How One Simple Strategy Transformed My Online Teaching Practice

As a teacher, you know that lesson planning can feel a little like trying to put together IKEA furniture without the instructions—time-consuming and a bit chaotic!

The hours spent crafting unique lessons for each student can be exhausting, especially when you’re juggling so many other responsibilities.

But what if lesson planning could be simpler, more impactful, and even increase your income?

When I first started teaching English online, I quickly realised how overwhelming it is to create fresh, engaging lessons for every student.

I was spending hours planning each week and still felt like I wasn’t earning what I deserved for all that effort.

Here’s something that helped me A LOT:

I Narrowed My Focus

Instead of trying to be the “general English teacher” for everyone, I found my niche becoming the go-to person for Brazilians serious about improving their English for career success.

Turns out, trying to be everything to everyone is a fast track to burnout.

Who knew, right?

Here’s another tip:

Focus on Real-World Applications.

When I started using real-world scenarios in my lessons, the results were immediate.

My students saw the value in every lesson because what they were learning connected directly to their careers.

And because my lessons were so relevant, I was able to increase my rates.

Students noticed a direct link between our classes and real, tangible results in their careers.

Here are a few ideas that worked particularly well for me:

1️⃣ Job Interview Simulations

I made mock job interviews a core part of my curriculum. These exercises gave students structured practice responding to common interview questions, building their confidence for real interviews.

They loved it, and it gave me a framework I could easily replicate with each new student.

2️⃣ Business Presentation Practice

I guided my students through delivering business presentations, focusing on clarity, structure, and the key language skills they’d need.

This not only improved their speaking abilities but also made them feel more prepared for professional situations—something they were willing to pay a premium for.

3️⃣ Email Writing Exercises:

One of the biggest challenges my students faced was writing professional emails. To help, I created exercises that guided them through crafting concise, effective emails. We focused on key phrases to use (and avoid), so they could feel confident that their emails made the right impression.

This filled a critical skill gap and added extra value to my lessons.

Why This Worked

My students became more engaged and started seeing the value in every lesson.

As a bonus, word-of-mouth referrals started rolling in faster than coffee on a Monday morning.

The best part?

I was able to save time on planning while increasing my rates, knowing I was delivering real results.

How You Can Get Started

Start by incorporating one or two of these ideas into the lessons or packages you offer your students.

I’m confident you’ll see your students become more engaged, and you’ll appreciate the time saved with a more structured approach.

This made a world of difference in my own teaching practice, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it could benefit you as well.

Robbie :)

P.S. Need help putting these tips into action?

Check out my free resources below—because who doesn’t love free stuff? (Especially when it makes life easier!)

🚀 Free Business English Small Talk Lesson – The first lesson in my Ready-Made Business English Curriculum, full of tips, phrases, and strategies to help your learners make small talk confidently at work.

🤝 Outcome Cheatsheet for Teachers – Perfect for communicating the value of your classes to prospective students in DMs and sales calls.

🍏 Follow my TPT Store – Over 100 ready-made ESL lessons and Business English Curriculums (including lots of freebies).