This post explains the VIPKID requirements for teachers, updated for 2021. If you’re interested in online teaching, keep reading to learn about VIPKID qualifications and technical requirements to get started!
Important Update
In the years since this post was first published, VIPKID changed its online teaching platform, modified the application process, and shifted to a worldwide student base. Some of the information below is now out of date. For details about their new programs, check out the official VIPKID website.
What are the VIPKID Requirements 2021?
You’ll need to meet some basic requirements before you can begin the interview process. These are the VIPKID Teacher requirements as of 2021:
VIPKID Teacher Requirements to Apply
- Native English Speaker
- Eligible to work in USA or Canada
- Bachelor’s Degree
- +2 Year experience working with children
- UPDATE: As of 2020, VIPKID will not be hiring teachers who live in the State of California.
VIPKID Equipment Requirements
- Reliable internet connection
- Laptop or tablet
- Headset for teaching online
- Quiet, appropriate workspace
VIPKID Teacher Requirements for the Written Application
You’ll need the following VIPKID teacher requirements to fill out your written application.
Native English Speaker from USA or Canada
To work for VIPKID, you must be a native English speaker. VIPKID requires that teachers are eligible to work in the USA or Canada.
Unfortunately, VIPKID recently released a statement that they would not be able to hire teachers from the state of California.
Do you need a degree for VIPKID?
VIPKID requires all applicants to have a Bachelor’s degree. This Bachelor’s degree does not need to be in teaching. It can be in any subject, education-related or not, but it must be completed before you apply to VIPKID. You’ll have to provide documentation of your degree before you start teaching.
Don’t meet this requirement? Check out this list of 8 companies that hire teachers without degrees here!
+2 Year of Experience Working with Children
VIPKID requires that teachers have at least two years of experience working with children in some capacity. This doesn’t have to be traditional teaching, but it’s awesome if you have that.
The following are acceptable experiences working with children to include on your application:
- Traditional teaching
- Student teaching
- Tutoring
- Coaching
- Mentoring
- Home schooling
- Summer camp counselor
VIPKID Teaching Requirements for your Classroom
What Internet Speed Do I Need for VIPKID
A reliable internet connection is required for VIPKid. You’ll have a hard time going through the application process and teaching your first class without it.
You want to make sure your internet is fast enough for video and audio streaming and runs consistently without many drops and outages.
On the VIPKID official page, they recommend speeds of 20mbps or higher.
A good way to do a DIY VIPKID internet speed test is to see if your connection can handle a FaceTime or Skype video call. VIPKID isn’t run through these platforms, but if your internet can handle the demands of FaceTime/Skype it should also be able to handle the demands of VIPKID.
You can also run an internet speed test at https://www.speedtest.net/
Wired vs. Wireless Internet Connections
When I’m home with access to my router, I plug in a ridiculously long ethernet cord and connect that to my laptop for a more reliable connection.
That thing is about 100ft of fast internet goodness. Teaching on an ethernet cord is ideal and I love it when I’m home because I have virtually no connection problems.
But connecting to a router isn’t always possible, so teaching on WiFi is also totally fine. You’ll just want to make sure your wireless connection can handle smooth video calls before getting started. Sometimes sitting closer to the router in your home can help.
VIPKID Computer Requirements
VIPKID classes must be taught from a computer or tablet. As of right now, classes cannot be taught from a cell phone.
Most modern laptops should meet the VIPKID tech requirements. I use a 2015 MacBook Pro as my main device and a very old iPad as a backup option.
According to their website, to meet the computer requirements for VIPKID, your device should have
- Mac OS X 10.10 or above / Windows 7 or above
- 4GB RAM or above
- Intel Core i3 or above
- The latest version of Flash installed
Appropriate Quiet Workspace
Even though classes are online, it’s still a great idea to make your virtual classroom feel as homey and welcoming as possible for your kiddos.
While there aren’t any official decoration and prop requirements, you are required to have a well lit, quiet workspace for your classes. When you teach English online, your work area should have the following:
Background
Having a background is one of the VIPKID application requirements. When you teach, your back should be against either a clean wall or something kid-friendly and academic.
Good Lighting
Good lighting in your online classroom is important. There needs to be enough light on your face for kids to see you speaking. To do this, I use a selfie ring light or I put a lamp directly behind my computer while teaching so it shines on my face.
Headphones
VIPKid teachers are required to wear headphones while they teach classes. Not wearing them can result in a distracting echo on the teacher side or the student side, so make sure to always have headphones with a microphone attachment while teaching class.
Quiet work area
Background noises can be distracting for students. Your classroom should be in a quiet area of your room or house so there are minimal distractions. Wearing a pair of noise-canceling headphones will help with outside noises.
Final Thoughts on the VIPKID Requirements 2021
In 2021, VIPKID requires that teachers are native English speakers with the ability to work in the USA or Canada, excluding California. Teachers must have a bachelor’s degree in any subject and at least 2 years of experience working with children in some capacity. Teachers will also need to have laptop or computer for online teaching with a webcam, headset with microphone, and high-speed internet connection. Once you have these elements, you’re ready to go!
such a shame they don’t like British accents!
Hi Anna!! You should definitely check out Dada or iTutorGroup! These are very similar to VIPKID in format but they accept teachers from all English speaking countries. Best of luck and let me know if you’d like more info about teaching online! 🙂
Hi Nic,
I was wondering you are still working with VIPKid? I have some questions after passing the demo lessons and cannot find someone to email directly. I was wondering if you could help?
Hi Lexy! , Yep, I’m still a VIPKID teacher! I can answer questions from my personal experience but I’m not an official representative or part of the hiring team. I’ll send you a message and in the future you can reach me at [email protected] 🙂
Just a heads up so you can update your info – I just emailed VIPKID with a question about the experience (I was trying to determine if it was experience working with kids or experience working in a classroom, even if it was with adults), and in their response to me they announced that they want ~2 years~ of experience now (“2 school years of traditional teaching experience or the equivalent in mentoring, tutoring, or alternative education.”).
Hi Elena, Thank you so much for the latest information! I’ll make sure to update this post to reflect the changes! I appreciate it! 🙂