Have you wondered how busy moms can start working from home? A lot of moms these days are teaching English Online from home.
It has been said that “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one”, and mothers all around the world know how difficult it is to raise children and be a good role model for them.
The modern world, with its unprecedented challenges, requires mothers to juggle multiple roles in and outside their homes, all with the additional difficulty of the rising cost of living. Technology, with its 24/7 connectivity and information overload, makes parenting and everyday life even more complicated.
However, with their innate resilience and adaptability, mothers find ways to turn challenges into opportunities and make life a little easier along the way. One of the main struggles is finding time to spend with your child and earning a living. How about combining the two? If you have an artistic flare, you and your child can create simple handmade crafts sold at a local market or online.
Another way to tap into online opportunities is to teach English online: it offers the flexibility and earning opportunities that parents always seek.
Why start teaching English online
Parents never have enough time or money, but teaching online can help with both. There are plenty of established online schools that offer flexible teaching positions to English language students across the globe.
What is attractive about this employment situation is that you work freelance, which leaves you the freedom to decide how many hours you want to work a week. Some schools provide ready-made materials and lesson plans, so you just need to focus on teaching.
Another advantage of teaching online is that you won’t need to worry about the business side of things – including finding students, setting a timetable, drafting the legal documents, etc – because the school you choose to work for does it all for you.
Requirements to find work as an online English teacher
To work as an English teacher for an online school, you will need to be fluent in English and have specific qualifications – but while a university degree can be useful, it’s not mandatory. What you won’t be able to do without is a TEFL qualification.
During your TEFL course, you will learn about the mechanics of the language, such as grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, and you will also learn how to plan and deliver an engaging lesson. You’ll learn how to create personalized materials for your learners while refining all the skills necessary to become an online English tutor. By the end of the course, you will be confident enough to stand in front of a room full of people ready to listen to you!
It’s worth remembering that teaching in-person and online are two very different things. Additional courses can help you make the most of the online tools available and teach you the tricks of the online teaching trade.
There are many options out there, and choosing the right TEFL course for you is not easy. To find a high-quality TEFL program, start by comparing different courses, starting with their course content: it should cover areas such as essential teaching methodologies, lesson planning, and classroom management. Then, don’t forget to read through the reviews and testimonials of previous course participants to gauge the course’s reputation. Finally, opt for courses that offer job placement assistance and ongoing support.
Equipment for online teaching
To start your freelance online teaching career, you won’t need any special equipment. You’ll likely already have what you need: a PC/laptop with a webcam, a microphone, and an internet connection that should be fast, stable, and reliable. In time, you can always upgrade to more high-spec tools.
Your teaching set-up should be light and quiet. Find a room or a corner of your house that can be dedicated to your on-screen time. Ideally, it should be a low-traffic area near a window, as natural light is best. Alternatively, a strategically located lamp can do the trick.
Teaching online alongside parenthood
Balancing teaching with parenting can be challenging, but effective time management strategies can make a significant difference. Start by creating a schedule that aligns with your family’s routine. Depending on your availability and the time zones of your students, early mornings or late evenings might be the best times to teach.
If your children are awake when you’re about to start teaching, find ways to keep them busy with games, arts and crafts, or screen time. Don’t fall into the trap of being too proud to ask friends and family for help if necessary.
Identifying and prioritizing your daily tasks is crucial; using tools like to-do lists or digital planners can help you keep track of your responsibilities. Planning your lessons in advance could reduce last-minute stress. It’s also important to set boundaries by communicating your teaching schedule to your family and minimizing interruptions during class.
All in all
Being a parent in today’s world is full of challenges, but technology can help. Being able to decide where, when, and how much to work, teaching English online is a flexible and rewarding way to earn money. It fits around your busy lifestyle, leaving you enough time to enjoy your children without missing those precious moments in their lives.
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