Teaching

Compare all online TEFL / TESOL courses in Australia (2025)

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Want to study the best TEFL / TESOL course online and gain a certification from home? If so, you’re in the right place. After 15+ years of teaching and multiple TESOL qualifications, I’ll guide you through everything that you need. Let’s go!

All prices are in Australian dollars (AUD) unless otherwise stated. We use affiliate links and may receive a small referral fee (at no extra cost to you). See Disclaimer.

TESOL online courses
A cheap Groupon TESOL certificate just isn't enough to help you become a confident, highly paid teacher.
Reading Time: 10 minutes

Why I wrote this post…

A small group had gathered together on Zoom to discuss the first assessment for our post-graduate TESOL studies. Most of the group were experienced teachers and found the work challenging but exciting. Suddenly, mid-conversation, one of the students burst into tears. “I have no idea what I’m doing and I’ve just realised that I won’t get an opportunity to learn how to be a teacher…”

Later, I found out that she hadn’t done a lot of research and had started the course thinking that it would be like a ‘hands on’ Certificate IV or CELTA course; not realising that university courses are often far more theoretical. She left the course a few days later. This post was written so that you don’t spend thousands of dollars on something that isn’t right for you.

Kate Zarb
Kate Zarb, BA (Education), Grad Cert Education (TESOL)

What is a TEFL / TESOL course?

Essentially, a TEFL / TESOL course provides the fundamentals of how to teach or tutor one or more students from a non-English speaking background to improve their language skills, including grammar and pronunciation. 

TEFL / TESOL courses take from 120 hours to 2 years to complete but can be done in as little as three weeks. 

The main topics you’ll cover in the introductory courses (120 hour TEFL/Certificate IV in TESOL/CELTA) are:

  • English grammar – think verbs, adjectives and nouns etc; 
  • Teaching basics such as: how to plan and deliver a lesson, manage students and conduct activities, games etc;
  • Observation of a classroom and/or practice teaching (teaching classes to your fellow students or with real ESL learners).

The students may be located online or in-person, but the focus of this post is courses that can be completed 100% online.

The more advanced courses (Diploma or higher) will cover topics such as linguistics, English education within specific contexts and/or for developing skills required in managing other teachers. 

Quickly, what do all these acronyms mean?

* TESOL – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
* (T)ESL – (Teaching) English as a Second Language
* (T)EFL – (Teaching) English as a Foreign Language

While there are technical differences, they are generally interchangeable. TESOL is commonly used in Australasia and TEFL internationally. TESOL in Australia and New Zealand refers to both the general  “field in which teachers provide English language instruction to people living in an English speaking country” and the online courses and certifications discussed in this post. The course is what you’ll be studying and the certificate/certification/qualification is what you’ll receive once you graduate. 

Should I study a TEFL / TESOL course or certification online?

This post is focused on courses that are offered 100% online – but – if you thrive in an environment with other people and think a face-to-face course would be better, many of the following courses have hybrid (online + in-person) versions.

Are online TESOL courses valid? Yes, an accredited online TEFL / TESOL certification is equally valid to one completed offline. The main difference is that the teaching practice occurs online instead of in-person. If you plan on teaching online, there is a benefit to this, as you’ll be more prepared for the digital environment. Online courses are convenient and can be completed from home.

What is 'teaching practice' and do I need it?

Many TEFL / TESOL courses provide an opportunity to practice teaching to a class to your fellow teachers or real students. See if your course offers teaching practice (also called a ‘practicum’) below. This is usually via video call and you are often provided feedback on how you went. If given the option, we recommend that go with any practice teaching opportunities, especially if you don’t have any previous tutoring, mentoring or coaching experience. If you’ve never taught before, this experience is invaluable.

It’s important to note that many post-graduate online TESOL courses/certifications/qualifications DO NOT come with the required teaching practice required to teach in Australia, according to NEAS guidelines. If you want to teach in Australia, make sure you confirm that the included teaching practice meets any requirements beforehand (more below).

Practicing with other students before a 'real' class can help relieve your nerves and give you an idea of what to expect.

What are my TEFL / TESOL course options?

TEFL, Certificate IV, CELTA, DELTA and Diploma

A 120 hour TEFL is a short course [O] designed to give you an introduction to the field. It isn’t as involved as the higher-level courses, but is inexpensive and can be completed in as little as three weeks! Best for roles online or overseas (but it is best to check the requirements of the role before you apply). You can also purchase additional extras and upgrades for more in-depth learning.

If you are uncertain about teaching English and you want to “wet your feet”, a course like a 120 hour TEFL [O] from Premier TEFL (Ireland) will be a great introduction for roughly the price of one single unit of Certificate IV. 

There are no Australasian providers currently running this course, but we recommend Premier TEFL as their practice teaching sessions are conveniently held on Saturday and Sunday evenings (AEST). 

Use the code [TEO.AU] for an extra 15% off at checkout! Check out their course here. 

Accredited TEFL Courses

[O] – OFQUAL – The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation [UK].
[AC] – ASQA – Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) [AUS] accredited.
[NA] – Not ASQA accredited.

ASQA is the regulatory body that ensures quality for all accredited courses and the process to have a course accredited in Australia is extremely rigorous.  Organisations must be registered to deliver these courses and are regularly audited to ensure consistent and relevant content.

The next step up is a Certificate IV in TESOL [AC] – an Australasian certification (AQF Level 4) – and the CELTA [O] certificate (UK). There is some debate on which is better, but a Certificate IV in TESOL is best if you might want to teach in Australasia in the future, as it is accredited by an Australian authority. If you plan on teaching online or abroad, both are sufficient.  

TESOL is usually undertaken over a longer period, providing time in between ‘learning’ for further reading, research and putting into practice what has been learnt. The CELTA is about twice the price, so you are somewhat paying for the CELTA ‘brand’, it isn’t Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) accredited and has slightly higher entry requirements; you must apply and be approved to take the course. CELTA is also often undertaken as an ‘intensive’ course crammed into a shorter period.

So while the 120 hour TEFL [O] covers the basics, a Certificate IV in TESOL [AC] from TESOL Australia – for example – includes topics such as how to assess language learning and how to help learners to improve their pronunciation, speech and grammar.

If you want to study with an accredited Australian provider, TESOL Australia currently offer the lowest cost Certificate IV in TESOL [AC] in Australia. They can also arrange “6 hours of teaching practice with 8 or more ESL learners”, or “mentoring and supervising by a fully qualified ESL teacher and TESOL Assessor with ESL students and virtual classroom set up provided” – perfect for new or beginner online English teachers. Check out their course here. 

Low-medium cost TEFL / TESOL online courses + certifications:

All prices are Australian Dollars (AUD), correct at the publishing date. Tables best viewed with a computer, not mobile. #Code: FREECIV21

For New Zealand teachers, please check out your additional options at English New Zealand and TESOL ANZ. 

Graduate Certificate, Diploma, Master's (and even a PhD)

The next step up is a Diploma in TESOL [AC]. If you want additional practice teaching and more in-depth learning opportunities, this is a good choice. A DELTA [O] has stricter entry requirements than the lower-level courses, so double check your eligibility.

Basically, each course is a step above the previous one, adding more in-depth study and potential for research. 

Postgraduate TESOL courses can be from 1-4 semesters (~6 months to two years) and can cost easily cost $10,000+. As I mentioned earlier, a number of my fellow students dropped out after a few weeks once they realised that the course was more academic than practical. Postgraduate study is often very theoretical. TESOL can also come under a number of post-graduate degrees in Education, Adult Education, Teaching and Applied Linguistics. Each has a slightly different focus so it’s best to check them out carefully and ask questions of your provider on whether this is the best option for your particular career plans.

If you want to teach in a Primary or Secondary classroom in Australia/New Zealand, you’ll need a Bachelor of Education (TESOL) or a Bachelor’s degree + selected postgraduate TESOL qualification. Check with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) or Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. All Bachelor of Education courses (and Higher Education courses leading to Australian teacher registration) require in-person teaching practice, so I won’t be covering them in detail here

Medium-high cost TEFL / TESOL online courses + certifications:

These courses are for those who are more serious about TESOL as a career. There are a number of university course providers and they vary in price. This is just an example of a few providers for comparison purposes.

Some other universities providing the Graduate Certificate level courses (and higher) online include:

Your online TESOL/TEFL certification might lead to job opportunities abroad. (Photo by Naomi Shi)

What can I use my TEFL/TESOL online certification to teach?

Other certifications that you have (in addition to your TESOL/TEFL certification) will affect what you can or cannot teach once you have graduated, as well the level of certification you decide to do. If you are also a qualified Primary or Secondary teacher, you will have the most opportunities, for example. Other qualifications in Education will also be beneficial, such as a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This is a general guide:

If you want to teach in Australia in a company/institute, university or government program, it’s best to check with your course provider that it meets NEAS requirements. Their site gives detailed information about course requirements, but you’ll usually need a Bachelor’s degree + a TESOL qualification with approved teaching practice.

The TESOL association in your state/country can also give you more information about state requirements: QATESOL, ATESOL NSW, VicTESOL, ATESOL NT, WATESOL, TasTESOL, SATESOL or TESOLANZ (New Zealand). University courses don’t always lead to national or state teaching registration either, so if you are considering teaching TESOL (EAL/D) in the primary or high school classroom, please confirm this with your university beforehand. 

For New Zealand teachers, please confirm requirements with TESOL ANZ or Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

If you want to teach ONLINE at an overseas company/institute/university to students located abroad, you’ll need to confirm individual requirements, as they vary widely – but generally – a certification like a 120 hour TEFL [O] is usually sufficient for online positions, especially entry-level ones. A course like the Certificate IV in TESOL [AC], CELTA [O] may help you secure a higher rate, and would likely be the minimum required for formal in-person teaching. 

The demand for online English teachers is growing. If you’re interested in teaching English online, read our ULTIMATE TEACH ENGLISH ONLINE GUIDE or check out our list of the top 50 highest paying online English teaching jobs.

If you want to teach privately/independently/freelance to students located in Australia and/or overseas, all courses will suffice (120 hour TEFL, Cert IV, CELTA, DELTA, Diploma or HigherEd) and your choice comes down to your existing experience, budget and how seriously you are considering a TESOL career. Success as an independent teacher is equally about good teaching and strong business, sales and marketing skills. I offer coaching to support those who want to start their own business, having done so for the last decade. Please get in touch if you’re interested.

If you want to teach overseas in person or teach online from inside another country (yes, that’s a thing) – I recommend researching the country, looking at some job ads, joining groups of expat English teachers and asking about what qualifications are expected in that particular country. It varies so much from country to country and job to job! For many places, a 120 hour TEFL [O] certificate will be accepted, while others require a Master’s degree.

The higher the education/economic levels in that country, the higher the requirements will be for teachers. In developing nations, you might find a job without a lick of experience or anything more than a 120 hour TEFL [O] certification. In other English speaking countries, The Middle East and much of Europe (for example), a Bachelor’s degree + AC/post-graduate qualifications will likely be the minimum. Again, it varies so much that it’s difficult to give a simple answer, so please do your research.

Which online TESOL / TEFL course should I study?

As you’ve seen, there are quite a few options and the right one will be based on your circumstances and what you want to do with English language teaching in the future. Here are a few things to consider before signing up:

  • If you want a low-cost, quick, entry-level course, consider a 120 hour TEFL [O] course;
  • If you want a mid-range priced course with some practice teaching, consider a Certificate IV in TESOL [AC] or CELTA [O]; 
  • If you want more practice teaching and more in-depth knowledge, a Diploma in TESOL [AC] might be for you.
  • If you want to move into higher-level ESL teaching/coordination, consider a Diploma in TESOL [AC] or DELTA [O].
  • Postgraduate study [AC] might be best if you are serious about a long-term TESOL career, academia or a leadership position.

Summary

I hope this helped clarify the different TEFL / TESOL courses and certificates available to you. Having been in the field now for over ten years, I cannot recommend a good certification enough – especially as a new or beginner teacher. Teaching fundamentals and the foundations of the English language are more complicated than they first seem. 

A good TEFL / TESOL course will set you up for success from day one and you’ll be confident and prepared for what your students throw at you. For experienced teachers, higher level study can be an amazing challenge, propel you to greater heights in your career and offer opportunities to do important research.

So what are you waiting for? Go out there and do a TEFL / TESOL course online. You’re able to study an online course that might open up a work from home opportunity, a new career or the ability to travel the world.

Interested in a CELTA in Toronto?

Global online ESL market size in 2025?

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

2021 changes in policy banning online English teaching to Chinese children was significant, with a potential reduction of the global online English-as-a-second language (ESL) market from its peak by ≈20%; but the market is growing again.

Laptop with search engine enquiry for the term Learn English on the screen.

What happened to the online ESL market in in 2021?

In late 2021, changes in Chinese government regulations shook the online ESL community. Many watched in dismay as the largest section of the industry disappeared overnight. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) issued legislation known as the “double reduction/720 policy” in July, which banned teachers based overseas from conducting any training activity in China to children, leading to a massive teacher layoffs. One company alone, VIPKID, hired more than 70,000 teachers at its peak.

Overseas-listed EdTech companies such as New Oriental lost more than half of their value in 2021 and most of the major online English tutoring companies that serviced the youth market in China either closed completely or quickly pivoted to alternate markets.

What was the size of Chinese online ESL in 2021?

In 2017, according to iResearch, China’s online youth English training market was around 1.97B RMB ($3B USD) but there was “frenzied growth” in the following four years, so figures are likely higher. In the same year, China accounted for 61% of all revenues for Digital English Language Learning products in Asia Pacific, with the regional market estimated at $2.45B in 2018.

Using these figures, China likely represented ≈15% ($1.47B) or more of the global industry size (if measured by the $10B valuation). This includes both the adult and youth markets. This figure is likely higher, due to rapid investment in the industry between 2018 – 2021. $10 billion of venture capital had been invested into Chinese EdTech in 2020 alone. Some reports claim that the total Chinese market is half of the global Digital English Language Learning market, making it worth ≈$5B. 

It is difficult to find exact numbers as most of the studies done in this area are very costly to access, but my estimation based on the available data is that the 2021 CCP policy changes may have possibly reduced the global online ESL market at the time by ≈20%.

© GETChina Insights (2017)

Yet, the adult market in China is also very large and was not affected directly by the 2021 policy changes. ESL for Chinese adults (online and offline) had a reported value of 37B RMB ($5.5B) in 2019. Research by J’son and Partners (2021) indicated that online ESL comprises 22% of the total market, with adult online ESL making up 68% of the total market. Using these figures, we can estimate that the Chinese adult online ESL sector is potentially still worth $1.21B (22% of the $5.5B estimation above) or more. 

So, what does that mean for the global online ESL market in 2024?

Despite the 2021 changes in the Chinese online youth market, it’s growing.

With more than 1.5B English language learners (up to 1.7B by some estimates) increasingly ‘going digital’, the move to online education during the COVID-19 pandemic greatly changed the face of the online ESL sector, in addition to the CCP changes.

The global online ESL learning market in 2021 was worth $10B (22% of the total market). In a 2023 report, it is predicted to grow at 14.5% CAGR over the next 8 years. Other forecasts indicate an even higher rate of growth (17.2% CAGR to $15.03B by 2030).

The Asia-Pacific region is still expected to account for the largest share of the global online language learning market, with Japan, South Korea, India and Indonesia making up the largest section of the student demand after China. Growth in Asia-Pacific is driven by “government initiatives to strengthen national education networks, the growing government focus on the education sector, rapidly developing economies, and increasing disposable incomes leading to increased internet penetration, which are propelling the demand for online language learning in the region”, according to Meticulous Research. 

© Research and Markets (2024)

In 2024, the 21-30 year olds account for the largest share of the online language learning market in Asia-Pacific, followed by 13-17 year olds. Based on age group, under 18s are estimated to account for the largest share of the total online English language learning market, due to “the increasing digitization of public schools, rising number of English learners, significant increase in smartphone users, growth in student immigration for higher education, and growing e-learning platforms”. 

However, adults over 18 are projected to register the highest growth in demand during the next few years due to “the rising importance of English in business and professional areas”. The Educational Tests (such as IELTS, PTE and TOEFL) and Businesses segment accounted for 46.29% and 35.51% of the market respectively in 2018. 

Broadly, the global education market is set to reach $10 trillion or more by 2030, driven by population growth, as technology “drives unprecedented re-skilling and up-skilling in developed economies. Asia and Africa are the driving force behind the expansion”, with the offline English Language Learning expected to reach $40.6B by 2030 (CAGR of 12.8%).

© J'son and Partners (2021)

Europe follows Asia-Pacific as the second biggest market for digital English language learning (16% of the total). 

The largest markets in Europe are Germany and France. In 2024, Germany is set to record the largest growth due to a need for professional and work-related language skills. Online tutoring platforms are seeing a growth in demand among students preparing for exams or seeking additional academic support.

In 2018, 96% of pupils in upper secondary education in the EU-27 learnt English as a foreign language. Maxim Azarov (founder of Novakid, a US-based teaching platform that caters to the European market) said in an interview that “…the popularity of online English language training for children has increased significantly since the pandemic began… it is still growing, and is poised to continue to grow exponentially”.

Other online English language learning markets in 2024?

In order of size, North America, Latin America, and The Middle East/Africa make up the remaining demand. Growth from Pakistan, Brazil and Mexico (among many others) is increasing offline and so may be reflected in the online space in the coming years.

According to a Preply Inc. (U.S.) survey report in 2023, people in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) want to learn English the most based on search engine results. In 2021, in the UAE, an average of 34,800 searches were conducted for the term ‘learn English’. Other countries that search for terms related to learning English the most include the Philippines, Sweden, and Israel.

Summary

China was, until 2021, the largest segment of the digital English learning market, followed by Europe. Changes in Chinese policy regarding online ESL tutoring for children reduced the global online ESL market by potentially ~20%. Yet, figures indicate 14.5% – 17.2% growth in the online ESL / English Language Learning industry by the end of the decade. 

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the uptake of online education and digital learning is set to continue to increase the share of the industry. There are currently 12 million English teachers worldwide, yet The British Council states that “the world needs to add 1.5 million teachers per year on average, approaching 100 million in total in order to keep pace with the unprecedented changes ahead”. 

It appears that the online ESL market will continue to grow in 2024 and beyond.

Those who are looking for an online ESL teaching job will find demand for their services from Asia and Europe. Find out more here. 

With the potential growth of online English language learning platforms and peer-to-peer learning, the landscape is great for independent, freelance English teachers and tutors. If you want to start your own freelance teaching business, reach out about coaching from a teacher with more than a decade of experience in attracting private students at $100AUD/hr. 

50+ Free TESOL courses online for Australasians (2025)

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Are you an Australian or New Zealander wanting to study a TESOL or TEFL course online for free? If so, I’ve compiled a list of over 50 online courses that you can study from home below.

When to study a free TESOL / TEFL course?

A free TESOL or TEFL course is great for new teachers looking to learn more about the industry or an experienced teachers searching for professional development. I’ve found courses on teaching fundamentals, English grammar, assessment and even AI. 

Even better, these courses and certifications below are completely free*. 

Yet, these are not government funded, accredited by a teaching authority like ASQA (Australian Skills Quality Authority), nor provide certification to teach. I recommend that you check out an accredited TESOL / TEFL course of 120+ hours if you want to teach English online or in a physical classroom in the future. 

A 120 hour TEFL certificate can be completed online in as little as three weeks and will prepare you to be the best teacher that you can be from your very first class. Accredited TESOL / TEFL qualifications open up job opportunities for you in Australia and abroad. 

*Note that some courses require payment to issue a certificate (ALWAYS OPTIONAL).

**While TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are technically different, terms will be used here interchangeably. TESOL is more common in Australasia and TEFL in other English-speaking countries.

Introduction to Teaching

Teaching Online

Grammar & English Language

Teaching (General)

Professional Development (CPD)

IELTS & Assessment

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Phew, that’s a lot of free courses isn’t it!? There can’t possibly be any more to learn! Well, there is one more thing…

Learning the basics of your student’s language can help you begin your own freelance teaching business and charge up to A$100/hr. Want to learn more? I now offer 1:1 coaching. Plus, it can help you to get better paying online teaching job. Find out more.

Languages

Can Australians teach English online with no experience?

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Many new teachers ask me if they can teach English online with no experience and my answer is “Yes” – but the quicker that you gain experience, the better – in my opinion.

Why is teaching English online experience important?

Teaching English online experience is important for multiple reasons:

  • Experience gives you more job opportunities; or ‘gets you in the door’;
  • Experience gives you an understanding of teaching (and more importantly – students);
  • Experience gives you the tools and frameworks to ‘build’ lessons with solid foundations.

While you can teach English online with no experience, some experience makes the process less scary, makes you a more effective teacher and helps you earn more money.

  • Experience provides you with successful and fun activities and lesson plans that work;
  • Experience provides confidence and the strength to charge higher rates;
  • Experience guides you towards the students/subjects that are most enjoyable for you.

How to gain teaching English online experience

I hear you asking “…but, how do I gain teaching English online experience…?” Well, you have a few options; including completing a TESOL / TEFL certificate, volunteering and/or applying for ‘no experience’ jobs. Let’s look at these in detail.

A TESOL or TEFL certificate course

I began to teach English over a decade ago, so it’s been a while since I gained my first tentative steps in the classroom, but I remember the feeling of being inexperienced and overwhelmed clearly. Luckily, I signed up for a great TESOL certificate, a part-time course that I completed with a small group of future teachers and tutors, for A$2500. If you want experience, this is an excellent option. After 20 or so hours of practice teaching during my TESOL certificate, I was still green, but I had some idea of what to expect and what to do once I opened the classroom door and walked inside. But, that might be more than you can currently afford.

If you are on a tight budget, read my post about where you can study for a TESOL / TEFL certificate in a few weeks from A$250.

In addition to an accredited TESOL / TEFL certificate, there are lots of free online courses that you can take to better understand the basics of teaching and how to manage a classroom. See my post on 50+ free TESOL courses for teachers here.

Volunteer to gain online English teaching experience

If you’ve already completed a TESOL/TEFL certificate and want to know how to teach English online with little to no experience, consider volunteering. Many organisations are looking for volunteers. It’s a great way to gain experience. For a full list of volunteer organisations that accept Australasians, click here.

Apply for an entry-level online teaching job with training

Buy my Job List and easily sort the top 50 jobs by experience requirements and find a job that will train you as you go. If you are determined to start without experience, you can begin applying for jobs that don’t require experience. Just remember, you will likely be earning a lower rate to start. Experience is a bonus and generally leads to higher hourly rates of pay.

    Finally, should Australians teach English online with no experience?

    While you can teach English online without experience, the more experience and knowledge gained through volunteering, an entry-level job and/or studying a TESOL certificate, the more confident, effective and well-paid you’ll be.

    Even in a digital era with no physical classroom door, opening a site or app to ‘teach’ English requires experience and, more importantly, an understanding of the structures of effective learning to be successful for students …and enjoyable for you.

    While Australians can teach English online without experience, the more that you teach, the easier the process becomes and the more you can offer your students. Remember, it can be intimidating to start but you can improve with time. Make notes of what works and what doesn’t. Do as much training as you can. Most importantly, learn by doing. Before long, you’ll be on your way!

    Have you considered freelance teaching? If you have skills from another field, you can slowly build your experience with students directly or via an online English teaching platform and learn as you go. Read more about 1:1 coaching.

    Can Australasians teach English online without a degree?

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    Yes! You can teach English online without a degree from an Australian or New Zealand university. We’ll explore options for non-degree holders; where to find the best jobs, average hourly rates and how you can maximise your chances of success in online ESL.

    So, how can I teach English online without a degree?

    If you’re interested in teaching English online but don’t have a university degree you may be concerned that the job is not for you. That’s not the case. A degree (especially one in an unrelated field) is a helpful, but optional requirement – with only around ≈50% of online English teaching jobs requiring a Bachelor’s degree to apply.

    Teaching English online without a degree will depend on your previous experience.

    • If you’ve taught or tutored before, you’ll find many of the skills easily transferrable. If you’ve already got a TESOL/TEFL qualification but have never taught online, there are free courses that can help you with the technology involved like Zoom.
    • If you’ve never taught or tutored before, the best place to start is with a TESOL/TEFL qualification of 120 hours or more. They can be completed for ≈$200AUD and in as little as 3 weeks, but are essential to providing the basics of teaching.

    Compare all online TESOL/TEFL qualifications in Australasia here.

    If you speak English fluently (and are patient and supportive) there are online English teaching roles for you, although you may need to apply for entry-level roles at first and work your way up over time. If you choose to teach in a freelance capacity, your sales and marketing skills as well as the reviews and referrals from your students will be an equal factor in your success.

    Can I teach English online without a degree and no experience?

    Yes, like a university degree, teaching and tutoring experience is a helpful, but optional requirement for teaching English online.

    You will often have the opportunity to acquire some online teaching experience as part of your TESOL/TEFL qualification. There are also organisations looking for volunteers. Volunteering can be a rewarding and satisfying way to gain experience.

    Other jobs can be applied for without any experience but these are often the lowest paying. They can be a good way to “get your foot in the door” and after you’ve taught classes and gained some confidence, you can then apply for better and higher-paying roles.

    How much can I earn teaching English online with no degree?

    The three major options that you have are to:

    1. Apply for an online teaching job.
    2. Create a profile on an online English teaching marketplace platforms and market your services directly to students.
    3. Start your own freelance teaching business and attract students directly.

    How much you can earn teaching English online depends on these options. Entry-level jobs average ≈$25AUD/hr (up to ≈$50AUD/hr), marketplace platforms average ≈$40-70AUD (or more for confident salespeople and those with good social media and/or marketing skills) and $100AUD/hr for those who can build a good reputation via their own freelance teaching business.

    Where can I find online English teaching jobs with no degree?

    My Complete Job List is a comprehensive list of the 50+ best and highest-paying online jobs for Australians and New Zealanders. Around ≈50% of all listed roles are open to those without a university degree. It’s updated weekly and has been built by a teacher, for teachers over the last four years to be the best resource of its kind. It is the easiest way to begin applying to jobs that fit in with your required hours, the students that you’d like to teach (kids vs adults) and the rate you want.

    Finally, how can I succeed at teaching English online with no degree?

    There are a few ways that non-degree holders can succeed at teaching English online:

    • Enrol in a quality TESOL/TEFL qualification. You’ll gain the fundamentals of teaching online and a lot more confidence to begin;
    • Do as many additional free courses as you can and be open to continually learning and growing as a teacher;
    • Start with an entry-level role or volunteer position. Use this experience to apply for the next position and so on over time;
    • Consider marketplace platforms or a freelance business where you may be able to teach/tutor in an area of previous professional or life experience or with students that you enjoy teaching.

    Teaching English online is a $10 billion USD market and growing. Non-degree holders who are willing to spend some initial time in training and gaining initial experience can be as successful as their university-educated counterparts in no time.

    So what are you waiting for?

    I’d love to offer 1:1 help with finding a TESOL job or starting your own business.

    5 tips to find students to tutor English online

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    The most common challenge for private tutors and teachers is universal: how to find students. After running a freelance tutoring business, here are my 5 insider tips to find students online and earn up to A$100/hr from the comfort of home.

    How To Find Students for Online Teaching and Tuition

    1: Identify your potential students.

    If you are looking for private students, the first question that you should ask is this: “Who do I want to teach?”

    When I first began offering private tuition to supplement my in-person teaching salary, I would have answered with: “Anyone who will pay me!” – but this approach can make life more difficult. By having a clear idea of who your students will be, the easier it is to plan where and how you will connect with them. While you can broaden your search as you go, it helps to start with a targeted group.

    Write this down and begin to brainstorm.

    My potential students are… ‘primary school-age students who need help with improving reading scores’ (example).

    Who are the parent/s of your students? Recently arrived immigrant professionals, etc?
    Where are they? List the potential suburbs, city/regional, religious or specialist schools, etc?
    What are their needs and goals? Selective high school entrance scores, etc?

    2. Start with your existing networks.

    If you’ve taught or tutored in the past, can you reconnect with these students or parents and let them know that you are tutoring online? Do you have friends and/or family with children in the age group that you’re looking for? Do you have friends and/or family who work, volunteer, or socialise with people who may be a potential student? Let them know you are tutoring online.

    Write a list of everyone and anyone who may be able to connect you to a potential student, then reach out. The easiest way to find students is with people who already know, like and trust you.

    3. Build upon your existing networks.

    If you’ve already got a few students, offer them (or their parents) a discount on tuition or incentive to refer new students to you. Parents know other parents with similar aged children, and adult students move in networks that often contain many other English learners – particular if you specialise in test preparation or with learners from a particular profession or background.

    4. Join online groups.

    Once you move beyond your personal networks, you will want to look for places where groups of your potential students or their parents meet: Facebook groups, online forums etc.

    The thing is, while tempting, don’t simply join the group and start advertising your tuition. It is a great way to get yourself blocked. Instead, introduce yourself to the admin/s of the group and let them know that you tutor students of this age group and ask if it is OK to give any advice around challenges their children might have.

    Or, just keep an eye on the conversations that parents are having, and if you think that you can help their children with any learning-related challenges, make contact via DM to let them know that you tutor. Don’t be pushy and be genuine.

    It’s not an overnight strategy, but by building relationships and trust, you can build an ongoing network of parents who can engage your services or refer you to other parents who are looking.

    With adult learners, the same strategy can be employed by building these relationships directly.

    5. Join post-a-profile/set-your-own-rates sites.

    You can also find students online on sites where you post your profile and students contact you. The problem is overcrowding, with 17,000+ English tutors on Preply alone. But, don’t worry! I’ve compiled a regularly updated list with 15+ smaller post-a-profile sites in Asia and Europe among over 50 international online teaching companies. Check it out below.

    5 tips to stand out on post-a-profile sites:

    • Have a professional photo taken;
    • Keep language simple and sentences short; consider translation to multiple languages;
    • Keep your potential student in mind and write your profile as if speaking to them;
    • Describe how you can help your students, rather than just a personal biography;
    • Use keywords and phrases that students might be searching for, such as “IELTS for university” rather than industry terms (ELICOS, EAP).

    How To Get Students for Online Classes: In Summary

    So, there you have it – 5 of my best tips for finding private students. With your potential student in mind, start with close networks and move outwards in your online student search. Build relationships and trust, incentivise your students to refer more students to you, and above all, be patient. While there are more complex ways to find students to teach or tutor online, these 5 should get you started.

    Want to find out more about how to find students online? Considering your own private/freelance tutoring business and earning charging A$100/hr or more? Get in touch for 1:1 coaching.

    Become an IELTS tutor online

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    Want to become an IELTS tutor online? Read on for how to tutor from home and earn up to $100/hr supporting some of the 3.5 million+ people taking this high-stakes test yearly.

    ielts tutor online
    Online IELTS tutoring can be very lucrative. Photo by Vanessa Garcia.

    Every year, millions of people take the IELTS test for admission into universities and to satisfy the government requirements for migration and international work opportunities.

    A high score on the test can mean the difference between a life-changing dream coming true or not. For this reason, students (and their families) are heavily invested in their success and will often pay a much higher rate for tuition than for casual language learning.

    What is IELTS?

    The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test is part of a network with 60% of the market share of English testing worldwide. According to reports: “The intellectual property (test questions, exams etc.) is jointly owned by Cambridge University, British Council and IDP Education. British Council and IDP Education are the exclusive distributors of the test (set the price, sell, administer, and distribute) around the world.”

    IELTS Examiners work for these organisations (and limited affiliate organisations) to implement and assess the tests, making an average of $60/hr. Most English language institutes in the countries where the test is popular (including Australia and New Zealand) offer unaffiliated courses for potential test-takers, often taught by former examiners or high-scoring students.

    Yet, IELTS test takers who want individual one-on-one support from the comfort of their own homes are looking for online IELTS tutors. Students may want a tutor specifically from the country they plan on studying or working in, or someone to help them with a particular aspect of the Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking parts of the test. That’s where you come in.

    Vallibel, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

    How can I become an IELTS tutor online?

    To become an IELTS online tutor, you will need to understand the IELTS test and how to support your students to increase their scores in very specific ways. Unlike ‘general’ English tutoring, there are a clearly defined set of skills that students need to achieve at each level. Even a student who speaks excellent conversational English may perform poorly in the IELTS Speaking portion of the test if their tutor isn’t aware of what is required.

    You’ll also need an adequate home tutoring setup – including a headset, webcam and software platform. If you want to offer private/freelance IELTS tuition, you must find your own students.

    Tips to find private online IELTS tutoring students:

    • Advertise your services in online groups for IELTS test takers. While this strategy works, it is best to approach the group by offering assistance, and not just directly selling your services. Be sure to contact the admin of the group to ask permission first.
    • Network with other teachers and let them know that you are offering IELTS tuition. They may have students they can pass long.
    • Consider online English teaching ‘post-a-profile‘ platforms, but note that they can be competitive. The best rates are earned by those who start their own freelance business.

    Find out how to earn up to $100/hr by running your own freelance tutoring business.

    What qualification do I need to teach IELTS online?

    Unlike an IELTS Examiner, online IELTS tutors do not require any formal qualifications. Yet, having an accredited TESOL/TEFL qualification plus IELTS online teacher training is highly advantageous. Spending time acquainting yourself with the IELTS test and downloading practice tests from the internet will help make you an even better tutor.

    The best TEFL or TESOL online courses in Australia? A comprehensive guide.

    Is there an IELTS teacher training course online?

    While there is no official IELTS teacher training course online offered by British Council or Cambridge University, there are some excellent alternatives to get you started as an online IELTS tutor. IDP Australia offers regular free online IELTS teacher training courses, but these are very limited and are aimed at experienced teachers who are considering IELTS Examiner roles.

    Premier TEFL offers a FULLY online IELTS teacher training course!

    Module One: Understand the International English Language Testing System
    Module Two: How to Teach IELTS Listening
    Module Three: How to Teach IELTS Reading
    Module Four: How to Teach IELTS Writing
    Module Five: How to Teach IELTS Speaking
    Module Six: How to Teach IELTS Vocabulary
    Module Seven: IELTS Teaching Challenges

    This course, which can be completed in just 1-2 weeks, shows you “how to plan and deliver effective lessons that meet student and class learning objectives, typically relating to an IELTS score of 6.5 or above…the nuances of teaching English to exam-focused non-native speakers… and to grow in confidence as a new teacher to be able to enter your first exam English class.”

    Best of all, the fully online How to Become an IELTS Coach course is less than <$100!

    Becoming an IELTS tutor online

    Becoming an IELTS tutor online may be a perfect way for you to use your existing English teaching qualifications and experience to branch out into a lucrative and highly paid-teaching niche.

    Starting your own tutoring business is a great way to charge higher rates.

    Or, by doing some inexpensive training, you can embark on a new career that might give you the flexible work-from-home or remote work opportunity you’ve been seeking. Have a look at our complete How To Teach English Online guide.

    Happy tutoring!

    50 life-saving TESOL lesson plan resources

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    What if you could halve the time that you spend on planning lessons!? Here are 50+ online teaching resources (lesson plans, curricula and textbooks) for freelance online English teachers and those needing pre-made materials.

    lesson plan

    I’ve put together the biggest list of lesson plan resources for online English teachers, with access to an estimated 10,000+ lesson plans! I’ll discuss the different types of resources on the list and which ones might be best for you, no matter your planning style. 

    My lesson planning experiences

    When I first started teaching English overseas (more than a decade ago!), I didn’t have much experience beyond what I’d learned during my TESOL certification. Being so inexperienced, for the first year I barely deviated from the Cambridge ‘Interchange’ textbooks that my company provided me. While I always tried to make things fun and engaging with additional warm-ups and games, the classroom content in my lesson plan came directly from the page.

    Five years later, working as a private tutor, I had swung heavily in the other direction. I was writing a lesson plan for every class and creating all my own curriculum. Now, while my teaching confidence and quality had improved exponentially, I was also spending hours a week on preparation time. When I realised that there were many quality lesson planning resources out there that would make my classes quicker and easier to plan, it was a life saver! I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of free and paid resources for you here.

    Kate Zarb
    Kate Zarb, BA (Education), Grad Cert Education (TESOL)

    What lesson plan resources do I need?

    Wherever you are on your online English teaching journey, you likely lie somewhere in between my two stages above. I’ll refer to these stages generally as ‘from scratch’, ‘inspiring’ and ‘pre-made/done for you’.

    Lesson plans 'from scratch'

    Freelance online English teachers and private tutors might need to write their own plans “from scratch”. Occasionally, companies ask you to provide your own lesson plans, but this is less common. 

    If you have the confidence and you want to create your own, see my post with 10 Free online English lesson plans and ideas that includes links to lesson planning templates and videos on the basics of how to do this. 

    'Inspiring' lesson plans

    If you are interested in having the ‘inspiration’ provided for you (in terms of theme etc.) and using this as a shortcut to creating your own lesson plan, you are most likely to have luck with the free lesson plans on the list. I’ve enjoyed using British Council and BusyTeacher resources in the past ‘in a pinch’ but they didn’t work for me long-term. Some are able to be taught ‘as is’, but more often than not I find that free resources require adjustment both to the level and age of my students and the larger learning goals.

    While there are some great free lesson plans out there, they tend to be part of a short series or based on some of the most common English challenges. They usually do not have worksheets or activities aligned with the curriculum and may or not be based on common language levels like CEFR or age-appropriate. You may need additional sources for this. 

    'Done for you' lesson plans/curriculum

    If you’re looking to save the most time, you might need to pay for ‘pre-made’ lesson plans or curriculum. I was reluctant to pay for resources for many years but they can save you many, many hours of time and energy. Your time is valuable!

    They tend to work best for General English classes or teachers with students that are approximately the same age and level, although some resources on the list apply to multiple demographics. The main speciality areas that you’ll find resources for older learners are test preparation (IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC etc) and Business English. For children, phonics and reading are common areas of focus. 

    Have a good look at their website and exactly what you’ll receive for your money. If they have a free plan or trial, sign up and see if the materials work for you. Email the publisher or site and ask any questions. 

    Alongside being a huge time saver, you can map your classes onto a pre-made curriculum. This means that you can be assured that your students are working towards clear language goals. Built-in assessment, activities and homework will save you even more time. 

    You may prefer to purchase a curriculum/lesson plan series that is designed specifically for online teachers or to purchase a textbook from one of the major ELT publishers and adapt it to your needs.

    Your lesson planning is a highly individual choice

    It took me many years of trying a number of different lesson plan resources before finding something that worked. Using pre-made lesson plans can be a great place to start for new teachers or those short on time. You may use lesson plans or textbooks as inspiration or decide to tailor a curriculum for a specific learning outcome. 

    There are 100s of options and the best lesson plan resources for you will be highly individual – based on the ages, levels, demographics and needs of your students. Enter your email for the FREE list of 50+ lesson plans, curricula, textbooks, graded readers and reference books (to help you save precious time, energy and importantly, your sanity).

    Good luck and happy teaching!

    How to teach English online to Chinese students

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    With ≈400 million Chinese ESL learners, there is large demand to teach English online to Chinese students. Here is what you need to consider to be successful, including the 2021 law that could land you in hot water. What was the 720/double reduction policy and can you still be successful teaching English online despite it?

    teach english online to chinese students
    In my experience, Chinese students are generally respectful and dedicated. Photo by 绵 绵

    Why teach English online to Chinese students?

    With a population of 1.4 billion (and growing), China has been home to the largest number of ESL (English as a Second Language) students for the last two decades. Chinese students made up the largest section of the International Student cohort in Australia in 2019, with over 250,000 enrolments. Demand for online English lessons grew exponentially at the start of the pandemic, as Chinese students faced school closures and travel restrictions.

    From my experience, Chinese students are highly dedicated and diligent, with a respectful attitude towards teachers. Parents are willing to spend large amounts of money to help their children succeed in a very competitive domestic education system and place great value on international education, especially that provided by “Western” and “native English speakers”. 

    Adult professionals from China often reap large professional (and therefore financial) benefits from becoming proficient in English and pay well for quality tuition. “So how do I sign up!?”, you might be asking…

    An important consideration beforehand...

    A few years ago, the Chinese online ESL market was booming. Between 2013 -2017, it grew from 7.1 to 50.7 billion dollars annually. Hundreds of Chinese ed-tech companies jumped on board, in turn hiring thousands of online English teachers to supply the growing demand. At their peak, VIPKid hire more than 70,000 teachers. 

    That was, until mid 2021. In a complex set of legislation referred to as the “double reduction/720 policy” [Chinese], the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) banned the hiring of foreign teachers located outside China to teach English online to Chinese youth under the age of 18 (among many other reforms). I won’t go into the details of this legislation here (read more here), but the main message is this: As of 2021, it is illegal for a Chinese company to hire non-Chinese teachers to teach English online to children in China.

    Almost all of the companies in the Chinese Youth ESL Market closed or moved to markets in other countries during the second half of 2021. You can still theoretically teach freelance or on a marketplace to Chinese children but it’s worth remembering that if you choose to teach English to children in China online you (and your students) are operating in a legal grey area.

    Shanghai, China. Photo by Nuno Alberto.

    How to teach English online to China

    The main alternative to teaching English to Chinese children is to teach adults instead. Research indicated that adult online ESL makes up 68% of the total market, potentially worth $1.21 billion or more. There are few companies in China that offer ‘jobs’ teaching classes to adults online to those located overseas on our complete job list. Check it out. 

    You may want to consider either applying for roles with companies in neighbouring countries like Taiwan, Hong Kong and to a lessor extent South Korea and Japan. There are, anecdotally, many Chinese students taking classes with these operators. 

    You can also consider the profile/marketplace platforms in the region. This is a website where you advertise your teaching profile and students choose to take lessons with you. If you speak Mandarin, Cantonese or have some experience with Chinese culture and language, this will assist you to attract students very quickly on these platforms. If you have an understanding of (or are willing to do some research into) the major Chinese exams (like the gaokao (高考) and/or overseas university entrance exams like SAT, TOEFL and IELTS, this can also be a major drawcard.

    You can offer freelance teaching to students located in China but it is worth considering the Great Firewall of China, which blocks access to many sites to Chinese citizens, including “Western” social media such as Facebook.

    The final option is to market your teaching services to Chinese students located in Australia. There are many International students studying in Australian universities who are looking for ESL tuition as well as students in Primary and Secondary who require additional assistance. Parents located in Australia will pay much higher rates for tuition, with a constant demand. Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) speaking tutors in Australia are paid a premium ($100 AUD/hr or more), but tutoring roles are available for “native” English speakers as well.

    Teaching English online in China

    If you are a little more adventurous, you could always consider moving to China itself and teaching English online from inside the country. This circumvents many of the restrictions of the 720/double reduction policy. This could also be done in combination with in-person teaching (being sure to follow any work visa/immigration policies carefully, of course).

    Teach English online to Chinese students FAQ

    How much can you make teaching English to Chinese students online?

    While highly variable, the average hourly rate offered by Chinese online ESL companies is ≈$25 AUD/hr, profile/marketplace platforms (≈$40 AUD/hr) or freelance (Up to $100 AUD/hr). Tutoring Chinese students in Australia will likely net you ≈$40 – $100 AUD/hr. This depends on multiple factors, such as your TESOL qualifications, experience and sales and marketing skills. Qualified Primary and Secondary teachers usually earn higher rates.

    Accredited TEFL Courses

    Do you need to know Chinese to teach English online?

    No, you do not need to know Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) to teach English online to Chinese students, but even basic Chinese language skills will dramatically increase your ability to attract students and charge a higher rate. 

    If you want to attract Chinese students (especially beginners), having your profile professionally translated from English will help a lot, as well as including Chinese subtitles on your introduction video. Just make sure you state that you don’t actually speak Chinese or you will start receiving messages from students that you can’t understand!

    Where can I find Chinese students who want to learn English?

    The Chinese Firewall makes contacting students challenging, so consider English teaching marketplace platforms or Chinese apps like WeChat. LinkedIn is accessible on the Chinese mainland or you can build your own website. Have a look at our job list for tutoring companies that cater to Chinese students located in Australia.

    Summary

    There are millions of Chinese online ESL students, but as you’ve read, teachers encounter challenges to entering the market. If you navigate the policies limiting the teaching of children, CCP Firewall and understand the benefits of basic Chinese language skills and/or translation – you could be very successful teaching English online to Chinese students. It’s not the most straightforward path to teaching online but the rewards can be great. If you’re looking for well-paying and dedicated students, this option might be perfect.

    My biggest independent freelance English teacher mistake?

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    Are you looking to attract and retain a private student base? Here’s the biggest mistake I made after “accidentally” becoming an independent freelance English teacher. I hope it saves you from making it too.

    Photo by Liza Summer from Pexels

    First off, how do I 'accidentally' become independent?

    Anyone that has taught English in a foreign country has found of their students (or their aunt, their cousin, their best friend etc.) approaching you for “private” tuition. While teaching English overseas, I was approached by parents who were considering sending their teenagers to study at university in Australia and wanted help in achieving the requisite IELTS score.

    Australasian teachers – being fairly in the capital at the time – were hard for these parents to find. Before I knew it, I had a side-hustle in conjunction with my main job teaching ‘business English’ at corporations during the day.

    Having a $3000 TESOL certificate and a few years of experience under my belt did nothing to assuage the feeling of insecurity that arose from not having a university degree or “real” education qualification (plus not knowing the first thing about the IELTS test). When these parents asked me what I charged, I did some vague mental calculations and came to a figure something like this:

    The hourly rate I earned from the company I worked for + bus fare = hourly rate.

    So, when the executives went home for the evening, I would squeeze myself into hot, overcrowded public transport and go to their large suburban homes and help their children too. This went on for a few years, reading every possible book that I could on the test, amassing a large folder full of lessons and a number of successful students ready to embark on their international dreams. 

    On returning to Australia to pursue an Education degree, I continued to be contacted by people in this extended network whose children were now in Australia, tutoring between afternoon lectures and returning home in the evening. My hourly rate remained similar (now about $30AUD/hr) but with an increased awareness of the thousands of dollars of mounting student debt, I did some additional mental calculations and came to this figure: 

    The hourly rate I earned from the company I worked for in Australia + 10% + petrol costs = hourly rate. This was about $40AUD/hr.

    This continued on for the duration of my university degree and beyond, until I realised my mistake.

    What was my biggest mistake?

    I wasn’t charging enough!

    I undercharged for years and had no idea.

    Without going into my entire life story, I grew up very poor. Neither of my parents graduated from high school (both actually ‘dropping out’ before Year 10), I was raised by a single mother and I was the first in my immediate family to travel overseas.

    At every stage of my journey, I was both constantly grateful for the opportunity and carried around a huge sense of inferiority. No-one I knew ran a business or taught me what a good rate for a professional was. So, I just made it up, feeling lucky that they were even paying me. I had no idea that the skills that I possessed were so valuable. 

    It was only in 2020, when I was forced to move online that I saw people with half my qualifications and experience charging double what I was! The light bulb finally went off.

    Once I became aware of how much I was undercharging, I changed the concept of myself from a private tutor who did this ‘on the side’ to an independent English teacher who ran a business. I began to see that my decade of experience was valuable. Yes, now having a degree increase my ‘market value’ but without this internal change in perspective, I may have simply added another 10% and gone on my way in the same way for years. I slowly increased my rates to $50AUD/hr, to $100AUD and now $150AUD/hr.

    So, let’s do another one of those mental calculations, shall we?

    Your current hourly rate should be what you are worth as an independent teacher based on the value that you give to your students.

    Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

    ....but what am I worth?

     “How will learning with you provide tangible value to your student and by how much?”

    The more value you add, the more that you can charge.

    Until you can measure the value that you offer your students, your hourly rates might simply be an arbitrary number in your head that is based on nothing other than what you think or have been told that you deserve. It’s likely much, much more.

    You have your own story of how you came to your current hourly rate mental calculation and it is probably based on an incomplete understanding of your true value. It took me ten years to understand my value. Save yourself a decade and learn from my mistakes. 

    Would you like me to support you to…

    • Discover the unique value that you offer?
    • Find those high-paying students most likely to value your services and keep them studying with you as long as possible?
    • Overcome your doubts and reluctance to increase your prices or change your student or tuition type?
    • Say “No” to the wrong students who don’t value you?

    Express your interest in a Coaching Power Hour and let’s go!