We first featured Global English TESOL graduate Lesley Vernon in our blog on hosting and teaching from home. Since then, Lesley has turned her hand to online English teaching. 5 years on, Lesley still loves the work and the flexibility it brings. In the article below, she explains why:
Why did Lesley move to online teaching?
Before teaching online I had hosted and taught young foreign students for many years, in our home. While our children were young this worked very well, but when they left home, I felt I would like to move into online teaching. I knew this would give me flexibility I wanted.
My online teaching journey began in 2016, through a contact provided by Global English TESOL/ The Italian Director of a small UK language school was looking for another teacher for Italian students in a charitable branch Milan-based bank – and I got the job!
I teach all my students on a one-to-one basis for one hour each, once a week. Their English is pretty good already and they relish the freedom to choose topics for their lessons which can range anywhere from current affairs to individually customised lesson plans, frequently using useful websites from the BBC Learning English website, for example. We tackle new vocabulary and grammar as they arise but my main role is to encourage speaking, develop listening skills and boost confidence.
Compared to face-to-face teaching, I find teaching online gives the student the advantage of privacy and confidentiality This helps establish a personal rapport with their teacher. Over the last five years, with the odd exception, I still teach the same students and I have got to know them very well over this time, as well as their families and young children.
It’s a challenge, but very satisfying and I have met some lovely young people along the way.
What makes a successful online teacher?
In my experience, a successful online teacher should be able to convey the teaching message in a professional, yet empathetic manner, whilst gently guiding the student in the right direction.
It is important that the teacher has an open mind to embrace the needs of a foreign student whose way of life may well be quite different socially and culturally. It is important to establish a personal rapport with the student - professional but approachable, so they feel at ease.
It is an ideal way of continuing teaching, as it can be done from the comfort of your own home in hours which fit into your personal lifestyle.
Thank you, Lesley. It is great to hear how this contact turned into a satisfying and flexible new role for you. Here's to many more years enjoying online English teaching
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Want to start your own online teaching journey?
At Global English we love training people so they can experience a new life teaching English from home, online or overseas. First, we offer a qualification which counts – and then we help with job assistance, advice, employer links and with our many years’ of experience and industry know-how.
If you’d like to step into TESOL, we’re the specialists, check out our TESOL courses, join our friendly FB group, or contact us for a chat about your English teaching options.
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Hear more from other Global English TESOL graduates who are successfully teaching English online:
* Magdelana teaches English online for Palfish
* Paul Knab has set up as an independent online English teacher
* Liam teaches English online for iTtutorGroup