My Background
Hello! My name is Teacher Keri, and I teach online! I have taught in a variety of capacities with my church, teaching children ranging in age from 18 months to 18 years… and even some adult classes! I have loved every minute that I’ve been in the classroom with kids! I love their genuineness and energy.
I am currently working for a wonderful online company, VIPKID, and has taught at Magic Ears. Please watch the video above, and if you think you qualify as a teacher, then please use my referral links for VIPKID and Magic Ears (use referral links– they give you priority viewing over those who do not use one!).
Check out my YouTube channel for helpful videos, or fill in the form below. The form also allows you to send me your resume.
Teaching Tips
Personality, Passion, TPR, and Props
Teaching English to children online can be fun as well as a challenge. When there is no physical classroom to manage your students, you have to be dynamic and creative in keeping your class focused and participating. This means meeting your students’ needs, whether that’s keeping your energy up or mellowing things out. Show personality, try and connect on a personal level with your students, and make your class the highlight of their long day.
TPR (total physical response) and props are critical in keeping your students engaged. TPR is using your body language to help the student know what you are saying and asking of them. Be sure to have looked through your lesson, know what you are teaching, and then search your house for those props that will make your lesson unique. Of course, not all teachers have to have extravagant amounts of props. I know many teachers who, by necessity (travel frequently) or not, use only a whiteboard and maybe some flashcards and/or a puppet (“prop minimalists”). As for myself, I find myself somewhere in the middle.
New Teacher Tip:
New teachers, don’t get stressed if it takes some time to start getting bookings and actually getting in the classroom with students. Magic Ears has been great in that I have been guaranteed bookings right after being hired. But, Magic Ears booking rate policies will keep me from being 100% booked with them until I’ve “ranked up” with them. With each improved rank, you also increase your booking rate. There are specific requirements (that they list in a public document) to be able to improve your ranking, and as far as I can tell those requirements can be met in not too long an amount of time. I hope to be in the top two rankings by this summer.
VIPKID was a different experience. I got a couple bookings right off the bat and then I would go a week or so at a time between bookings. There was no rhyme or reason as to why I was or was not booked. Now, several weeks in and approaching the end of the Chinese New Year holiday, I am starting to see a greater flow of students into my schedule. It’s nowhere near where I want it to be yet. But, I have hope that I will start to have a more consistent schedule with VIPKID as time goes on.
Information and Requirements for VipKid
You must be eligible to work in the US or Canada. Bachelor’s degree in any field is also required. One year of traditional teaching experience or the equivalent in mentoring, tutoring, or alternative education. You should be available for at least 7.5 hours (15-time slots per week at 30 minutes per time slot) during Beijing peak times. The most requested time periods in Beijing time are Monday – Friday 6-10pm, and Saturday – Sunday 9am-10pm.
Information and Requirements for Magic Ears
Must be a native English speaker native to USA/Canada. You must either have an ESOL certificate and 8+ months ESL teaching experience or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 2+ years online ESL teaching experience or 3+ years offline ESL teaching experience. Native speaker requirements are non-negotiable. However, if you have the teaching personality we are looking for and lack some of the experience requirements, you can send in your application with an introduction video attached and possibly be hired. Be sure to attach all resumes and certifications (if applicable), otherwise, your application will be automatically rejected by the system for being incomplete.