Skip to content 
The Pros and Cons of Becoming an Online Teacher
[likebtn identifier=”prosandconsofbeinganonlineteacher” theme=”github” icon_l=”arr5-u” icon_d=”arr14-d” counter_type=”subtract_dislikes” tooltip_enabled=”0″ ef_voting=”push” white_label=”1″ rich_snippet=”1″ position=”top” popup_disabled=”1″ share_enabled=”0″ addthis_service_codes=”facebook,twitter” bp_notify=”0″]
If you’ve ever wanted to make extra money by working from home and have had experience with children in some capacity, you might consider working for an online teaching platform such as VIPKid. VIPKid is one of the most profitable platforms for teachers to make some extra cash. If you’re considering becoming an online teacher, read more to learn about the Pros and Cons of Becoming an online teacher with VIPKid.
What is VIPKid?
With headquarters in both San Francisco and Beijing, VIPKid is a virtual teaching platform that allows certified teachers to be paired with ESL students from China. The program specifically hires teachers from Canada and the United States to teach Chinese kids English through one-on-one English lessons.
According to the VIPKid platform, the platform conducts over 200,000 lessons every day and employs over 65,000 teachers. The VIPKid platform’s services are similar to other online teaching portals, using video chat programs to connect teachers and students.
Is VIPKid a Legitimate Company?
Many people who search to become an online teacher want to confirm the validity of the platforms they use. Will you be able to make money on the VIPKid platform? Is there enough work to go around?
The VIPKid teaching platform is legitimate, allowing teachers to work when and how much they want to. The platform is consistently monitored by the Ministry of Education in China and follows the People’s Republic of China education laws. To work for the company, you need to have access to a computer and Wi-Fi, along with a can-do attitude to teach your students the content. VIPKid will supply all lessons, so all you need to do is review the material and teach it to your students.
VIPKid allows teachers to work around non-traditional work hours, granting the flexibility to live your life while still creating a decent income. The typical business hours for VIPKid are between 6–9 AM eastern time on Monday through Friday and 9 AM-9 PM during the weekend. The hours are flexible because they’re based on China’s time zone, not the U.S. time zone. This allows you to work a regular 9 to 5 job or plan your everyday life around a few teaching lessons.
When you sign up for the VIPKid platform, you’ll have to go through a rigorous interview process to determine you’re the right fit for the position. VIPKid ensures that the people they hire for their platform are qualified and motivated. You’ll also have the safety net of a contract once you’re accepted for the position, as they require teachers to sign a 6-month contract. During the six-month contract period, you can choose to take on as many or as few lessons to fill up your teaching schedule. You’re eligible for renewal after your contract is up, depending on your performance and parent feedback.
Do you need a teaching degree for VIPKid?
Like any job you might apply for, VIPKid has standards you must meet before teaching on their platform. Make sure you meet the following requirements to ensure you’re eligible for a teaching position:
1. Bachelor’s Degree
The Ministry of Education in China is very strict about this requirement. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university to teach on their platform. The degree does not need to be in teaching. It can be for any subject. Even if you have years of experience working with children, you still must have a degree to teach on the VIPKid platform.
2. Experience Working with Children
Along with your degree, you need to have some type of experience working with children. This doesn’t mean you must be a teacher; you could have experience through babysitting, mentoring, or coaching children.
3. The Right to Work in Canada or the United States
VIPKid contracts teachers from Canada and the United States because they want to teach Chinese students English with a neutral accent. You’ll need to show identification, such as a tax ID, to prove that you’re allowed to work in either country.
4. Equipment
You must have a device to teach your lessons on. The device must run Mac OS 10.x or higher, or Windows 7,8, or 10 and have a minimum of 8GB ram with an i5 processor. The device you choose must connect with the internet and not be a smartphone or Chrome book. Plus, you must have consistent high-speed internet to teach the lesson properly.
What are the Pros and Cons of Working for VIPKid?
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Is VIPKid Hiring Right Now?
VIPKid is always hiring! It doesn’t matter the time of the year. You’re still able to apply to be a teacher with the platform. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not hired as an employee with VIPKid; you’re considered an independent contractor. This means that you must keep track of all payments and work done. It’s recommended to put aside about 25% of your paycheck to pay your taxes at the end of the year. However, the positive side is that you will receive consistent work through the platform, making it worth it.
Is there a maximum or a minimum number of hours you can work?
You can work as many or as few hours as you would like since you are working as an independent contractor. Your schedule can vary depending on how many lessons you choose to take on, and you can block out time on your schedule if you know you have important tasks to attend to. If you stay up late or are an early riser, you’re able to secure more hours and work.
How Much Do You Get paid with VIPKid?
VIPKid is a great way to make some extra cash. Most use the platform as a second job, while some choose to make this job their full-time gig. On average, teachers earn between $15-22 an hour, which can add up quickly depending on the number of lessons you choose to take on. If you want to make more money on the platform, it’s essential to select peak hours when the platform needs tutors.
VIPKid Referral Program
If you want to work from home, need some extra cash, and enjoy teaching, VIPKid is worth it. It’s essential if you’ve decided to become a teacher on the VIPKid platform to use a referral code when completing your application. When you use a referral code, you’ll gain a mentor on the platform to prepare for your interview and help you start to gain bookings or answer any questions you may have. Use this VIPKid referral code: LINDS1129 if you don’t have one yet. Read our full article about the VIPKid referral program here to know how the program works.
How Do You Apply for a Job with VIPKid?
The application process is completed from your laptop. First, you’ll need to start by filling out an application on the VIPKid platform. It will ask for basic information about yourself, such as your teaching experience, education, and contact information. This is also the portion where you can insert your referral code, which is highly recommended, before moving on to the next step.
Once you have completed your application, VIPKid will determine if you’re eligible to move forward based on their requirements, which are listed above under the “Do you need a teaching degree for VIPKid?” section. If you meet their requirements, you’ll be invited to take a quiz featuring a few questions on the basics of how to teach, along with a demo. The demo is a recording where you can demonstrate a part of an actual lesson to show how you would teach it in a fun or engaging way.
If VIPKid likes your survey results and demo, they’ll invite you to participate in a 10-minute live mock class. Before you start, you’ll be provided the teaching instruction, along with the option to take a prep course to help you pass this part of the interview. During the class, a representative from VIPKid will appear, and you will teach them the curriculum as if they were one of your students. Once finished, the VIPKid representative will offer teaching tips and feedback.
The process may sound like many steps, but it’s to ensure that both parties are a good fit for the program. If you’re approved, you’ll need to verify your certifications and educations, along with submitting a background check. If you don’t have a teaching certification, you’ll need to acquire a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), which is provided through VIPKid in the form of an easy, free course.
From there, you’ll sign your six-month contract and will be ready to start accepting lessons. While the process of teaching for VIPKid may seem long, this process can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks to complete. That’s a short-time investment for long-term payoffs!
Leave A Comment