Let's Talk About Becoming an ESL Tutor!

So this is a bit of info for you to delve into before deciding to teach/tutor English as a second language.

I have some in person experience tutoring ESL (English as a Second Language). I decided back in early January of 2021 to go online and see if it could replace my current income.

The goal is to set up a schedule that fits me. The money goal was to make $1000 per month.

So what is my background? Glad you asked!

I did NOT complete college. I do not (yet) hold any certifications like the TESOL/TEFL or CELTA. Most ESL companies DO require some or all of the above before you can teach.

But we are here to TUTOR. The difference is you just need to be an interesting native speaker. Also it does not hurt if you can make a great video to submit with your application.

Not all companies are the same. Those with degrees and credentials go to the places that pay very well. If you do not have those things, you go to Cambly (https://www.cambly.com/invite/X3YAWS4R?st=041821&sc=4).

You will need a laptop or desktop, webcam, headset with microphone, good wifi.

To start the application, go to the site and sign up. Click on your picture in the top right and select Switch Role. Click on Tutor and then it will let you fill out an application.

There are two programs. Regular Cambly teaches both adults and some children and Cambly Kids (CK) teaches just children.

Regular Cambly pays $0.17 per talk minute ($10.20/hour) and CK pays $0.20 per talk minute ($12.00/hour).

Create an intro video geared towards prospective students. I have been published on Amazon. I told about that experience and my prior tutoring. Smile and look directly into the camera.

For CK, you need a separate intro video and a DEMO lesson video too. Some people only work regular Cambly. Others only CK.

Pay is done from Monday afternoon to Monday the next week in the am. It is paid weekly via Paypal. You pay your own taxes.

You are rated each Wednesday. It is out of 5 stars. People with higher ratings get to schedule their hours before those with lower ratings. Cambly runs 24/7 each day of the week. Students come from all over the world.

Cambly provides their lessons that either the students or tutors can pick out. Tutors can share their screens. Cambly Corner is a facebook group devoted to the tutors. Cambly Chronics is a group for tutors with health issues.

Students will either want a lesson, just sit and chat or have links for you to see about different news articles. Just be comfortable and smile. If you relax, they will relax.

Now we need to discuss Priority Hours (PHs):

A Priority Hour is a one-hour block where:

You commit to being available on Cambly for the full hour and answer all incoming calls.

We feature you to new students and pay you for at least 15 minutes of chat time just for completing the Hour, even if you don’t get any calls!

They are a great way to meet new students and build your base of regulars.

Go to your Priority Hours tab and select any of the available hours you would like added to your schedule (up to 10 within any 24-hour period). Priority Hours that are successfully added will turn black. Depending on your Tutor Rating, you’ll be able to schedule PHs up to 3 weeks in advance.

If a student calls you towards the end of your Priority Hour, let them know you’ll be logging off soon. You can chat with them until the hour is up, then politely excuse yourself. If you’re really enjoying the conversation and have some extra time, you’re more than welcome to continue the call! There’s no penalty for chatting after your Priority Hour and you’ll still be paid based on the length of the call.

While Priority Hours are a great way to meet new students, reservations can help you create a predictable and consistent schedule. Using a mix of both will help you maximize your time on Cambly and build a schedule based on your availability, no matter what time zone you are in.

Click the “Reservations” tab

Click the “edit” button next to My Reservation Availability

Click and drag on the calendar to mark when you are available for reservations. You can add availability for “anyone” or just for your regular students.

All you have to do is sign on and talk!