Discover Remote Teaching Opportunities
The way we teach is changing—fast. Over 1.2 billion students worldwide were affected by school closures during the pandemic, and online education isn’t just a temporary fix. It’s here to stay. Remote teaching isn’t just an alternative to the classroom; it’s an entirely new career path with global demand, flexible schedules, and growing income potential.
Think about it. No commute. No dress code (at least from the waist down). No noisy classroom distractions. You can teach from a beach in Bali, a coffee shop in Paris, or your own living room. And the best part? The demand for online teachers is skyrocketing. Platforms like VIPKid, Outschool, and Preply are seeing thousands of students enroll every day, looking for teachers just like you.
But not all remote teaching jobs are the same. Some pay pennies. Others let you set your own rates and earn a six-figure salary if you play your cards right. Whether you’re a certified teacher, an industry expert, or just someone who loves to share knowledge, there’s a remote teaching opportunity tailored for you.
So, where do you start? Which platforms are worth your time? How do you stand out in a crowded market? In this guide, we’ll break down the best opportunities, the top-paying platforms, and the exact steps to get started today. Let’s dive in.
Best Remote Teaching Opportunities
Did you know remote teaching opportunities can help you fund your travels and live the digital nomad lifestyle?
For years, digital nomads have embraced teaching English online as a flexible, rewarding way to work remotely. The English as a Second Language (ESL) industry offers diverse that will allow you to work remotely.
From teaching and content creation to consulting, ESL roles come with unique benefits, pay structures, and growth potential - many of which allows the the freedom to work from anywhere.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to remote teaching opportunities, detailing potential earnings, responsibilities, and flexibility.
ESL Teaching Roles
Teaching roles are ideal for those who want flexibility and independence, especially for remote work:
General English Teacher: Teach for online platforms such as Cambly and Italki which send you students, book classes for you and allow you to work from anywhere without lesson planning; typical pay is $6–$20/hour.
Freelance Teacher: For those who want ultimate flexibility, freelancing offers the chance to set your own rates and schedule through private lessons or on platforms such as Preply and Verbling; typical pay ranges from $10–$40/hour.
Specialised ESL Roles
Specialised roles in ESL teaching provide opportunities for niche skills and high pay:
Exam Prep Specialist: Focus on preparing students for exams like TOEFL or IELTS. Teaching test prep is a growing field, with jobs in grading, feedback, and teaching; $15–$60+/hour.
Voice Actor/Content Creator for ESL Resources: Create audio or video content for ESL resources. Freelance sites like Fiverr and Upwork often post these jobs; pay ranges from $10–$60/hour.
Consulting and Development Roles
These roles focus on educational strategies and content creation, often done remotely:
Educational Consultant: Help schools globally by offering advice on curriculum and teaching strategies; $45–$75/hour.
Curriculum Developer: Work remotely to create lesson plans and learning materials for ESL; pay ranges from $40,000 to $70,000/year.
Materials Writer: Create ESL content like textbooks, worksheets, and digital resources; typical pay is $25,000–$60,000/year.
Content Creation and Business Roles
If you’re interested in content creation or running an ESL business, these roles offer creative freedom:
YouTuber: Make ESL-focused content on YouTube, with topics like "Teaching and Travel" or "English Tips for Students," earning potential is $1,000–$100,000/year.
Online Course Creator: Create and sell ESL courses; popular areas include Business English and IELTS prep; potential income is $30,000–$100,000/year.
Lesson Planner/Resource Creator: Earn by creating and selling lesson plans on sites like TeachersPayTeachers.com.
Support and Advisory Roles
These roles provide remote support to ESL teachers and schools:
Job Placement Advisor: Offer job placement support to ESL teachers globally, with an income of $30,000–$50,000/year.
ESL Recruiter: Promote teaching jobs on a commission basis; commissions vary, from $25–$50 for online placements to $1,000 for in-person placements in regions like China.
How to Get Started in Remote Teaching
If you’re interested in pursuing a remote teaching career, getting started may seem overwhelming. However, by following these key steps, you can set yourself up for success and find rewarding opportunities in online education.
Obtain Necessary Qualifications and Certifications
While not all remote teaching jobs require formal qualifications, having certifications can significantly increase your chances of landing a job, especially for ESL teaching roles. Some common certifications include:
• TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
• TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
• State Teaching Certification (for licensed teachers seeking online K-12 positions)
If you’re interested in tutoring or teaching subjects other than ESL, having a degree in the subject area or prior teaching experience can be beneficial.
Choose the Right Remote Teaching Platform
There are numerous platforms where you can apply for remote teaching jobs. The right platform depends on your skills, experience, and teaching preferences.
• For ESL Teaching: VIPKid, Cambly, iTalki, Preply
• For K-12 and Higher Education: Elevate K-12, Outschool, Varsity Tutors
• For Online Course Creation: Udemy, Teachable, Thinkific
• For Freelance and Private Tutoring: Wyzant, Superprof, Tutor.com
Research each platform’s requirements, pay scale, and teaching structure to determine which suits you best.
Build a Strong Online Teaching Profile
Your online profile is your resume. Here’s how to optimize it:
• Use a professional, high-quality profile picture.
• Write a compelling bio highlighting your expertise, teaching style, and any relevant experience.
• Upload certifications and qualifications.
• Record an engaging introduction video showcasing your personality and teaching approach.
• Collect and display student reviews to build credibility.
Market Yourself to Stand Out
To increase your chances of landing students and securing more opportunities, invest time in marketing yourself.
• Use Social Media: Share teaching tips, success stories, and promotional content on platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Create a Personal Website: Having a website with testimonials, resources, and course offerings can make you stand out.
• Network in Teaching Communities: Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, and LinkedIn forums where online teachers share job leads and tips.
Prepare for Your First Online Class
Before starting, ensure you have the necessary tech setup:
• Stable Internet Connection: A minimum of 10 Mbps is recommended.
• High-quality webcam and Microphone: Clear audio and video make a difference.
• Teaching Materials: Create lesson plans, slides, and interactive activities.
• Quiet and Professional Workspace: A well-lit, distraction-free area enhances professionalism.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to launch your remote teaching career and start earning from the comfort of your home.
6 Benefits of Remote Teaching
Remote teaching offers a wide range of benefits that make it an attractive career option for educators looking for flexibility and independence. Here are some key advantages:
1. Flexible Work Schedule
Remote teaching allows educators to set their own schedules. Whether you prefer to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends, many online teaching platforms offer scheduling flexibility, making it easier to balance work with personal commitments.
2. Work from Anywhere
One of the greatest perks of remote teaching is the ability to work from any location with a stable internet connection. Whether you’re traveling, living abroad, or working from home, online teaching eliminates the need for commuting.
3. Increased Earning Potential
Remote teachers have multiple income streams, including:
• Teaching on multiple platforms
• Offering private tutoring sessions
• Creating and selling online courses
• Writing educational content or lesson plans
With experience and a solid reputation, online teachers can significantly increase their earning potential.
4. Access to a Global Student Base
Unlike traditional classroom teaching, remote teaching connects educators with students from around the world. This exposure allows teachers to engage with diverse cultures, languages, and perspectives, enriching both the teaching and learning experience.
5. More Opportunities for Career Growth
Remote teaching opens doors to career opportunities beyond just teaching. Many educators move into:
• Curriculum development
• Teacher training and mentoring
• Educational consulting
• Content creation for e-learning platforms
As online education continues to grow, skilled remote teachers will have even more career advancement opportunities.
6. Better Work-Life Balance
Without the need to commute or adhere to rigid schedules, remote teachers often experience better work-life balance. The ability to customize work hours and teaching environments leads to reduced stress and improved job satisfaction.
By leveraging these benefits, remote teaching can be a fulfilling and financially rewarding career choice.
4 Top Remote Teaching Platforms to Explore
If you’re looking for remote teaching opportunities, choosing the right platform is crucial. Here’s a list of some of the top platforms categorized by teaching niche:
1. Online English Teaching (ESL)
• VIPKid – Teach English to students in China; requires a bachelor’s degree.
• Cambly – Get paid to chat with students; no experience required.
• Preply – Set your own rates and schedule as an English tutor.
• Italki – Teach multiple languages, including English.
2. K-12 and Higher Education Teaching
• Elevate K-12 – Virtual teaching jobs for certified teachers.
• Outschool – Teach specialized courses for kids worldwide.
• Varsity Tutors – Tutoring opportunities for K-12 and college subjects.
• Connections Academy – Online teaching for K-12 students in the U.S.
3. Private Tutoring and Freelance Teaching
• Wyzant – Connects tutors with students in various subjects.
• Superprof – Set your own rates and schedule for tutoring.
• Tutor.com – Offers tutoring jobs in multiple subjects.
4. Online Course Creation
• Udemy – Create and sell video courses in various subjects.
• Teachable – Build your own online school and sell courses.
• Thinkific – Platform for designing and selling educational content.
Each platform has its own requirements, commission structures, and student demographics. Consider testing multiple platforms to find the best fit for your skills and income goals.
Why Explore Remote Teaching Opportunities?
Remote teaching provides flexibility, financial independence, and career growth. Whether you want to explore the world, build a meaningful career, or balance work and personal life, teaching English remotely can help you achieve your goals.
Ready to Start Your ESL Journey?
The ESL field is full of pathways to match any lifestyle, from remote teaching opportunities to establishing an ESL business. Whether you seek flexibility, stability, or creative freedom, there’s a role that aligns with your goals. Teaching English abroad or online can launch a meaningful, financially secure, and adventure-filled career.
Interested in getting TEFL certified? Reach out to Georgie from Teacher’s Friend, who has over 12 years of experience in general teaching, IELTS, corporate English, freelancing, and teacher training. Let your ESL journey begin!
Conclusion: Your Remote Teaching Career Starts Now
Let’s be real—remote teaching isn’t just a trend. It’s the future of education. And it’s not just for teachers with years of experience or fancy degrees. If you have knowledge, passion, and a solid internet connection, you can start teaching online and make real money.
Maybe you want the freedom to travel. Maybe you’re tired of the traditional classroom grind. Or maybe you just want to earn extra income on your own terms. Whatever your reason, remote teaching opens doors that traditional jobs never could.
The best part? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Start small. Pick a platform. Experiment. Adjust your rates. Market yourself. Build a following. Before you know it, you’ll have a steady stream of students—and an income that keeps growing.
So, what’s stopping you? The demand is there. The platforms are ready. The students are waiting. Your future in remote teaching is just one step away. Take it.
*This week's article is credited to Georgie Snape from Teacher’s Friend
This week’s article is sponsored by Teacher’s Friend. Fulfill your dream of a remote life! Travel the world while making a difference! Teaching English abroad or online opens doors to remote work opportunities. Discover how to get started with Teacher’s Friend.