Online English Teaching Jobs for Non-Native Speakers in 2023

---

Are you a non-native English speaker interested in finding an online English teaching job in 2023? If so, you’ve come to the right place!

In this article, we’ll explore how to find online English teaching jobs for non-native speakers and the key considerations, qualifications, and skills you need to be successful.

Let’s dive in!

Why Online English Teaching Jobs Are a Great Option for Non-Native Speakers

Teaching English online as a second language (online ESL) is a great way to earn income, and it’s becoming increasingly popular since it is nowadays a lucrative opportunity, also for non-native English speakers.

Online English teaching jobs provide the flexibility to work from home while earning a decent income.

There are various online platforms that connect students from around the world to English teachers who can provide quality English lessons. Many of these platforms offer online English teaching jobs to native, as well as, non-native speakers.

Who Is Considered Non-Native English Speaker?

Non-native speakers are those who do not have English as their first language. They may have learned English as a second or third language and may have an accent or make grammatical errors. However, non-native speakers can still be fluent in English and have excellent communication skills.

What Does an Online English Teacher Do?

“Online English teachers” provide instructions to students who want to learn English as a second language. English classes take place online, usually via webcam, and teachers should (if possible) have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification and two years of teaching experience.

We’ll discuss the requirements at length later in the article. 

However, different companies and platforms have different requirements, meaning that you might still be able to find an online ESL teaching job if you do not fulfill the criteria above.

The reason that they need non-native teachers to teach English is that there are simply not enough native English teachers available for the massive global demand (which is great!). 

Finally, teachers are required to provide general English lessons, and some companies may require specific lesson plans, teaching methods, or materials.

How Much Money Can You Make Teaching English Online?

The amount of money a non-native English teacher can make teaching English online really varies depending on the company and the teacher’s experience and how well that person is speaking English. 

Companies that hire non-native speakers typically pay between $10 and $25 per hour, and teachers can work up to 40 hours per week. Some companies may also offer higher pay rates for teachers with advanced degrees or some kind of specialized training (if this is you – congrats!).

Online teaching companies and platforms provide teaching opportunities for teachers who may not have the opportunity to teach English abroad or in a traditional classroom setting, and they often hire both native and non-native people. 

Basically, these platforms provide an online marketplace for teachers to connect with students from all over the world. Companies such as Palfish, iTalki, and Preply hire non-native speakers to teach English to students of all ages and proficiency levels.

What Are the Qualifications to Teach English Online?

Image from Pixabay

Teaching English online has become a popular way for non-native English speakers to earn extra income as a creative side hustle.

However, there are usually (but not always) certain qualifications that are required to teach English online.

One of the main qualifications to teach English online is a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. Most online teaching companies require teachers to have a TEFL certification that is internationally recognized and from an accredited institution.

If you do not have a TEFL certificate yet, you can enroll here to obtain one online.

Additionally, some companies may require:

·       a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a major in English or a related field,

·       a certain amount of teaching experience.

But don’t worry! – there are also opportunities for those with little to no experience.

Each online teaching company has its own specific requirements, so it’s important to research each company thoroughly before applying so that you don’t waste time applying to the wrong companies. 

Keep reading to find out which teaching platforms will be a good match for you! 

Can I Teach English Online if I Am a Non-Native English Speaker?

Yes! It is possible for non-native English speakers to teach English online. Many online teaching companies hire non-native English speakers, but they usually require a high level of fluency in the English language.

Steps to Take to Find Online English Teaching Jobs

Teaching English online can be a great way for non-native speakers and digital nomads to earn money from anywhere.

Here are some steps to take to find online English teaching jobs:

1. Determine Your Qualifications

Before applying for online English teaching jobs, it’s important to determine your qualifications. As already mentioned, many companies require a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate, while others may require a degree and/or experience.

So, think about all the qualifications you have in the English language so far, scholarly or from practical experience, and write it down, as preparation for applying for jobs in the coming steps.

2. Research Different Online Platforms

There are many different online platforms that offer English teaching jobs for non-native speakers. Some popular platforms include:

• Magic Ears
• VIPKid
• Italki      

It’s important to research each platform and read reviews from other teachers before applying.

You’ll find a collection of platforms and companies with links, later in this article.

3. Create a Compelling Profile

When applying for these teaching jobs, it’s important to create a compelling profile that highlights your current skills and experience.

Be sure to include a professional photo, a brief introduction, and any relevant teaching experience, qualifications, and diplomas or grades.

Image from Pixabay

4. Apply for Jobs and Follow Up

Once you’ve found a platform that you’re interested in, it’s time to start applying for jobs! Be sure to read the job description carefully and tailor your application to the specific requirements of the job (don’t just “copy-paste” – this is a common mistake people do).

After applying, it’s important to follow up with the company to show your interest and enthusiasm for the position.

Overall, finding online English teaching jobs for non-native speakers can be challenging, but with the right qualifications and a little persistence, it’s possible to find a rewarding and profitable teaching position, part-time or full-time.

Where to Find Online English Teaching Jobs for Non-Native Speakers

1. ESL Job Boards

ESL job boards are a great place to start looking for online English teaching jobs for non-native speakers. These job boards are usually specifically designed for ESL teachers and companies that hire non-native English speakers. Some popular ESL job boards include:

• Dave’s ESL Cafe
• ESL Employment
• TEFL.com

These job boards allow you to search for jobs based on your location, teaching experience, and qualifications. In order words, very practical!

When applying for jobs on ESL job boards, just make sure to read the job description carefully and ensure that you meet all the requirements.

2. Freelance Marketplaces

Freelance marketplaces with lots of online teaching opportunities include:

• Upwork
• Freelancer
• Fiverr

These websites also offer online English teaching jobs for non-native speakers. Here, you’ll be able to create a profile and showcase your skills and experience.

You can then apply for jobs that match your qualifications or advertise your English lessons to students and other language teaching services and have clients purchase them. 

Pro tip: When applying for jobs on freelance marketplaces, make sure to set a competitive rate per hour. Many companies and individuals are looking for affordable English lessons, so setting a reasonable rate can help you stand out from the competition.

3. Online English Schools and Companies

There are many online English schools and companies that hire non-native English speakers to teach English online. Some popular online English schools include:

• Ginseng English
• Fluentify
• AmazingTalker
• Preply
• Topica Native

These companies offer flexible teaching opportunities and usually allow you to set your own schedule.

When applying to online English schools and companies, it will surely help to have a TEFL certificate and some teaching experience.

Again, if you do not have a TEFL certificate yet, you can enroll here to obtain one online.

Overall, there are many opportunities for non-native English speakers to teach English online. By using ESL job boards, freelance marketplaces, and online English schools and companies, non-native teachers can find teaching jobs that suit their qualifications and experience.

Collection of 23 Platforms and Schools with Online English Teaching Jobs

School/Platform	Pros	Cons
Magic Ears	Easy-to-use platform, interactive teaching tools, flexible schedule	Low pay compared to other platforms, limited number of classes available
VIPKid	High pay, well-established platform, extensive training and support	Requires early morning/late night availability due to time difference with China
Dave’s ESL Café	Large job board with a variety of teaching opportunities	No direct support or training from the platform
ESL Employment	Large job board with a variety of teaching opportunities	Limited support or training from the platform
TEFL.com	Large job board with a variety of teaching opportunities	Limited support or training from the platform
Ginseng English	High pay, one-on-one lessons with students, flexible schedule	Limited number of available students, requires marketing yourself to potential students
Fluentify	Personalized lesson plans, well-designed platform, higher commission rate for teachers	Limited availability of students
Preply	Flexible schedule, one-on-one lessons with students, ability to set your own rates	Requires marketing yourself to potential students
AmazingTalker	Ability to set your own rates, personalized lesson plans, large number of students	Requires marketing yourself to potential students
Topica Native	Easy to use platform, flexible schedule, extensive support and training	Lower pay compared to other platforms, limited availability of students
iTutorGroup	Well-established platform, extensive training and support	Requires early morning/late night availability due to time difference with Asia, lower pay compared to other platforms
PalFish	Easy to use platform, flexible schedule, ability to set your own rates	Limited availability of students
Italki	Ability to set your own rates, personalized lesson plans, large number of students	Requires marketing yourself to potential students
51talk	Well-established platform, extensive training and support	Requires early morning/late night availability due to time difference with Asia, lower pay compared to other platforms
Cambly	Easy to use platform, flexible schedule	Lower pay compared to other platforms, limited availability of students
Learnlight	Extensive training and support, ability to teach business English	Limited availability of students, lower pay compared to other platforms
Engoo	Well-established platform, flexible schedule, ability to teach business English	Lower pay compared to other platforms, limited availability of students
FirstFutureJobs	Well-established platform, extensive training and support	Requires early morning/late night availability due to time difference with Asia, lower pay compared to other platforms
Fluentbe	Personalized lesson plans, well-designed platform, higher commission rate for teachers	Limited availability of students
Lingoda	Ability to teach group or individual lessons, well-designed platform	Limited availability of students
CoreEnglish	Personalized lesson plans, ability to teach both adults and children, higher commission rate for teachers	Limited availability of students
AllRight	Easy to use platform, flexible schedule, ability to teach both adults and children, higher commission rate for teachers	Limited availability of students
Voxy	Ability to teach business English, personalized lesson plans	Limited availability of students, lower pay compared to other platforms

Note: The platforms/schools listed above sometimes change their requirements and salary levels. Thus, it is impossible for me to stay updated with all the schools and their policies. I therefore suggest you visit all the websites for current and updated info. Also, “lower pay compared to other platforms” does NOT at all equal a bad salary, on the contrary, these often pay well.

Tips for Landing Online English Teaching Jobs

1. Highlight Your Strengths

When applying for online English teaching jobs, it’s important to highlight your strengths as a non-native speaker.

Many companies are looking for teachers who are fluent in English and can provide general English lessons, regardless of their native language.

Be sure to emphasize your language skills, teaching experience, and any relevant certifications you may have, such as a TEFL certificate, or perhaps an excellent school degree.

2. Be Professional and Personable

Maybe it comes without saying, but it’s important to be professional and personable. Make sure your resume and cover letter are well-written and free of errors (!).

Companies are looking for teachers who are friendly, patient, and able to connect with students from diverse backgrounds.

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your:

·       teaching style,

·       how you engage with students,

·       any previous experience with other cultures and/or languages.

The last point actually helped me land a job as a language teacher with immigrants some ten years ago, and I had no certificates or degrees in teaching whatsoever!

3. Stay Flexible and Adaptable!

When working as an online English teacher, it’s no doubt important to be flexible and adaptable.

Why? – you might wonder…

Well, many companies require teachers to work odd hours due to time zone differences, so be prepared to work early mornings, late nights, or weekends.

Additionally, be prepared to work with students of varying ages and skill levels. Companies are looking for teachers who can adapt to different teaching styles and student needs.

Below is a great video with Stay-at-home-mom Allyson, where she shares valuable tips and explains how to find and apply for these jobs:

Endnote on Online English Teaching Jobs for Non-Native Speakers

Awesome that you’ve made it this far! Now, let’s recap what we’ve learned…

Teaching English online provides an excellent opportunity for native speakers as well as non-native speakers to earn a decent income from the comfort of their homes by becoming online teachers. 

Many online teaching companies hire non-native English speakers, and the demand for online English teachers is constantly increasing.

Non-native teachers can teach English online to students from all over the world, and the pay rate usually ranges from $10 to $25 per hour depending on the company and the teacher’s experience.

When looking for positions with an English teaching company, native English speakers and non-native speakers should, if possible, start by getting a good TEFL qualification. A TEFL course will provide non-native teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English online effectively. 

For a higher salary, it will help to have at least two years of teaching experience and a bachelor’s degree in any field. However, some online teaching companies DO NOT require a degree, and many times, teaching experience is not required as well.

Lots of online English teaching companies actually prefer to hire teachers that want to be teaching online and show a willingness to teach other languages than their own. If you are English-speaking and a fast learner, you can even get training to be able to teach Business English as well!

Online teaching companies provide non-native teachers with the necessary teaching materials and lesson plans. Some companies also offer bonuses and incentives for teachers who perform well.

Overall, landing a job with an online language school as a non-native speaker requires highlighting your:

• strengths,
• qualifications,
• professionality, 
• flexibility,
• adaptability, and
• personable traits. 

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding a rewarding and profitable online English teaching full-time job or side hustle.

Frequently Asked Questions

---