Finding An Online Teaching Position

By: Dannie Phan | April 8, 2020

The demand for teachers has never been higher than it is today. Pair that need with the world's ever-evolving technological pool, and you'll find that new kinds of teaching jobs opened up. More and more teachers are moving to online teaching jobs these days. But does that mean online jobs for teachers are right for you?


Can A Teacher Work From Home?

Even with the recent shift toward working from home, the question remains: can you effectively bring the teaching experience to students if you're not in a classroom?

More often than not, the answer is yes. Students these days are almost more technologically versed than their teachers. Having grown up in the age of the Internet, they have access to and understanding of several online tools that can aid the learning process more effectively than in-classroom teaching can.

The question, however, doesn't just apply to students' ability to learn online. Can you effectively fill your role as a teacher from the comfort of your desk? Is it a good use of your Bachelor's degree or Master's degree?

It's true that these sorts of online education positions require increased flexibility and creativity. It may take you some time to get into the rhythm of online teaching, especially if you've spent several years in an actual classroom. However, once you better understand the tools you have at your disposal, you'll be able to connect with students on an individual basis and craft your lesson plans with their needs in mind.


How Can You Become An Online Teacher?

Online tutoring and teaching have evolved as a field over the past few years. Nowadays, it includes not only adjunct professors working in higher education but high school and elementary school teachers as well. There are also plenty of online English teaching opportunities for native English speakers who want to teach English internationally (or doing TESOL, teaching English to speakers of other languages).

As that diversity implies, there are several paths you can take to become a virtual teacher. Your options include:


  • Creating an "edutainment" YouTube channel and seeking out sponsors or patrons
  • Signing on with Amazon's Affiliate Program to create an educational blog
  • Joining a pre-existing online teaching group 

You can find existing online teaching positions through platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, FlexJobs, and Google Jobs. However, if you're passionate about a specific subject and want the YouTube algorithm to do your work for you, you can start creating a video series in the same vein as SciShow or other edutainment programs.


How Do Online Teachers Make Money?

There are just as many ways to make money as an online teacher as there are ways to become a teacher in the first place. The amount of money you make, naturally, is going to vary based on the path you take.

Online teachers who get their start through YouTube, for example, will likely make between $50 and $1,000 per month during their first year of operation, with that income relying entirely on their channel's popularity. Adjunct professors are in a similar boat, in terms of revenue – while they're not making videos, each adjunct will earn between $1,500 and $2,500 per course per semester, with fluctuation based on their institution.

Working with a pre-established company will help you make a more consistent income as an online teacher. The national average salary for online teachers affiliated with an established company is $42,579 per year.


Are Online Jobs For Teachers Legitimate?

Even if you are intrigued by the possibility of teaching online, you may find yourself wondering whether or not the companies hiring people in these positions are legitimate. International programs, especially, run the risk of scamming would-be professionals.

That said, most teaching-based companies have your best interests at heart. You'll still need to research the company you want to apply with, of course. Still, as long as you can verify their work on a national or international level, you should be able to move forward with your application for providing online courses safely.


What Companies Hire Online Teachers?

If you are interested in working with a company instead of with an established institution or striking out on your own, you're in luck. There are several companies who are frequently looking for online teachers, including: 


  • Vedantu
  • TutorVista
  • Pearson
  • Tutor.com
  • Qkids
  • iTutor Group
  • My Online Schooling
  • Udemy 

There are also many online language schools looking to teach ESL (English as a second language) classes, which can help those seeking to teach English online. 


What Skills Do You Need To Succeed As An Online Teacher?

You don't need many (if any) teaching materials, and the opportunities to teach online are broad – but can anyone be a teacher?

Teachers are the unsung heroes of modern society. It takes a lot of patience to get today's students to sit down and learn. Not only do you need an infinite well of empathy and creativity, but you'll also need:


  • An independent work ethic
  • Impressive organizational skills
  • Communication skills
  • Time management
  • Conflict resolution
  • Enthusiasm and confidence 

Note that under most circumstances, you'll still need to have the appropriate education and teaching certifications to serve as an online teacher. This means years of experience working in or learning about your chosen subject area and an advanced degree. If you're teaching college students, you'll also need an advanced degree – a Master's at a minimum. It's these qualifications that let various institutions, be they high schools, colleges, or international, know that you're dedicated to your subject and capable of teaching others all about it.

Feel ready to teach the youth of today through online learning? Check out your favorite job board to find the best online teaching position for your skillset.



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