Discover Remote Teaching Opportunities

Did you know you can fund your travels and become a digital nomad by teaching English online?

This is a tried-and-true method that digital nomads have been using for years now. The English as a Second Language (ESL) industry offers diverse opportunities 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 can be done remotely.

Here’s an overview of the key roles and what you can expect in terms of income, responsibilities, and location flexibility:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Ready to Start Your ESL Journey?

The ESL field is full of pathways to match any lifestyle, from remote teaching 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!

YES! I WANT TO TEACH REMOTELY!

Stay rebellious,

Michelle

*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.