of-independent-english-teachers\">Types of independent English teachers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Independent English teachers can structure their careers in a variety of ways. Some prefer the consistency of working with online language schools, while others value the flexibility of teacher marketplaces or the full autonomy of running their own business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are three common paths to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-1-teachers-who-freelance-with-online-language-schools\">1. Teachers who freelance with online language schools<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some independent teachers work with online language schools like Bridge Corporate Languages, English First, Learnlight, or Voxy. These companies typically hire teachers as contractors, not full-time employees, which offers more flexibility than a traditional job but with less independence than running your own business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-what-does-freelancing-with-an-online-language-school-look-like-\"><strong>What does freelancing with an online language school look like?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-217e380f-01a6-4f1d-a212-4faa421d0719\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-bc87743e-758c-4304-98b2-42823f03c9a7\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Students and lesson materials are provided<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ec272fa2-8361-4914-a811-6dbbe78f4111\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You may have some flexibility, but often need to meet minimum hour requirements<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-65b70943-d364-4d75-b9db-42b6535bb05b\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You are paid a set rate (you don\u2019t control pricing)<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d29b8100-d56c-4893-b9e3-50b8932d6d73\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">The company handles all admin, scheduling, and payments<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-d5a2ac6d-dda2-4049-8367-97c9fde45ea9\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You don\u2019t need to market yourself or find students<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-2c57e06d-664e-41ac-95e3-d106c6b33a97\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You&#8217;re still working independently as a contractor \u2013 not as a full-time employee<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>This can be a good entry point for teachers who want consistent work with less responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-2-freelance-teachers-who-use-online-marketplaces\">2. Freelance teachers who use online marketplaces<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/marketplace-teaching-english-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ESL marketplace<\/a>, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.italki.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">italki<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/preply-empowering-teachers-connecting-learners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Preply<\/a>, or Cambly, essentially acts as a &#8220;middleman,&#8221; allowing you to advertise yourself on their platform to the students they&#8217;ve recruited. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Working via a marketplace falls somewhere in between running your own business and working with an <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/companies-seeking-online-english-teachers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ESL company<\/a>, as you&#8217;ll be in charge of your schedule and rates but won&#8217;t have to handle things like payments and student recruitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-what-does-teaching-with-a-marketplace-look-like-\"><strong>What does teaching with a marketplace look like?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-1731b586-9802-4ccc-af2d-1b358373750b\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5f717178-0429-487d-80d0-a0b990e28a55\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You&#8217;ll <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tips-creating-ideal-online-english-teaching-schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">create your own schedule<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5f717178-0429-487d-80d0-a0b990e28a55\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Creating an effective <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/make-online-teacher-profile\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online teaching profile<\/a> is a must<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5f717178-0429-487d-80d0-a0b990e28a55\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You&#8217;ll <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/setting-your-rates-freelance-english-tutor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">set your own rates<\/a> (though platforms take a commission)<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5f717178-0429-487d-80d0-a0b990e28a55\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You create your own teaching materials<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-955f7074-08a1-4b19-9bac-cd126ad36f2a\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">The platform handles payments and attracts students for you<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-698956dc-4e26-48b1-812c-c1193505afbb\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You\u2019ll need a strong profile and intro video to stand out<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-5acd24b2-e123-45c0-a59c-8ef73b472511\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Basic marketing and sales skills help you attract and retain students<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized alignnone wp-image-14528\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"795\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Suchismita.jpg\" alt=\"freelance English teacher online\" class=\"wp-image-14528\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Suchismita.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Suchismita-980x649.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Suchismita-480x318.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Suchismita, from India, uses the marketplace Preply.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/suchismita-from-india-freelance-online-esl-teacher-france\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freelance teacher Suchismita<\/a>, who lives in Paris, offers this advice for teachers thinking of using a marketplace:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cTo attract students, you need to make an interesting <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/introduction-video-teaching-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">self-introduction video<\/a> and mention your teaching skills, methodology, and strategies on your profile page. I\u2019ve gotten students who got in touch with me through the Preply platform after they saw my video. So, making a good video and updating your skills is a must.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-english-tutor-marketplaces-are-continuing-to-evolve\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read about how ELT marketplaces are continuing to evolve.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-3-teacherpreneurs-who-run-their-own-business\">3. Teacherpreneurs who run their own business<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some independent teachers take full control of their careers by building their own teaching businesses. These teacherpreneurs promote their services directly, on social media, their website, or through referrals, and manage every aspect of their work independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-what-does-running-your-own-english-teacherpreneur-business-look-like-\"><strong>What does running your own English teacherpreneur business look like?<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-4ab76c07-ccc9-469f-89b3-60c964fb4fda\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-114dd409-d1fa-4931-bd00-03d2c5b25556\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You set your own schedule, pricing, and policies<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-fba38456-41dd-4ad5-924d-599418594ae6\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You choose the platform(s) for delivering lessons<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-1ff2d266-4cb9-412f-b295-9ef6db055901\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You decide what and how you teach \u2013 using ready-made lessons, customizing content, or <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/creating-materials-efl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">creating your own<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-80fb6a99-8923-44b6-a9e9-6d5d6aba5f8c\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/manage-cash-flow-freelance-english-teacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manage cash flow<\/a>, marketing, payments, scheduling, and <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-find-online-esl-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">attracting students<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-def9fba8-c551-4da7-a2ac-686b15babcfc\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You have complete freedom \u2013 and full responsibility<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p> While this path requires the most effort, especially at the beginning, it also offers the highest level of flexibility, creative freedom, and long-term earning potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tackling-operational-challenges-freelance-teacher\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Learn more about tackling operational challenges as a freelance teacher.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized alignnone wp-image-9876\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"750\" height=\"638\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/IMG-0543.jpg\" alt=\"online freelance English teacher\" class=\"wp-image-9876\" style=\"width:600px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/IMG-0543.jpg 750w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/IMG-0543-480x408.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 750px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Carla filming an ESL video<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/freelance-english-teacher-carla-growing-her-business-through-social-media\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Freelance teacher Carla<\/a>, from Brazil, uses <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/use-social-media-get-online-english-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">social media to get online English students<\/a>. She believes that marketing takes patience and perseverance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat I\u2019d like to highlight about promoting your work online is that it\u2019s a never-ending job. One needs to be persistent because results don\u2019t come overnight. Sometimes you feel like you\u2019re going nowhere, but then you get this one reply saying, \u2018Thank you for your post,\u2019 and it\u2019s all worth it. Putting ourselves in a position where we always have something to learn allows us to be better and more reliable teachers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template1\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-independent-english-teaching\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ebook-New-to-TEFL-How-to-Become-an-Independent-English-Teacher.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Ready to be your own boss? Read the free eBook<\/h5><h3>New to TEFL? How to Become an Independent English Teacher<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-independent-english-teaching\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Many teacherpreneurs continue to grow their businesses over time, sometimes bringing on additional teachers, creating digital products, or offering teacher training. Others expand into related opportunities like presenting at <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/tesol-conference\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TEFL\/TESOL conferences<\/a>, speaking on <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/webinars\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL\/TESOL webinars<\/a>, or running YouTube channels to share their expertise with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The great thing about running your own English teaching business is that the sky\u2019s the limit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Blog-Interview-Image-Template--500x281.jpg\" alt=\"freelance teacher\" class=\"wp-image-20946\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Blog-Interview-Image-Template--500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Blog-Interview-Image-Template--480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 500px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Gustavo started his career teaching for a school before deciding to launch his own business as a teacherpreneur.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/gustavo-english-tutor-teacher-trainer-rio-de-janeiro\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bridge grad Gustavo Fr\u00f3es<\/a> runs his own online English tutoring business and has also expanded into teacher training. He&#8217;s an active member of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.braztesol.org.br\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BRAZ-TESOL<\/a>, the Brazilian affiliate of TESOL International, and notes, &#8220;The teachers who I end up teaching are mostly connected through BRAZ-TESOL. People know me through that, or they look me up or ask me questions because they know about my involvement. Nowadays, they mostly come from my website, my partnerships with other teachers, and Instagram \u2013 the new advertising source for teacherpreneurs.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re willing to put in the effort and time to <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/how-to-find-online-esl-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">find your own students<\/a> and do some marketing, the reward is well worth it. You can learn the business and marketing skills needed to launch your own English tutoring business in Bridge\u2019s Specialized Course: <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/teacherpreneur-academy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teacherpreneur Academy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/monetize-your-freelance-teaching-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>See all the ways you can monetize your freelance teaching business.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-profile-of-a-freelance-english-teacher\">Profile of a freelance English teacher<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Krzl Nu\u00f1es is a freelance online English teacher from the Philippines who lives in Chile. When she first moved to Chile, she worked in various language centers, but when her students began recommending her to their friends and family, she was able to switch to freelancing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the pandemic began, she transitioned to freelance <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/teach-english-online-from-home\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">teaching English online<\/a>, and she currently teaches General English, Business English, and IELTS exam prep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized alignnone wp-image-12021\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"719\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Image-from-iOS-2.jpg\" alt=\"Krzl, a freelance English teacher in Chile\" class=\"wp-image-12021\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Image-from-iOS-2.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Image-from-iOS-2-980x550.jpg 980w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Image-from-iOS-2-480x270.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1280px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Krzl teaching online in Chile<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>She offers this advice to prospective independent language teachers: \u201cBeing a freelancer is about being patient and confident in your skills. There may be days when you doubt yourself, especially when it comes to your ability to attract and retain students. If this ever happens, it\u2019s important to remember that you\u2019re a great teacher and that you have a lot to offer \u2013 especially if you know that you\u2019ve taken courses in teaching. Even if you don\u2019t have prior experience, you just have to be confident.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously, you also have to work hard because if your students see that you\u2019re really making an effort and that you\u2019re doing a good job, there is a big chance that they will recommend you to their circle of friends or their family members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, it\u2019s also very important to be organized because, as a freelance English teacher, you may become a jack-of-all-trades. You have to manage your own schedule, coordinate with students, and do a lot of things. Even though you have a flexible schedule, it\u2019s still important to be organized with your time, money, and everything related to your business.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-curious-about-how-to-begin-heres-how-to-get-started-as-a-freelance-english-teacher-\"><em>Curious about how to begin? <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/get-started-freelance-english-teaching-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Here&#8217;s how to get started as a freelance English teacher.<\/a><\/em><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Find out how being a freelance English teacher is different from working with an ESL company, and discover your options when it comes to working for yourself. Plus, hear what freelancing is like from English teachers currently doing it!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":39969,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,659,14],"tags":[886,481,934,872,936,639,747,745,560,297],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-14816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-job-resources","category-teaching-english-independently","category-teaching-english-online","tag-building-a-teaching-business","tag-career-planning","tag-digital-nomads","tag-finding-english-students-online","tag-independent-teaching-success-stories","tag-learning-platforms","tag-managing-freelance-teaching","tag-online-english-teaching-jobs","tag-student-management","tag-teacherpreneur"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/What-Is-an-Independent-English-Teacher-featured-image.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Camille Turner","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/camille-turner\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14816"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14816\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":39970,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14816\/revisions\/39970"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/39969"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14816"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=14816"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=14816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}