Section #1: Introduction
Meet your instructor. Teaching English online is ideal for many people. Could it be right for you? What are some of the advantages to teaching English online? And, can you do it? Watch the Section 1 video for FREE.
Section #2: Tech Setup
For many, the idea of teaching online is appealing - but they dread the technical aspects. Relax! These days, tech is easier than ever, and need not be a roadblock to your teaching online. Learn what you need (it isn't really that much!), and what you don't. Learn why you probably DON'T need a website to start teaching. Don't let an unwarranted fear of the tech setup stop you from getting started on what could be an enjoyable and rewarding career!
Accessible after 1 day.
Subsequent lessons become available each week. Lessons build upon one another. You are encouraged to complete exercises for each lesson before moving on to the next lesson.
Section #3: Getting yourself ready to teach
You speak English, yes. But I'll help you polish up your skills a bit before you begin teaching. Topics include: Do you need a TEFL or CELTA teaching certificate? A university degree? Which teaching materials should you invest in? Tidying up your own grammar and speech, developing a niche, and more. After completing this section you'll be ready to put your best foot forward as you begin teaching!
** Coaching session 1 with John **
Section #4: Working with online schools
There are TONS of online language schools today. Learn who some of the biggies are. Learn how they operate, and what they do for teachers. What are typical requirements? What are the Pros and Cons of working for an online school? Could working for an online school be for you? What are matchmaking sites, and could they be an alternative for you?
Section #5: Going solo
Many teachers of English prefer to work on their own, down the road if not Day 1. What does going solo really entail? What are the Pros and Cons? You'll need policies - what should they look like? How can you determine what to charge? How should you market yourself? Will you need a website? How do you define your niche? Yes, going solo can cause some nerves initially, but being your own boss is wonderful!
** Coaching session 2 with John **
Section #6: The Assessment Chat
The Assessment Chat is typically the first real contact that you have with a prospective student. It's a free conversation of perhaps 20 minutes in which you and the student get to know each other. Done correctly, the Assessment Chat will "seal the deal" and you'll sign up an enthusiastic new student. But the Assessment Chat is much more than a marketing tool. It's a chance to verify the connection, to gather important information about your new student, and to avert potential headaches down the road. I'll show you how I conduct Assessment Chats - which have been extremely effective for me - and also discuss what follow-up you should do.
Section #7: Scheduling
When you start you teaching, scheduling is not an issue. You just want to fill all those open slots! But there is more to creating an effective schedule than you might imagine. What does a "typical" teaching schedule look like? How do you deal with time zone differences? How do you deal with cancellations and reschedules? I'll share many tips learned the hard way, so that you can avoid headaches.
Section #8: Lesson Planning
Some EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers are amazingly slack when it comes to lesson preparation. Don't you be one of them! Solid lesson plans lead to great classes - which in turn lead to satisfied, loyal students who send you referrals! But...creating lesson plans can be very time consuming, especially as you begin teaching. You need a system so that you can work efficiently. I'll show you exactly how I do my lesson planning, from materials I use to what screens and files I have open as I sit down to do the next week's plans.
Section #9: Conducting classes
As a new EFL teacher, what you probably really want to know is how to conduct a class. Amazingly, other courses about how to teach English online sidestep this topic, saying things like, "Your classes will be mostly conversation." How is THAT helpful?!
But I tackle this topic head on. We'll look at the overall structure of a class, including how to open and close a class, and how to pace it. We'll discuss common problems which many students have, and I'll share tons of tips for teaching grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, writing, and literature. We'll talk about using articles (perhaps my very favorite activity), and videos, and song lyrics. I'll tell you about some of the websites and materials I use most often. And more... So relax. I will share years of tips with you, so that your students will think that you are just awesome! (And you WILL be!)
** Coaching session 3 with John **
Section #10: Administration
Whether you intend to teach English online full-time or just a few hours a week, everything will go smoother if you are organized and businesslike. So we'll discuss things such as getting organized at the beginning, what to do after signing up a new student, having fair and effective policies, and a bit about...ugh...taxes.
BONUS Section: Beyond teaching
Teaching English online can even lead to a life of travel. Sit down in a comfy chair and imagine the possibilities...
IN EVERY SECTION, you'll receive an introductory video from me, an MP4 slide deck, a PDF transcript, and an MP3 which you can listen to wherever you are. PLUS, you'll also receive bonuses and worksheets to help you make key decisions: What should your niche be? How much should you charge? etc.
This course is designed to be actionable. Please complete activities and worksheets after each lesson and before the next one.
PLUS: Three 20-minute, 1-on-1 coaching sessions with John. Invaluable!
PLUS: Updates to the course materials, FREE!
PLUS: Access to the members-only Facebook group.
We can do this, together!