How to Teach English Online with No Experience
You're teacher tired. Oh, so tired.
Your paycheck…
Shall we say, leaves something to be desired.
But, you still have bills to pay even as life keeps life'ing.
That's where side hustles, like learning how to teach English online, can be helpful.
Even if you've never officially taught English before.
Let me show you the simplest way to get started.
TL;DR
You already have relevant teaching experience even if you didn't major in English.
Any time you've helped English language learners or delivered any kind of presentation is helpful.
Follow a basic 7-day plan to get organized:
check your schedule,
review your experience,
research TEFL,
pick 3 companies to look into, update your resume,
review your tech setup,
and select your path forward.
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The Basics: Your Time and Energy
Sadly, it's a given that most teachers are underpaid.
As a former elementary music teacher of 16 years, I get it.
I truly wish educators were properly compensated.
But when you decide to start earning extra income, as much as you need the money:
also think about what's realistic with your schedule.
Do you have time and energy to devote to looking into this (or any) side hustle?
Teaching English online isn't always the most complicated option out there.
But it does require a bit of legwork to get going.
By the way, even though I haven't had the chance to do this exact gig, yet?
I've taught so many English language learners, as a bilingual music teacher.
I truly loved this part of my job and think you could, too.
Read to the end to get more information and resources!
Get My Free Side Hustle Starter Map for Teachers!
Thinking about a side hustle, but running on fumes?
This quickstart guide is for neurodivergent teachers who want to earn more without burning out.
Use the Side Hustle Starter Map to:
- Check your energy + social battery
- Explore ideas based on your needs
- Pick a starting place…even if it's not perfect
You can make extra income in a way that honors your time and emotional bandwidth. This free map can help you get started.
What About Experience?
If you didn't major in English education, don't worry.
You still have experience.
It just might not be what you were envisioning.
Your experience working with students is valuable, no matter what.
You've probably also taught English language learners before, even if it was another subject.
Have you delivered professional development trainings?
Or helped onboard a new teammate?
Any volunteer work or coaching can also be helpful.
Research TEFL / TESOL Certifications
It's important to know about TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESOL.
TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEFL are two certifications ESL teachers can earn.
Most online companies will require one of these and at least a 120 hour qualification.
TEFL seems to be the more commonly-requested one.
They do cost money, which you may not be ready to drop yet.
In that case, there are some free options you can use to kind of get your feet wet.
To see if it's something that you'd be interested in pursuing.
Like this 40 hour free TEFL course with tutor support from TEFL Hero.
Necessary Equipment and Software Basics
Here are the basics you will need.
Good internet! (There's nothing worse than frozen images and dropped calls.)
A quiet space. (As distraction-free as possible for you and the students. Think: your kids and pets!)
Computer with webcam.
Headset with microphone for the best connection.
You can certainly add onto this set up later if you choose to continue.
Finding Work: Online ESL Companies
There are companies that already have students, and may provide you with resources.
Prep time would probably be lower working with one of them.
And you get the structure that comes with working with an establishment.
However, you don't get to control your rates and potentially your lesson content.
Still this can be a good option to get started.
You can look into options like VIPKid and PalFish, among others.
Please note that unfortunately, non-native English speakers are often paid a much lower rate.
Protect Yourself: Watch for Scams and Unpaid “Opportunities”
This isn't specifically for this side gig, but it's something for you to be aware of.
There are convincing scams out there, and when you're tired and need money, it's easy to miss red flags.
Even if you're usually good at spotting them.
A few common sense rules help:
Research every company or platform.
Look up reviews and experiences from real people, not just testimonials on a website.
Trust your gut.
If something feels off, it probably is.
You're allowed to walk away.
Be clear about how you get paid.
Before you commit time, know the rate, the method, and the schedule.
Be careful with unpaid workshops or seminars.
Teachers are used to unpaid training.
However in other spaces outside of your day job, your time should be paid, unless you choose to volunteer.
A Simple 7-Day Start Plan (So You Don't Get Overwhelmed)
You can use the steps I've gone over, as well as a couple of new ones, as part of a 7-day plan to get yourself situated.
Day 1: Check In with Yourself
Do you have time and energy for this right now?
If yes, awesome!
If no, that's also valuable information.
Day 2: Check Your Qualifications
Are you a native English speaker and/or fluent? Do you have a degree?
Some companies require a degree.
Day 3: Research TEFL Requirements
This is a requirement for many online ESL companies.
Look into accreditation and the 120-hour standard.
You don't need to buy a course just yet, though.
And there are some free options you can look into, while you decide what's best for you.
(One is linked below and one is part of the free guide I'm linking to.)
Day 4: Pick Three ESL Companies
Research what they require, what they pay, and any reviews you can find about working for them.
Day 5: Brush Up Your Resume
You're going to need to have a resume (C.V.) ready to share.
Make sure to highlight any teaching experience, even if not directly ESL.
Also make sure your work with young learners is on there, as you may begin working with children.
Day 6: Review Your Workspace
If you decide to teach English online, there's a few basics you would want to have.
You will need working internet, basic laptop with webcam, and good headphones with a mic.
Again, don't run out and purchase things yet; just take stock of what you own.
If you happen to be ADHD/autistic, look into how this can impact your ability to organize your space as well as your lessons.
Day 7: Choose Next Steps
For example, you could enroll in one of the free TEFL courses to get your feet wet.
And, you could apply to one of the online ESL companies.
New to Teaching English Online?
Check out this free beginner's guide from Catherine of The Online English Teacher!
She graciously shared that with me, and I learned a lot.
And, if you're ready to learn even more?
She even has a course for teachers looking into teaching English online for the first time.
It's called Land Your First Online ESL Job.
The course will go through all of your questions and give you the tools you need for applying to jobs.
A Helpful Free Resource for Teachers Who Need Side Income Ideas
Want more side gig ideas beyond teaching English online?
My free starter map will help you look at some more options in a low-stress way.
Get the Side Hustle Starter Map for Teachers.
Final Thoughts
Teaching English online with no experience is possible with the right information and support.
And as you build your experience, more and more advanced opportunities (and higher pay) will become available.
If you dig into research and decide you can't commit right now?
Not a problem.
There are more flexible side hustle options out there for you to look at.
So get out there and get started.
Be sure to let me know how it goes for you!
Good luck!
