Hello! Today, I’m excited to share an insightful article by Janice Cook about teaching English from home through online tutoring jobs with VIPKID. Janice, a school teacher for 12 years, has been teaching ESL online to students in China with VIPKID since February 2017. Here’s her story on how to teach English online:
Do you want to be a stay-at-home parent who can earn money in the early mornings before your spouse leaves for work? Or perhaps you want to work an extra 10 hours on weekends to supplement your income, pay off debt, and reach your goals faster? Maybe you dream of traveling the world and taking your job with you? If you’re looking to increase your income but worry about time commitment or maintaining a consistent schedule, online teaching with VIPKID might be the perfect solution.
VIPKID teachers come from diverse backgrounds. If you have a four-year degree, a high-speed internet connection, and some experience teaching children aged 4-12, you should consider teaching English from home with VIPKID to help you meet your goals.
My journey with VIPKID began when I was a full-time middle school music teacher. I taught from 9-11 PM on Friday and Saturday nights and from 7-10 AM on Saturday and Sunday mornings, making an extra $1,000 a month. It was a refreshing escape from the real world, a chance to connect one-on-one with someone across the globe, and I always felt successful and energized after each session.
This side hustle unexpectedly became something I truly enjoyed. Working full-time and caring for two small children, I found it challenging to commit to regular hours every week. However, I discovered that I could find 25 minutes here and there to monetize, and I believe most people can do the same.
One of the things I appreciate most about VIPKID is the opportunity to focus solely on teaching for 25 minutes at a time. The company provides all the materials, so there’s no need for lesson planning, grading, or attending meetings. I just get to teach. This focused task gives me a sense of accomplishment, and after a decade in a traditional classroom, I needed that boost. The support from VIPKID, including tech support and feedback from parents, has been invaluable.
VIPKID has made me a better teacher. It helped me slow down my speech and practice patience, which I often lost under the pressures of a traditional classroom. Teaching young students a new language reminded me of the rewards of encouragement, patience, and compassion. The skills I honed in my VIPKID classroom positively impacted my brick-and-mortar classroom, transforming my teaching and boosting my confidence.
Some teachers worry that a second job will leave them too tired to teach effectively, but VIPKID sets you up for success. The instant results and positive feedback from students and parents left me feeling refreshed and ready for the week ahead.
VIPKID also made me a better mom. My daughters love hearing about what my students are learning and playing with my classroom props. The patience I developed with my students extended to my own children, making me more present and relaxed with them.
Moreover, VIPKID improved my relationship with my husband. As I became less stressed and more fulfilled, he supported my teaching journey by helping create reward systems for my classroom. This shared experience brought balance to our lives.
VIPKID is an incredible team. The CEO, Cindy, regularly communicates with employees, sharing her vision and seeking feedback. The company provides weekly updates to keep over 20,000 teachers informed and united. The supportive community of VIPKID teachers is non-competitive and collaborative, ensuring every student gets the best possible class. The company offers 1:1 training, free online workshops, and tech support during classes, making sure teachers have everything they need to succeed.
As a VIPKID teacher, you just teach. The company values your strengths, supports you, and provides the necessary resources to deliver the best classes.
There is minimal prep work required outside of class time. The curriculum is provided, and you only need to teach the 25-minute lesson, leave feedback for the family and the next teacher, and you’re done. This simplicity is refreshing compared to traditional classroom teaching.
The pay ranges from $7-13 per 25-minute class ($14-26 per hour), depending on your experience, interview performance, number of classes taught, and other incentives. You get paid monthly via direct deposit and can choose your own schedule, teaching as many or as few classes as you like. Some teachers even make VIPKID their full-time job, but most teach part-time.
To get started with VIPKID, you don’t need a resume or cover letter. Just fill out a quick online application. A four-year degree and any teaching experience, formal or informal, are important. After applying, you’ll be connected with a current teacher who will guide you through the interview process and support you as you start teaching.
Janice Cook has been a public school music teacher for 12 years and has taught ESL online with VIPKID since February 2017. She lives in Connecticut with her two daughters and talented husband, who helps create custom materials for her classroom. If you have any questions about VIPKID, feel free to reach out to her at teacherjanice06066@gmail.com.
Are you interested in learning how to teach English online with VIPKID? What other questions do you have for Janice on this subject?