Here are things you need to know before you get a job as a Home Based or Virtual ESL Teacher:

1. First of all, you need a Skype

A lot of people use this as a source of communication over the internet. Now, it is also used in online education and online marketing. I have been using Skype in teaching students during the class.

2. Get a PowerGramo.

This powerful software can record both video and audio Skype calls. I use this to share audio with my students during Skype calls. Sample of audio shared through PowerGramo are songs or mini activities.

3. ESL Books

Teachers and students should have the same books on their hand or on their computer during the class. You need English books to be able to teach you students. I use PDF or JPEG book files during my class.

You can buy these books at your nearest book store or you can get them at amazon or eBay. The books vary and depend upon what the student would like to learn. It also varies upon the school or company you work in. Almost all online schools provide you with their company books. Here are some books I have been using:

4. Lesson Plan and a Notebook

Every Teacher should have lesson plans. You need to have a guide on what you will be teaching your students. This is very important because it helps you be occupied with the different lessons you will need to be teaching.

You need to have a notebook where you will record your students' information. Your students' would like that you remember their names, birthdays, and special things about them. You also need a notebook to write down your next topic, page, or your students' evaluation. I use excel to record the page, homework, quizzes, and interesting about the student.

5. Get a headset

You need this to be able to teach students. So you can both speak and hear each other during the class. Get a very good headset with noise cancellation. You also need something that isn't irritating your ears.

I use Philips for my headset.

6. Get a web camera

Like a headset, you need a web cam. Mostly all students would like to see the face of their teacher and at the same time you will be seeing them too. This is very useful in making the class alive. You connect more with your students when you have this.

I use Note-i and A4tech for my web camera.

7. Internet Connection

You will need an internet connection when you work online. A fast internet connection is needed to be able to make Skype calls. You will need to have a minimum connection speed of about 1Mbps. Wi-Fi and Broadband connections are not stabled so get a wired internet connection.

I have a stabled connection and a wired internet connection with a minimum speed of 1Mbps.

8. A Computer

You will not be able to teach without a computer. You will need to have a reliable personal computer or laptop. You should have a computer which is not below Pentium4, a minimum memory of 1Gb and 120Gb of disk drive. Knowing the right requirements will help you have a fast connection while you teach.

I use a personal computer with Windows 7 Ultimate, an IntelCore i3 with 4Gb installed memory and a 500Gb disk drive.

9. A quiet environment

You will need a quiet room where no outside noises can be heard. Dog barks or the sound of cars passing are not good when you teach. Your students might leave the class and look for another teacher who has a quiet background. It depends upon your students, but most of the time they like it quiet. I have a peaceful environment but a lot of dogs around the neighborhood. I manage to make my office a quiet environment by simply covering my windows with a mattress. I also stacked Styrofoam around the corner. You really need to invest when you want to provide a quality teaching class.

10. One more thing - A Teaching attitude

You must be patient. This is a very important attitude you must have when teaching English to students. You must understand that students have different levels in learning. You must also be culturally sensitive. Respect in once culture is very helpful.

I make my class as cheerful as possible. I respect my students and I care for them.

I hope for the best! Have Fun!

Tamara Lehmann