Getting Started Teaching English Online: The Ultimate Beginner’s Checklist

admin107422
Aug 20
3 min read

The demand for online English teachers has skyrocketed in recent years. Students of all ages—from young learners to business professionals—are eager to connect with qualified teachers around the world. If you’ve ever thought about teaching English online, now is the perfect time to get started.

At The Brook Hill Training Institute, we specialize in preparing teachers for the unique challenges and opportunities of the online classroom. To help you hit the ground running, we’ve created this Ultimate Beginner’s Checklist—a simple, step-by-step guide to set you up for success.

1. Get Qualified

Before you start applying for jobs or marketing yourself, make sure you have a solid foundation. Most online teaching platforms require a TEFL certification.

Aim for at least a 120-hour accredited TEFL course.
If you want to stand out, consider a 180-hour course or a practicum that gives you real teaching experience.

Tip: Employers and students alike look for teachers who can show both certification and hands-on practice.

2. Set Up Your Tech

Your virtual classroom is only as strong as your setup. Make sure you have:

A reliable computer or laptop (no tablets/phones for professional teaching).
High-speed internet (minimum 10 Mbps upload/download).
A headset with a noise-cancelling microphone.
A good webcam and proper lighting.

Pro move: Position yourself in front of a clean, distraction-free background—or use a virtual background if appropriate.

3. Choose Your Teaching Path

You have two main routes:

Work for an online platform (e.g., Preply, italki, Cambly) – easier to start, but less control over pay and students.
Work independently – more freedom and higher earning potential, but requires marketing and business skills.

Many teachers start on platforms to gain experience, then transition to independent teaching once they’re confident.

4. Build Your Teaching Toolkit

Prepare resources before your first class:

Lesson plan templates.
Online tools (Google Docs, Jamboard, Canva, Quizlet).
A bank of engaging activities (icebreakers, games, roleplays).

Having a “grab-and-go” lesson folder makes you look professional and keeps you stress-free when a student cancels last-minute or asks for something new.

5. Create Your Online Presence

Whether you teach on platforms or independently, you’ll need to stand out.

Write a professional teacher bio and record a short intro video.
Create a LinkedIn profile and/or teaching website.
Consider starting a social media account (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube) where you share teaching tips or language learning advice.

Consistency builds trust—don’t worry about being “perfect,” just start sharing valuable content.

6. Understand the Business Side

Teaching English online is rewarding, but it’s also a business.

Set your rates (research what teachers in your niche charge).
Decide on payment methods (PayPal, Stripe, Wise).
Learn the basics of scheduling, contracts, and cancellation policies.

At Brook Hill, we encourage teachers to think of themselves as entrepreneurs—your skills and time are valuable.

7. Keep Learning & Growing

The best online teachers are lifelong learners.

Continue professional development with specialized TEFL modules.
Join teacher communities and networks.
Collect feedback from students and adjust your teaching style.

Final Thoughts

Teaching English online opens doors to a flexible, global career. With the right qualifications, tools, and mindset, you’ll be ready to succeed in the virtual classroom.

At The Brook Hill Training Institute, we offer accredited TEFL certification courses and practical training to help you not only start teaching English online but thrive in it.