How to Teach English Online
Written by:
Wilson College
• Nov 5, 2024
Around the world, an estimated 1.5 billion people speak English, either as a first or second language, according to data from Statista. Many people who learn English choose to study English online. In 2022, the digital English language learning market reached a valuation of $4.22 billion, a number forecasted to skyrocket to more than $15 billion by 2030, according to GlobeNewswire.
Experienced English language educators will help meet the growing demand for online English classes. By earning a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), educators can prepare for careers in this in-demand area.
Educators can benefit from learning how to teach English online, including the education and experience requirements for TESOL educators, along with critical skills for online English teachers.
What Are the Requirements to Teach English Online?
Online English language educators instruct non-native English speakers in reading, writing, and speaking the language. They develop English language skills to prepare learners for English language college courses, the naturalization test, and careers that require English proficiency.
Common job responsibilities for online English teachers include the following:
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Planning and delivering English language lessons appropriate for the age and proficiency level of students
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Assessing the language abilities of each learner, setting appropriate goals, and tracking progress
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Integrating interactive content to improve student engagement
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Adapting lessons to address student weaknesses
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Creating a supportive online classroom environment that welcomes all learners
The requirements to teach English online vary depending on the work setting, but many careers require a college degree and specialized training in teaching English as a second language (ESL). Some settings, including K-12 and college teaching jobs, set higher educational requirements.
Who Do Online English Teachers Work For?
Online English teachers work in several settings. With a graduate degree, they can teach English classes at colleges and universities. Many online language learning and tutoring platforms also hire English teachers. Teaching online classes for K-12 learners may require additional certifications. Finally, English language teachers can work for themselves.
Work settings will often determine the ages and goals of English language learners. For example, some specialized online language learning organizations serve adult learners preparing for the naturalization test or business proficiency, while K-12 schools emphasize basic English proficiency.
Steps to Teach English Online
Teaching English to speakers of other languages is a challenging job, and it requires specialized skills. Fluency in English isn’t enough—-educators also need to understand linguistics, language teaching methods, and instructional strategies.
Here are the steps required to gain the education and experience to teach English online.
Step 1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most online teaching jobs require a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field. During a bachelor’s degree in teaching program, students strengthen their instructional and assessment skills. They also explore research-based teaching approaches. Taking courses in English and TESOL can prepare graduates for careers teaching English online.
Step 2. Gain Teaching Experience
While some organizations hire English language teachers without experience, educators can improve their job prospects by gaining experience teaching. This can include tutoring experience, a student teaching practicum, or experience in the classroom. Teaching experience develops critical communication and classroom management skills.
Step 3. Earn a Master’s Degree
For prospective English language teachers who don’t have a background in teaching, a master’s degree in TESOL provides specialized training. Earning a master’s degree is also a good option for educators who want to specialize in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
During a master’s degree program, graduate students study applied linguistics, technology integration, and instructional strategies to prepare for teaching jobs.
Step 4. Pursue English Teaching Jobs
With the education and experience necessary for online English teaching roles, candidates can begin applying for positions. Earning potential depends on several factors, including job title, work setting, and degree level. In general, a higher degree level can mean higher-paying job opportunities.
Key Skills for Teaching English Online
Instructing speakers of other languages poses unique challenges, particularly regarding communication. While gaining education and teaching experience, TESOL educators develop critical skills that they need to succeed.
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Language Teaching Ability: Successful English language teachers bring strong English proficiency and teaching skills to their career. That requires an in-depth understanding of the English language and how to teach it to speakers of other languages.
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Communication: Compared with teaching in person, online teaching requires even stronger communication skills. Educators need to keep students engaged and ensure that learners understand the material.
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Adaptability: Teaching online requires the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. In addition to technical issues that can disrupt their plans, educators need to adapt to students’ needs and interests.
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Technology Skills: Online educators use many different platforms to teach students. Being able to use different software and videoconferencing tools benefits online teachers.
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Creativity: When teaching English to students of any age, from the youngest learners to college students or adults, creativity benefits educators. This skill helps them craft creative lesson plans that keep students engaged.
Earn a Master’s Degree in TESOL at Wilson College Online
If you’re ready to take the next step to become an online English teacher, earning an online master’s degree in TESOL from Wilson College Online can help you reach your goals.
In the master’s program, graduate students learn how to teach language skills through a practical, research-based curriculum. The program emphasizes key teaching frameworks and multiple language acquisition tools that improve student learning. In addition, the program’s online format prepares educators for how to teach English online in various settings. While the program doesn’t require an active teaching license, it meets the ESL certification requirement for Pennsylvania-certified teachers.
Contact Wilson College Online to learn more about how a master’s degree in TESOL can advance your career as an educator.
Recommended Readings
ESL Teaching Requirements: Do You Have to Be Bilingual?
Where Can I Teach Without Certification?
Sources:
EdWeek Market Brief, “Tapping Into Global Demands For English-Language Learning”
Indeed, Essential English Teacher Skills: A Guide for Job Seekers
Self Scaled, “5 Skills That Make a Successful Online Teacher (ESL Tutor)”
Statista, The Most Spoken Languages Worldwide in 2023
Teach Away, “6 Must-Have Online English Teacher Skills”
Teachers of Tomorrow, Are Online Teachers In Demand In 2024? Yes, and Here’s Why
