As the pandemic seems to be drawing to a close, its irreversible effects are still rampant in the workplace. Traditional employment is a thing of the past and remote working opportunities are emerging all around. People are able to not only work from home but also explore avenues that have previously been unattainable as skill sharing and online learning are the new normal.
Teaching English online has become one of the biggest emerging industries throughout this time and many continue to work in the industry even as offices start to open and life returns to normal. But what is the impact of teaching from home on the family dynamic and how are parents juggling this new avenue? Here is a look at what online English teaching entails and how to balance it as a parent.
Understanding ESL
The ESL industry comprises teachers and students being connected with each other across the globe through digital video platforms. This allows kids in remote or non-native speaking countries to learn from teachers who are working from the comfort of their own homes. This is giving learners, both old and young, unprecedented access to education and native speakers are able to earn money in ways they never deemed possible.
To be an ESL teacher, you can get hired without teaching experience. All you need is a TEFL qualification from a reputable establishment which will help you navigate the ins and outs of lesson planning, classroom management, and pedagogical approaches. Many platforms require teachers to hold at least a BA degree or higher along with a TEFL certificate.
What are the office hours?
ESL platforms can be 1 on 1, in group small settings, in full class settings, for tutoring purposes, and for both adults and children. Teachers usually get paid by the hour and could even receive handsome bonuses for completing contracts or taking classes on short notice.
There are ESL students across the globe so there are classes around the clock. Teachers based in America would work very early in the morning if they taught students in Asia but would work early evenings if their students were in South America. It is important to work for a company that serves students in a preferable time zone if a parent is trying to maintain a regular home life schedule. Most students study after school or work and many take classes on weekends.
Teachers work between 15 and 20 hours a week but this can be more or less depending on availability and demand. The average pay is between $14 and $23 per hour for native speakers who have the right qualifications. Teaching higher-level students pays more but teachers are also required to have higher qualifications.
Being a Teacher and Parent
Fulfilling the duties of a stay-at-home parent is challenging enough but juggling it with teaching responsibilities is a whole other ballgame. One needs to strike a work/life balance which is further complicated as these locations become intertwined. It is difficult to include a whole new work schedule into an already demanding parenting role but there are plenty of resources to make this transition as effortless as possible. Here are a few tips to help overwhelmed parents who want to teach English from home.
Have a Workspace
Teaching English from home might give you special flexibility but for parents, it is important to set up a workspace. Whether it is a corner of the living room or the home office, kids should know where the parent is working and that that space is off-limits. This will also help parents to unplug from work and enter the home environment with a different outlook as they get to navigate the blurred lines between home and office.
Keep a Strict Routine
The convenience of being an ESL teacher is that you can pretty much work when you want. But being a parent changes this up a bit. It is important to keep a routine, not for your own benefit, but to help children understand when is work time and when is playtime. Work the teaching schedule into the daily routines of the children so as to not disrupt the natural flow of their days.
Schedule “Me-Time”
Between balancing a new job and keeping a household afloat, it can be hard to schedule time for oneself. Take some time away from the family and work to just unwind. Read a book, do a craft, exercise, or just watch your favorite show. This will help you regain focus and reload your batteries to tackle the next challenge head-on.
Promote Independent Play
This is the perfect time to teach kids the value of independent play. Set up activities and tasks that they can do on their own. A variety of crafts, reading, DIY projects, and games will keep little ones busy and out of trouble. Boredom is a stay-at-home parent’s worst nightmare so consult online resources and gather a surplus of activities that kids can dig into.
Learn to Delegate
Stay-at-home parents are used to managing a household mostly on their own but this needs to change once “work from home” comes into play. Learn to delegate some tasks to a partner or even older children to keep the ship sailing smoothly. This new routine will require some planning but if everyone learns to pitch in it will be a breeze.
Learn to Switch Off
When the day is done, switch off your computer and live in the moment with your family. Put work behind you and focus on your kids and partner. Plan fun evenings with the whole family to catch up and bond.
Enjoy the freedom that comes with working from home and the ability to earn extra income while still being involved in your children’s lives. This invaluable opportunity is only the beginning of a new era of remote working that ushers in a new take on the working world.