How To Start Teaching Online Quickly – A 5 Step TEFL Guide

The digital age has opened up a world of opportunities, and one of the most accessible industries right now is teaching English online. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional looking for a career change, just trying to make some extra cash each month or simply someone who enjoys helping others learn, teaching English online can be a rewarding and flexible way to earn a living. This guide will provide you with a quick how to start teaching online quickly so you can get up and running, from understanding what TEFL is to landing your first students.

What is TEFL?

TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It’s a qualification that certifies you to teach English to non-native speakers. While a degree in education or English can be beneficial, it’s not rarely necessary for online teaching, especially with the rise of TEFL certifications. These courses provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and more. You are also able to teach English without any formal qualifications at all.  Just being a native English speaker is enough to get you started if you want to jump in quickly, you can take any route that best suits you.  I do not have any TEFL qualifications and I have been teaching English online for 4 years.  My husband is TEFL qualified and has been teaching even longer.  

Once you understand the basics of teaching English as a foreign language and you feel you’re ready to get started you have a number of different routes and options with TEFL so let’s talk about how you can quickly get up and running as a TEFL teacher.  

1. Get TEFL Certified (If Necessary)

While some online platforms may hire native English speakers without a teaching qualification, obtaining a TEFL certificate can significantly increase your chances of finding a TEFL job and allows you to command higher rates. Several reputable organisations offer online TEFL courses, ranging from introduction to TEFL certifications to more extensive programs.  The main thing you need to look for is a minimum 120 hour course.  This is the amount of hours that most TEFL companies will expect you to have.   

For those seeking the quickest and most affordable course options, consider Groupon or similar deal websites. They often feature discounted TEFL courses from accredited providers for $25-$50. These can be a great way to get certified without breaking the bank.

If you want a more recognised and respected TEFL, look at these companies:

• Premier TEFL
• The TEFL Academy
• International TEFL Academy

These are generally more expensive and can cost from $250-$1500 but are more widely recognised.

TEFL Companies That Don’t Need Qualifications

While a TEFL certificate is generally recommended, some companies may hire native English speakers without one, especially for informal conversation practice or tutoring. These opportunities may be a good starting point for those who are new to online teaching and want to gain some experience. However, keep in mind that the pay may be lower, and the opportunities may be more limited.

2. Choose Your Teaching Platform or Method

There are three main avenues for teaching English online: working for an established company, going freelance or securing your own clients as a TEFL business.

• Teaching Companies: Companies like BlingABC, EF Education First, and Italki hire online English teachers to provide lessons to students worldwide. There 100s to choose from. These TEFL companies often have specific requirements, such as a bachelor’s degree or a TEFL certificate. However, they provide a steady stream of students and handle the marketing and administrative side of things so you just have to turn up and teach.  
• Freelancing: Platforms like Preply and Outschool allow you to create a profile, set your rates, and connect with students directly. This offers more flexibility but requires you to market yourself and manage your own schedule and payments.
• TEFL Business: You’ll need to market yourself and find your own clients often using a website and social media but starting a TEFL business is the most lucrative way to teach TEFL as you can set your own rate.  

I suggest starting with at least 2 of the above options, teaching company and freelancing.  The  TEFL industry is quite competitive and working with one company may not provide you with enough hours when you’re just starting out, especially if you aim to make this full-time salary. Securing at least 2 or 3 options will help to boost your potential.  

If you’re settle on teaching company or  TEFL platform, now is the time to apply.  There are lots of companies to choose from.  Fill in the required application forms or upload your CV as required.  Bear in mind that some of these companies receive 100s of applications so it may be weeks or even months before you get a response. Because of this, you may want to apply to at least 10-20 companies. 

3. Create a Professional Online Presence

Whether you choose to work for a company, go freelance or create your own TEFL business, having a professional online presence is crucial. This includes:

• A Professional Profile: Create a detailed profile on the teaching platform or freelancing website you choose. Highlight your qualifications, experience, and teaching style.
• A Demo Video: A short video introducing yourself and showcasing your teaching skills can make a strong impression on potential students or employers.
• Social Media: Consider creating a professional social media profile on LinkedIn or other relevant platforms to connect with potential students or employers.

4. Prepare Your Teaching Materials and Setup

Having the right equipment and materials is essential for effective online teaching.

• Equipment:
  • A quiet and well-lit space where you can teach without distractions.
  • A reliable computer with a stable internet connection
  • A high-quality webcam and microphone
  • A headset with noise cancellation to minimise background noise.
  • Good lighting
• Materials:
  • Lesson plans and teaching resources (teaching companies should provide this but if needed, many are available online for free or purchase)
  • Digital whiteboard or presentation software (if needed)
  • Props or visual aids (optional)

5. Start Teaching and Gain Experience

Once you’ve completed the above steps, it’s time to start teaching! Be patient and persistent, as it may take some time to build up a steady stream of students. Focus on providing high-quality lessons and building rapport with your students. The more experience you gain, the more confident and effective you’ll become.

Teaching English online is a fantastic opportunity for those who are passionate about education and want a flexible and rewarding career. By following this quick start guide and taking the necessary steps, you can be well on your way to becoming a successful online English teacher.