I started teaching English online in 2017 – around the same time I started traveling and writing this blog. For the next few years, I taught classes on all the big online ESL platforms (VIPKID, Outschool, Palfish, GoGoKid) to get to know the industry and create resources to help you start your own teaching adventure.
(You might have ended up on this page through one of my articles about setting up your online classroom or finding your first online teaching job. Welcome! It’s great to have you!)
But in 2021, the online ESL industry changed a lot. New regulations around online tutoring were introduced in China, which used to be one of the biggest markets for virtual English lessons. Many popular online teaching platforms closed or changed their programming.
So I pivoted into other types of remote work – working on this blog, freelance writing, web design, virtual assistant work – and eventually I settled into a full-time remote position in content marketing.
You might be thinking, “Wait I came here for online teaching tips and you’re telling me you haven’t done it since 2021?”
Yep. But I can still think I can help.
I love my job now, and I’ve always loved the freedom that comes with remote work. Online teaching might still be a good option for you – it can be a great first remote job and it’s fun! But to give you some more options, you can read about virtual assisting, blogging, and remote work here.
You can also find ideas for setting up your virtual classroom – even in unideal settings like… a tent on the beach. Scroll down for recommendations on teaching headsets, laptops, lighting, and gear to make your space more comfortable. And you can check out classroom activities and reward systems that will work for any type of teaching you do.
Thanks for joining me, and happy teaching.
