With the boom of virtual learning platforms and the shift in educational landscapes post-pandemic, online teaching is no longer a niche—it’s a booming, flexible, and rewarding career option. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a certified educator, or someone with a skill to share, becoming an online teacher has never been more accessible—or more important. But How to Become a Good Online Tutor?
Let’s break it down.
Who Can Become an Online Teacher?
You don’t need to be a traditional classroom teacher to become an online educator. If you have expertise, teaching ability, and a passion for sharing knowledge, you’re already halfway there.
Common Backgrounds:
- Certified K–12 or college teachers
- Subject matter experts (in fields like math, science, history, IT, etc.)
- Professionals in marketing, finance, software development, etc.
- Fitness trainers, cooking experts, musicians, and artists
- Stay-at-home parents and freelancers with teaching abilities
Can You Teach Without a Teaching Degree?
Yes. For platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, or YouTube, a formal degree isn’t necessary. However, for accredited schools or K–12 online institutions, certifications are often required.
Qualifications Required to Teach Online
Depending on where and what you teach, qualifications vary. Here’s a rundown:
For General Skill-Based Platforms:
- No degree required
- Experience in the skill you are teaching
- Good communication skills
- Basic understanding of video recording/editing
For Accredited Institutions:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum)
- State or national teacher certification (especially in K–12)
- TEFL/TESOL certification (for teaching English online)
- Master’s degree (for college-level courses)
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, teachers with advanced degrees earn up to 30% more than those with only a bachelor’s degree.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Good Online Tutor?
Being a good online teacher isn’t just about knowing your content—it’s about being able to connect with students remotely. Key skills include:
- Digital Literacy: Mastery of Zoom, Google Classroom, LMS platforms (like Canvas, Blackboard)
- Communication: Clear, concise, and friendly tone through text and video
- Adaptability: Handling tech glitches, varying student needs
- Time Management: Planning lessons, responding to queries, tracking assessments
- Engagement Tactics: Using multimedia, breakout rooms, quizzes, polls, animations, and humor
What Tools Do Online Teachers Need?
Here’s your starter tech kit:
- Good Internet Connection: 10 Mbps or higher
- HD Webcam & Microphone: Essential for clarity
- Teaching Software: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, OBS Studio
- Learning Management System (LMS): Thinkific, Moodle, Teachable
- Interactive Tools: Kahoot, Quizizz, Padlet, Jamboard
- File Storage: Google Drive, Dropbox
Invest in a ring light to improve video quality—it makes a noticeable difference.
Where Can You Teach Online?
Here are top platforms and types of institutions hiring online teachers:
Independent Platforms:
- Udemy
- Skillshare
- Teachable
- YouTube
ESL Teaching:
- VIPKid
- Cambly
- iTalki
- Preply
K–12 & Higher Ed:
- Outschool
- Connections Academy
- K12.com
- Coursera/EdX (college level)
Private Tutoring:
- Wyzant
- Tutor.com
- Chegg Tutors
What Is the Salary of an Online Teacher?
Online teaching income can vary widely depending on experience, subject, and platform.
Average Salaries:
- ESL Tutor: $15–$25/hour
- K–12 Certified Teacher: $35,000–$65,000/year (full-time)
- Skill-based Courses (Udemy, Skillshare): $500 to $10,000+/month (based on course popularity)
- Private Tutoring: $20–$100/hour
The online tutoring market is expected to reach $18.1 billion by 2027.
Perks of Being an Online Teacher
- Flexibility: Set your own hours
- Global Reach: Teach students from all over the world
- Scalability: Record once, earn forever (in passive income models)
- No Commute: Teach from your living room
- Creative Freedom: Design your own teaching style
Challenges of Online Tutoring
It’s not always smooth sailing
- Tech issues during live classes
- Students with poor attention spans
- Isolation and screen fatigue
- Lack of in-person engagement
- Dealing with different time zones
Set structured schedules, include interaction breaks, and always have a plan B when tech fails.
How to Grow as an Online Tutor
- Keep Learning: Take online teaching certification courses
- Get Feedback: Regularly seek student reviews
- Market Yourself: Build a LinkedIn profile, personal website, or YouTube channel
- Join Communities: Reddit, Facebook groups for teachers, Discord teaching servers
What Subjects Are In-Demand for Online Teachers?
According to LinkedIn Learning and Coursera:
- Coding & Programming (Python, JavaScript, C++)
- Data Science & AI
- Graphic Design & Video Editing
- Digital Marketing
- Yoga & Fitness
- Finance & Investing
- Test Prep (SAT, GRE, IELTS)
Tips to Be a Truly Great Online Teacher
- Be Approachable: Students should feel comfortable asking questions
- Stay Updated: Keep course content fresh and relevant
- Use Humor: Online learning can be dry—lighten the mood
- Design Assessments: Include assignments, quizzes, and feedback loops
- Record Sessions: For student revision and absentees
- Set Boundaries: Don’t overcommit or be available 24/7
- Build a Parent-Teacher Relationship: Communicate effectively with the parents to keep them updated on student progress.
Certifications That Help Boost Your Profile
- Google Certified Educator
- Coursera’s Online Teaching Specialization
- TESOL/TEFL Certificate
- Microsoft Innovative Educator
- EdX MicroMasters in Education Technology
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need a teaching license to become an online teacher?
Not always. For freelance and platform-based teaching (like Udemy or Skillshare), a license isn’t required. For K–12 accredited institutions, a valid teaching license is often mandatory.
2. Can I earn a full-time income from online teaching?
Yes. Many teachers earn a full-time income through course sales, tutoring, or full-time roles in virtual schools. It depends on the subject, audience size, and pricing model.
3. What equipment is essential to get started?
You need a reliable internet connection, webcam, microphone, and access to a teaching platform or LMS. Lighting and screen recording tools help improve quality.
4. What is the best platform for teaching online?
It depends on your subject and audience. For general skills: Udemy and Skillshare. For live classes: Zoom or Teachable. For language tutoring: Cambly or iTalki.
5. Can I teach internationally as an online teacher?
Yes. Many platforms allow you to connect with global learners. You can be based in the U.S. and teach students in Asia, Europe, or anywhere in the world.
Being a good online teacher is a rewarding blend of knowledge-sharing, creativity, and human connection. Whether you’re teaching kids how to code, adults how to speak English, or retirees how to paint, your impact is real and long-lasting.
In a world that thrives on virtual education, don’t just be an online teacher—be an unforgettable one because “Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions.”