So Want to Become an Online Teacher?: Here's How

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.

An online teacher is a live synchronous teacher who teaches on a teleconferencing platform such as Zoom, Google Meets, etc. An online teacher's role acts similar to a traditional brick-and-mortar teacher. 

Questions to ask yourself if you want to become an online teacher

  • Do you have a specific space in your home that you can dedicate to live online teaching?
  • Do you prefer a set schedule with the same group of students daily/weekly or are you okay seeing different students every session?
  • Do you prefer premade lesson plans or ones you can modify/ create?
  • Are you social and enjoy having co-workers? Are you okay working independently and meeting co-workers virtually?
  • Do you want to teach online full-time or part-time?

With a Degree

If you want to work in the K-12 public school system, you will need to earn a bachelor's degree. If you plan to teach elementary school, many students earn a degree in childhood development or early education. However, a degree in any field will work. You will also need to earn a state teaching certificate/credential. Many universities offers a dual degree and certificate program. Check the requirements in your state.

If you plan to teach middle school or high school, you will need to a degree in a specific subject such as math, English, history, etc. along with a state certificate.

If you wish to teach in higher education, you will need to earn a master's degree or a doctorate.

Without a degree

If you want to teach ESL/EFL, English as a second language or foreign language, you are required to have a ESL certification with at least 120 hours. A degree is dependent on the school/company. However, many institutions do not require them.

Consider different types of educators too including tutors and paraeducators which are also valuable in online education. These positions typically do not require a degree.

Building experience

Do not be discouraged, if you do not have any (online) teaching experience. You are needed! Many teaching degree programs include a teaching practicum in a classroom. Here's a secret, many schools will hire you without any experience! As long as you meet their minimum requirements. They are looking for a candidate who is passionate, caring, and enthusiastic.

Volunteering is also a great way introduction into the education field. Try your local library to see if they offer any volunteer tutoring positions. Do you have children? Volunteer in their classrooms.

Substitute teaching is another way to gain teaching experience.

Finding online teaching positions

Start by searching for schools in your area for a teaching job board or database. Here are some great starts:

The hiring process for an online teacher

Your resume will be a key component in landing an interview. Be sure to highlight your education, any experiences related to teaching or tutoring, and volunteer experience. Don't forget to mention your skills too. A cover letter/ letter of introduction is important too as it gives you an opportunity to boast yourself!

Many schools will require letters of recommendations. There are various people you can ask to write you one including a supervisor, coworker, and a professor. Be sure that your recommenders can speak strongly about your character. 

LinkedIn is another great way to be noticed by potential employers. If you are not using LinkedIn in your job hunt, you should!

The interview process

In the public school system, you will interview will several people usually 3. Sometimes at the same time or rounds. Here are some typical questions you will be asked in an interview. You will asked to give specific examples.

Potential question, "Describe a troubling student you’ve taught. What did you do to get through to them?" If you have never taught, you could respond by saying, "I have never taught a troubled student, but if I did, I would do this [describe teaching strategies that you would use]."

A mock teaching session with the interviewee is common. You will be provided a short lesson template to prepare ahead of time.

The job search can be overwhelming, but taking these steps can help with finding your dream online teaching job. Good luck!