When COVID-19 shut down schools a couple of years ago, teachers everywhere were suddenly thrust into online teaching. It was an extremely difficult time for teachers, and many were glad to return to physical classrooms when they could. Others, though, found that they really loved teaching online. For some folks, remote teaching jobs are actually a much better fit. If you’re on the hunt for one of these positions, here are some places to start.
Virtual Schools
Virtual schools have actually been around since long before the pandemic, although only privately in some locations. Now, many states offer free virtual schooling for K-12, and they need teachers to fill the online classrooms. In most cases, you’ll need to live in the state that provides the online school, for certification and testing purposes. There are also many private virtual school companies out there, which sometimes offer better pay rates than public virtual schools.
Real Teacher Experience
“Love it! This is my first year and after years of searching have finally found my home! Making more than I would in local schools, full benefits, and pension! Have the best group of teachers and admin is a dream!” (Jennifer L., Stride K12 teacher)
Finding Virtual School Remote Teaching Jobs
To find public school remote teaching jobs in your state, do a web search to find out if they offer virtual school and have any openings. You can also check into the companies that run these schools, both public and private. Here are some to try.
- Stride K12: This company runs virtual schools in multiple states and has lots of openings for full- and part-time online teachers. Teachers report that the pay is as good or better than local districts, and benefits and retirement are provided too.
- Connections Academy: This is another popular choice for public school districts, with many open positions.
ESL Online Teaching
Some of the most popular remote teaching jobs are the ones teaching English as a second language. You can work for companies that have their own curricula to follow, or register to do one-on-one or small class discussion practice. These jobs can be ideal if you’re looking to work part-time, but note that many of them require you to work odd hours to line up with daytime across the world.
Real Teacher Experience
“I love that the hours are so flexible and when I need to cancel, I can. I work before school and on the weekends. The cons are the hours themselves: they are early mornings or late nights so it can be tough if you have a full-time day job. Once you learn the lessons and program features, there isn’t any prep required at all. So that’s nice!” (Alex L., Qkids teacher)
Finding ESL Remote Teaching Jobs
There are multiple companies offering these jobs, and it might be worth applying to a few and trying them out to see which fit your needs best. The website Online English Teaching is chock-full of information for those interested in these types of jobs, and it is a terrific place to start.
Note: As of 2022, many of the companies that work exclusively with Chinese students are not currently hiring new teachers. (This is due to changes China has made in their laws.) Others have cut their hiring dramatically but are still accepting applications. This is subject to change at any time.
- VIPKid: In this full-immersion one-on-one program for kids 4 to 12 in China, teachers use a predesigned program and don’t need to speak any language but English. See our full review of the VIPKid teacher experience here.
- Qkids: Similar to VIPKid, teachers use a preset curriculum to teach classes to small groups of up to four Chinese students. Qkids handles all the administrative stuff, including parent communication, so your time is focused on teaching. See our full review of Qkids here.
- iTalki: This site offers the chance to teach and learn a wide variety of languages, including English. Professional teachers must provide proof of certification, then can set their own rates and curriculum.
Online Tutor
Tutoring is a lot like teaching, but in a more personalized setting. If you love getting close to your students and focusing on the subjects you know best, this might be for you. There are lots of online tutoring sites available, especially for test prep. You can also strike out on your own, building up clients in a way that fits your schedule.
Real Teacher Experience
“I love iTutor! We have a flexible schedule, easy platform, and I adore my kids and adults.” (Beth A., online tutor)
Finding Online Tutoring Jobs
We’ve got lots of information available on tutoring jobs here. Check it out!
Outschool
Is there a subject you feel passionate about, academic or otherwise? Create your own class, design your own curriculum, and offer it up on Outschool! You set your own hours and rates (the site takes a flat 30% commission, so factor that in). Teach science to homeschoolers, offer a book club for teenagers, share your knowledge of knitting, photography, or cooking … the possibilities are endless.
Real Teacher Experience
“I absolutely love working through Outschool. Not only because it is so convenient and fits into my life but also because I have met the most wonderful students and parents.” (Jessika O., Outschool teacher)
Finding Outschool Jobs
When it comes to Outschool, you’re not finding remote teaching jobs—you’re creating one for yourself! You will have to do the work of crafting a curriculum, talking yourself up, and choosing topics that kids want to learn. But over time, good teachers can establish themselves on the site and make a very good living!
