Online ESL tutor (Mar, 2018
–Apr, 2020) at Acadsoc Ltd., China
Online Teacher Job Description
Online teachers instruct and educate students of all ages all around the world using the internet, computers, and online tools. Online teachers provide instruction in every academic subject, based on the previous training and education they have already acquired. Because this is a remote job offering full- and part-time hours, online teachers enjoy some flexibility in their shifts and can exercise some discretion over when they work, though ultimately they report directly to a teaching supervisor or similar manager. There is no travel required for this job, as online teachers may instruct students from their own homes or any other location of their choosing as long as they have internet access.
Online Teacher Duties and Responsibilities
Daily tasks vary for online teachers based on the subject or subjects they teach, the number of students they instruct, and the curriculum requirements they must follow. However, the basic duties for online teachers are generally the same despite these variables:
• Design Lesson Plans
Online teachers design lesson plans and follow all curriculum requirements provided by their employer and the state where their employer is based.
• Create Assignments
Online teachers assign homework, special projects, and reading assignments to students.
• Engage Students During Class
Online teachers encourage student participation and lead student discussions to keep them active and engaged in learning.
• Provide Feedback
Online teachers provide feedback to students and assign grades to their coursework.
• Assess Student Performance
Online teachers assess and monitor individual student performance to ensure students are keeping up with the curriculum and not falling behind the rest of the class.
• Maintain Availability
Online teachers communicate with students and parents to provide progress reports and updates through online chat sessions and email. They may also hold online “office hours” so students and parents can communicate with them at their convenience.
• Track Attendance
Online teachers track student attendance to online classes and report absentee students to their immediate supervisor, parents, or a school counselor.
Online Teacher Skills and Qualifications
Online teachers are professional educators who provide instruction to children and adults, communicate effectively, and successfully operate software and hardware to perform their teaching tasks. Employers look for online teachers who have the following essential skills:
• Leadership – online teachers are strong leaders, able to maintain virtual classroom discipline and successfully guide students through lesson plans
• Motivational skills– online teachers use motivational skills and strategies to encourage students to learn and keep them engaged in their own education
• Communication skills– online teachers have strong verbal and written communication skills to instruct and educate students, grade written work, and deliver reports to parents
• Computer skills– because of the internet-based nature of the job, online teachers have excellent computer skills and can work with multiple types of computers, peripheral accessories, and software programs
• Analytical skills– online teachers use analytical skills to evaluate student work and ongoing student progress
Tools of the Trade
Online teachers regularly work with these tools:
• Presentation software (PowerPoint, Blackboard)
• Online chat software (Skype, Google Hangouts)
• Computer hardware accessories (webcams, headsets)
Online Teacher Education and Training
Online teachers must have a bachelor’s degree or better in their chosen discipline in order to perform this job. Employers also require online teachers to have a valid teaching certificate in the state where they are based. Teaching certification requirements vary for each state. Many employers only hire online teachers who have previous physical classroom teaching experience.
Employers usually provide online teachers with a brief virtual training program so they can become familiar with specific software programs and tools used to instruct students. This training program is typically based on hours, rather than days, and may be completed at the online teacher’s discretion based on their personal availability and schedule.