There are three main ways to teach English online: working for a company, using a teaching marketplace, or starting your own tutoring business.

1. Work for an Online English Teaching Company

• The company provides students, curriculum, and a teaching platform.
• Teachers follow a structured program but may have limited flexibility.
• Pay rates vary but typically range from $12–$21 per hour.

2. Use an Online Teacher Marketplace

• Teachers create a profile and set their own rates.
• The platform connects them with students but does not provide a set curriculum.
• This option offers flexibility but requires self-promotion to attract students.

3. Start Your Own Online Teaching Business

• Teachers find their own students, create custom lesson plans, and set their own pricing.
• Requires marketing, business skills, and student retention strategies.
• Offers higher earning potential but demands more effort to grow a client base

Getting started as an online English teacher involves a few key steps:

1. Get Certified

• Most online teaching jobs require a TEFL/TESOL certification (at least 120 hours).
• Specialized certification in Teaching English Online will make you stand out.

2. Decide How You Want to Teach

• Choose between working for a company, using a marketplace, or freelancing.
• Consider your income goals, flexibility needs, and preferences.

3. Set Up Your Online Teaching Space

• Invest in a good webcam, microphone, and noise-canceling headset.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection (10-15 Mbps recommended).

4. Start Applying or Marketing Yourself

• Apply to online teaching companies that match your qualifications.
• If freelancing, create a website, social media presence, or marketplace profile.

The qualifications to teach English online from home vary depending on the company or platform, but some online tutoring jobs do not require a degree. Here are the general requirements for most online English teaching jobs:

• TEFL certification – A TEFL/TESOL certificate is typically required, and a specialized certification in teaching English online can give you a competitive edge.
• Bachelor’s degree – While some online teaching companies require a bachelor's degree, many do not. It's essential to research individual company requirements, as opportunities exist for those without a degree, especially if you have a TEFL/TESOL certification.
• Teaching experience – Experience working with children is often preferred if the company focuses on young learners.
• Technical setup – A reliable Internet connection, desktop or laptop computer, headset, and webcam are essential.
• English proficiency – Most companies require teachers to have a high level of English fluency (C1 or C2 CEFR/native speaker level).

If you’re looking to become an English tutor online without a degree, consider freelance English tutoring or starting your own online teaching business, where requirements are more flexible.

Absolutely! You don’t have to be a native speaker to teach English online. Many online English teaching companies welcome bilingual teachers, as long as they meet certain English proficiency requirements (usually C1 or C2 level on the CEFR)

If you find that some English online teaching companies prefer native speakers, don’t get discouraged — there are still plenty of opportunities! You can:

• Apply to online teaching platforms that specifically hire bilingual teachers.
• Become an English tutor online by setting up a profile on a teaching marketplace, where students select their own teachers.
• Teach English from home as a freelancer and market your skills to students who may prefer learning from a bilingual teacher.

If you’re a non-native speaker looking to stand out, earning a TEFL/TESOL certification can help boost your credentials and attract more students.

To successfully teach English online from home, you'll need a few essential tools to ensure high-quality lessons. Many online English teaching companies provide their own platforms, making it easy to log in and start teaching, but having the right setup is crucial for smooth, professional lessons.

Basic Requirements:

• A desktop or laptop computer – Most online teaching English platforms require a stable device rather than a tablet or phone.
• High-speed Internet – A reliable, high-speed internet connection is crucial for effective online teaching. Speeds of 10-15 Mbps are typically sufficient for uninterrupted, quality classes. Some companies may also prefer or require a wired (ethernet) connection to ensure stability.
• Quality webcam and microphone – Many online English tutoring jobs require clear video and audio for an engaging learning experience.

Additional Equipment for a Professional Setup:

• Noise-canceling headphones – A good headset enhances call quality and minimizes background noise.
• A quiet, well-lit workspace – While you don’t need a dedicated office, make sure your background looks professional and distraction-free.

By setting up a proper online teaching environment, you'll be prepared to work for an English tutoring platform or start your own independent English teaching business with confidence!

Working for an online English teaching company:

• Most English tutoring platforms offer starting rates of $12 to $21 per hour.
• Some companies provide performance-based bonuses or pay raises for experienced teachers.
• Rates may vary based on whether you're teaching young learners or adults.

Setting your own rates as a freelance English tutor:

• On online teaching marketplaces, tutors set their own hourly rates based on qualifications and demand.
• Highly experienced teachers can charge $30 per hour or more.
• Those who start their own online English tutoring business can scale earnings beyond hourly pay

If you're interested in becoming an independent online English teacher, the Bridge Teacherpreneur Academy provides the skills needed to teach English online from home and build a successful business!