April 27, 2023

Why online ESL teaching is the future

Online ESL teaching is the future and I’m here to tell you why!

I think it’s safe to say that online teaching has revolutionized the education industry, and ESL teaching is no exception. With the rapid advancements in technology and the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become an increasingly popular and practical option for both teachers and students. Beyond the pandemic, there are numerous reasons why transitioning to online ESL teaching can be a smart (and life-changing!) move for educators looking to find balance, meaning, and stability in their lives.

As a teacher who spent the first half of her career teaching in brick-and-mortar schools and then having spent the second half of her career starting and running her own online ESL business, the list of why I would highly recommend this field is extensive! Alas, I’ve tried narrowing it down to the top 7 reasons I believe online ESL teaching is the future- so read on!

Flexibility

One of the most significant advantages of online ESL teaching is the flexibility it offers. With online teaching, you can work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have a stable internet connection. That means you can travel and work at the same time, or simply work from the comfort of your own home- making it a perfect fit for both parents with young children or those who are nomads at heart! Pretty sweet, right?

For instance, I am currently based in Athens, Greece, but I have been able to take my laptop with me to various destinations, including the Greek islands, other parts of Europe, and even the US, without any interruptions to my work schedule. This flexibility has afforded me the opportunity to travel, explore new places, and unwind while still being able to work on my own terms.

Another huge advantage for me is the fact that I make my own schedule. If I feel like I need to take a few hours or a few days off- I can! When I want to take a vacation (and NOT bring my work with me), I can. If there are errands to run- I do so when I see fit. If I have other projects I’d like to focus on, I simply create a working schedule conducive to my goals. Do you see where I’m going with this?

If you choose to strike out on your own as I have done, you have the added benefit of “adding” more hours when you need to financially- something that is highly unlikely to happen in a traditional school setting. It’s also worth noting, that adding those missing hours is so much easier when you work from home. When you do away with commuting and all the back and forth that is typically present in face-to-face lessons, you’ll be amazed at how much extra time you actually have!

Finally, if you’re not yet ready to teach online solo and you decide to join an online ESL school, you’ll still be able to take advantage of more flexible scheduling. The majority of online language schools offer classes 24/7, meaning you can work at times that suit you best. Whether you strike out on your own as I have, or you work with a team- you just can’t beat the kind of flexibility that the online teaching world offers.

Access to a global market and increased earning potential

Another significant advantage of online teaching is the access it provides to a global market. As an online ESL teacher, you can teach students from all over the world. This means that you’re not limited to teaching students who live in your local area, which can greatly increase your potential student base. This can translate into more teaching hours and thus more income.

When I first started giving private lessons, they were generally face-to-face. This meant I was extremely limited in who I could reach. Moving into the online teaching world increased my ability to reach potential students exponentially. You can’t argue with simple mathematics, my friends!

Finally, you can take control of your professional worth and income. With dedication and hard work, you can find yourself charging more for your services over time. By always striving to ensure that your students get the best possible education, you can create an impressive portfolio of work that will prove your worth and attract potential clients in time. No, it does not happen overnight and consistent hard work is a prerequisite, but I truly believe that there is infinitely more potential for getting paid what you deserve in the online teaching world than in traditional school settings.

Technology and innovation

Online teaching also offers unique opportunities for innovation and technology integration. As an online ESL teacher, you can use a wide range of digital tools and platforms to enhance your teaching. This can include video conferencing software, online whiteboards, digital flashcards, and more. By using these tools, you can create a more engaging and interactive learning experience for your students- as well as a truly unique one. Equally, you are able to create and utilize material that reflects your own teaching style.

One of my greatest joys in teaching online is being able to cater to each and every one of my student’s needs using my own resources, in a way I would never be able to in a traditional classroom. Additionally, I love the chance to develop and employ digital resources that align with my teaching philosophy, allowing me to be more authentic in my approach.

Job security and satisfaction

Finally, online teaching can provide more job security than traditional classroom teaching. With online teaching, you’re not tied to a particular location, and you’re not subject to the same budget cuts that can impact traditional schools and language institutes.

As for job satisfaction, I would need a whole other blog post to get into the intricacies of the subject. Simply put, I can genuinely say that as much as I may miss teaching in an actual classroom, I have never been happier, more at peace, and more inspired since branching out on my own online. Equally, I’ve never been more financially stable, able to pursue my dreams and create the kind of lifestyle I had dreamed of.

I will leave you with these heartfelt words…If you’re an ESL teacher (or thinking of breaking into the ESL world) and you are desperately looking to find more balance, meaning, and stability in your life- I urge you to consider online ESL teaching. We would love to hear back from others who have made the transition, as well as all those who are considering it. Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions below!