Working as an ESL Teacher in 2024: Best Places to Find Remote Teaching Jobs
As the world becomes more interconnected and remote work becomes the norm, the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers has continued to be steady, however, the rates are much lower than before the great cull during the market changes that occurred.
Students around the world are seeking high-quality English education to compete in global markets, making online teaching an increasingly viable career choice. However, the rates and the consistency have changed.
ESL teachers now enjoy flexibility, freedom, and the opportunity to teach students across different cultures from the comfort of their homes, but it is not as possible to teach as many hours and the market now requires more flexibility from Tutors, but with few increases in stability or wages.
Tutors are often subjected to job insecurity and lack of holidays, and perks, more often than not having to sacrifice weekends or time in the evening to make up a salary. This causes experienced professionals to leave the marketplace and the void is filled with less experienced Tutors.
So if these things have not deterred you from applying, why not take a look at some of the remote work opportunities below?
This article will guide you through the benefits of being an online ESL teacher and explore the best platforms to find remote ESL teaching jobs in 2024.
Why Choose to Work as an ESL Teacher in 2024?
1. Flexibility and Convenience
One of the primary reasons ESL teachers choose remote work is flexibility. You can design your own schedule, choose your students, and decide whether you want to work full-time or part-time. This flexibility allows you to maintain a work-life balance that traditional in-person teaching jobs often don’t offer.
2. Global Opportunities
Remote teaching enables you to teach students from different countries and backgrounds. You'll have the chance to expand your understanding of various cultures, while students benefit from interacting with a native or fluent English speaker from another part of the world.
3. Increased Demand for English
English remains the global language of business, technology, and communication. This means that more people, especially in non-English speaking countries, are learning English. Whether it’s for academic purposes, job advancement, or immigration requirements, the need for proficient English instructors is higher than ever.
4. Personal Growth and Professional Development
Teaching ESL remotely isn’t just about helping others learn English. You’ll constantly be honing your communication, organization, and time-management skills. Moreover, there are countless opportunities for professional development, from TESOL certifications to specialized courses on teaching Business English or preparing students for IELTS.
Best Places to Find Remote ESL Teaching Jobs in 2024
With the boom in online education, several platforms are hiring remote ESL teachers. Here’s a rundown of the best places to search for jobs this year:
1. VIPKid
VIPKid is one of the largest and most popular platforms for teaching English to Chinese students. Despite recent changes in the Chinese tutoring market, VIPKid has pivoted to offering global tutoring services, expanding beyond China. Teachers can set their own hours and get access to pre-made lessons, making it a great option for new teachers.
- Pros: Flexible hours, competitive pay, prepared lesson plans.
- Cons: Some restrictions on the number of hours you can work.
2. Preply
Preply is a popular platform for tutors offering lessons in a variety of languages. As an ESL teacher, you can connect with students worldwide. Preply allows you to set your own rates and customize lessons according to each student's needs.
- Pros: Freedom to set your rates, wide student base, flexible teaching styles.
- Cons: Platform fees may reduce earnings.
3. Cambly
Cambly is known for its conversational focus, and it’s ideal if you enjoy talking to students from all over the world. The platform offers flexibility with no set teaching hours. You simply log on whenever you want, and Cambly connects you with students in real-time. It’s great for teachers with busy or unpredictable schedules.
- Pros: No teaching schedule, focus on conversation, user-friendly.
- Cons: Lower pay rate compared to other platforms.
4. iTalki
iTalki connects students with language teachers from all over the world. On this platform, teachers can offer structured lessons or casual conversation practice. You set your own prices and can teach students of any age or proficiency level.
- Pros: Set your own rates, flexibility, teach multiple languages.
- Cons: Competitive market, you’ll need to build up your student base.
5. Outschool
Outschool offers a unique teaching environment where ESL teachers can create custom lessons on various topics. You could teach anything from grammar-focused sessions to creative storytelling or academic writing. It’s a more creative option for teachers who want to offer something beyond standard ESL lessons.
- Pros: Creative freedom, opportunity to teach other subjects, flexible schedule.
- Cons: Need to develop your own materials.
6. EF Education First
EF (Education First) is a reputable company with a long-standing history of offering English courses. They provide both in-person and remote teaching opportunities for adults and children. They offer a structured platform where lesson materials are provided.
- Pros: Established company, provided curriculum, professional development opportunities.
- Cons: Set teaching hours, lower flexibility.
7. Lingoda
Lingoda is a fast-growing platform that offers structured English lessons, primarily for adults looking to improve their business English or prepare for language proficiency tests like TOEFL or IELTS. The platform provides lesson plans, so teachers only need to focus on teaching.
- Pros: Focus on adult learners, professional materials provided, flexible hours.
- Cons: Primarily focused on structured courses.
8. AmazingTalker
AmazingTalker offers personalized one-on-one lessons focusing on different languages, including English. You can set your rates, and the platform allows teachers to teach a variety of students, from beginners to advanced learners.
- Pros: Set your rates, and varied student base.
- Cons: It may take time to build a student following.
Tips for Finding the Best Remote ESL Job
Tailor Your Resume and Profile: Make sure your teaching profile or resume highlights your qualifications, experience, and teaching style. Show potential employers or students what makes you unique.
Choose the Right Platform: Each platform has its own benefits and challenges. Choose one that aligns with your teaching style, schedule, and goals. For example, Cambly may suit you if you want flexibility, while EF may be better if you prefer structured lessons.
Stay Up to Date: Stay on top of market trends in the ESL industry. Countries like Japan, South Korea, and parts of Europe are seeing growing demand for English tutors, which can present new job opportunities on various platforms.
Invest in Professional Development: Earning certifications like TESOL, TEFL, or specialized Business English qualifications can enhance your credentials, making you more attractive to higher-paying platforms or students willing to pay premium rates.
Working as an ESL teacher remotely in 2024 is a rewarding and flexible career choice. The demand for English education is growing, and platforms like VIPKid, Preply, and iTalki offer diverse opportunities to connect with students worldwide. Whether you’re just starting or are an experienced educator, there’s a platform that fits your needs.
With the right qualifications and a solid understanding of the available platforms, you can find success as an online ESL teacher, making a difference in students' lives while enjoying the perks of remote work.