The teaching industry has changed radically within the last few years. The COVID-19 pandemic, online learning platforms, and modern technology have taught us that you can access quality education wherever you want, as long as you can get online.
These changes have opened up opportunities and challenges for the entire educational industry. With online learning platforms making education more accessible to a global audience, they have created a growing demand for skilled online teachers.
This article will look into the growing demand for online teachers, shedding light on the benefits and giving you the insight to determine if this is the right path for your career.
A Closer Look Into Online Teaching
Online teaching is no longer an alternative but a trend that shows no sign of slowing down.
Today, 41% of U.S. higher education students prefer online learning because of its flexible learning options and remote possibilities– creating a constant demand for online teaching.
More online teaching jobs and platforms are opening up opportunities for people seeking risk-free careers with flexibility. Teaching opportunities are available for seasoned educators and beginners. You can choose from different subjects, age groups, and levels and reach students from various corners of the world.
While both online and traditional teaching share the goal of imparting knowledge, they differ in several significant ways.
Below are the significant differences between traditional and online learning:
| Rank | State | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $21.54 |
| 2 | New York | $21.10 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $21.01 |
| 4 | California | $20.29 |
| 5 | Nebraska | $20.28 |
| 6 | Maryland | $19.75 |
| 7 | Kansas | $19.52 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $19.46 |
| 9 | Kentucky | $19.29 |
| 10 | Vermont | $18.84 |
| 11 | Alaska | $18.40 |
| 12 | Georgia | $18.34 |
| 13 | Minnesota | $18.21 |
| 14 | Colorado | $18.15 |
| 15 | Maine | $18.07 |
| 16 | Washington | $17.81 |
| 17 | Connecticut | $17.78 |
| 18 | Texas | $17.68 |
| 19 | Missouri | $17.54 |
| 20 | Oregon | $17.33 |
| 21 | Michigan | $17.28 |
| 22 | Illinois | $17.23 |
| 23 | Rhode Island | $16.90 |
| 24 | Oklahoma | $16.70 |
| 25 | North Dakota | $16.65 |
| 26 | Nevada | $16.12 |
| 27 | New Hampshire | $15.97 |
| 28 | Arizona | $15.83 |
| 29 | Tennessee | $15.71 |
| 30 | Iowa | $15.60 |
| 31 | Pennsylvania | $15.59 |
| 32 | Arkansas | $15.45 |
| 33 | Utah | $15.42 |
| 34 | West Virginia | $15.41 |
| 35 | South Dakota | $15.40 |
| 36 | Ohio | $15.40 |
| 37 | New Mexico | $15.35 |
| 38 | Montana | $15.21 |
| 39 | Wisconsin | $15.13 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $15.04 |
| 41 | Indiana | $14.84 |
| 42 | Virginia | $14.84 |
| 43 | Wyoming | $14.55 |
| 44 | South Carolina | $14.38 |
| 45 | Florida | $14.37 |
| 46 | North Carolina | $14.20 |
| 47 | Delaware | $14.02 |
| 48 | Idaho | $13.20 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $12.91 |
| 50 | Alabama | $12.11 |
Benefits of online teaching for teachers
There are many benefits to becoming a teacher. Online teaching offers educators the opportunity to embrace a rewarding career. You have flexibility, work-from-home perks, increased access to students, and a reduction in administrative work.
Here are some key benefits of online teaching for educators:
- Flexible work hours: You can set your schedules and design your teaching hours to suit your preferences and easily maintain a work-life balance.
- Work from the comfort of home: You can work from the comfort of your place. You avoid long commutes, traffic jams, and the need for a dedicated physical workspace — you’ll save time and money and enhance the quality of your life.
- Increases students’ access to teachers: Online teaching goes beyond geographical boundaries, allowing you to reach students worldwide. The expanded reach results in a broader student base, providing you with diverse perspectives and the opportunity to impact a global audience.
- Teachers experience a fall in administrative work: Online teaching platforms often handle administrative tasks, such as scheduling, attendance tracking, and grading, meaning you can focus more on teaching and engaging with students.
- Opportunities for teachers to earn more from online tutoring websites: Many online teaching platforms offer opportunities for you to supplement your income through online tutoring websites, allowing you to tap into a broader market of students seeking one-on-one instruction.
- Maintains a record of online tutoring sessions: Online teaching platforms include features that automatically record tutoring sessions so you can track progress, review, and improve your teaching methods.
- Easier for teachers to update course content: Online teaching platforms make it simple for educators to update and revise course content in real-time. You can ensure that the curriculum remains relevant and engaging for students.
Benefits of online teaching for students
Online teaching offers numerous advantages to students, making it a valuable and popular mode of education.
From flexibility and cost savings to career advancement and collaboration, online education provides a dynamic platform for learners to thrive and reach their educational and professional goals.
Here are the benefits of online teaching for students.
- Flexibility: Students can tailor their learning experience to their schedules, allowing time for work commitments, family responsibilities, or other time constraints
- Reduced costs: Online education eliminates expenses related to commuting, textbooks, and on-campus housing. Online learning is also cheaper than traditional learning. Online degrees cost an average of $60,593 compared to $185,252 for an in-person degree.
Also, students who commute to college for in-person classes pay $1,360 per year in transportation and $600 or more for a campus meal, costs that an online student wouldn’t have to pay.
- More free time: Students save time that could have been used commuting to a physical campus. They can use their free time for other activities like part-time jobs, internships, or hobbies. Online learning allows for a better work-life balance.
- Increased course variety: Online education provides access to a wide array of courses. Students can get specialized and niche subjects that might not be available in local institutions, meaning they can explore diverse interests.
- Career advancement opportunities: Students can earn degrees, certifications, or specific skills while maintaining their current jobs or career paths, helping them further their careers
- Increased collaboration: Online learning fosters collaborative skills since students engage in virtual group projects, discussions, and forums. Collaboration prepares you for a globalized job market where remote teamwork is common.
- Personalized education: Online teaching platforms frequently offer adaptive learning technologies, enabling students to progress at their own pace and receive personalized feedback.
- Enhanced time management skills: Online students can manage their time effectively, juggling coursework, job responsibilities, and personal life. Through effective time management, they develop strong organizational skills that are valuable in various aspects of life.
The Impact of Online Teaching On the Industry
Online teaching is making a great impact on the entire education industry, making it more inclusive, adaptable, and accessible than ever before. It breaks down traditional barriers to education and provides accessibility to everyone, irrespective of their geographic location.
Online teaching also fosters inclusivity by offering features and tools that cater to students with disabilities. Accessibility options, such as screen readers and captioning, make learning more inclusive for everyone.
What’s more, online education is not bound by age. It provides older students, often with career and family responsibilities, the chance to earn degrees, acquire new skills, and enhance their professional prospects without disrupting their current life.
For students who move frequently, such as military families or international expatriates, online teaching offers continuity in their education. They can seamlessly transfer between locations without having to change schools or curricula.
Lastly, online teaching often comes with lower tuition fees, reduced commuting and housing costs, and the freedom to work while studying. This affordability and flexibility appeal to a broad spectrum of students and adult learners, increasing the demand for online teachers.
Demand and Salary Expectations for Online Teachers
There is an increased demand for online educators, and many teachers, professionals, and subject matter experts are turning to online teaching as a flexible teaching career option.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for professors, including online instructors, is expected to grow by 12% between 2020 and 2030, faster than the average projected rate for all occupations during that period.
While no specific data is available solely for online teachers, the demand for these educators is likely to mirror or exceed this growth rate.
According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for an online teacher is $52,973 per year in the United States. However, salaries can vary based on experience, qualifications, subject expertise, and the specific educational institution or platform.
Online teaching also offers opportunities for additional income through online tutoring, course development, or specialized subject areas. As the demand for online education continues to rise, the potential for competitive compensation for online teachers is also expected to grow.
Types of Online Teaching Jobs
Online teaching offers a diverse range of career opportunities for educators and professionals.
Here are various types of online teaching jobs available.
Here are several job descriptions, key responsibilities, and additional insights for various online teaching jobs.
1- Online instructor
Online instructors, also known as online professors or educators, deliver virtual courses to students across various academic levels and subjects. They are responsible for designing course content, facilitating online discussions, and assessing student performance.
Online instructors may work in higher education, K-12, or corporate training. They play a pivotal role in adapting traditional curricula to the online format and ensuring students’ educational needs are met in the digital platform.
As an online instructor, you’ll be responsible for:
- Developing and organizing online course materials, including lectures, assignments, and assessments.
- Providing instruction and guidance to students through online platforms, fostering an interactive and engaging learning environment.
- Assessing and grading student work, including assignments, quizzes, and exams.
- Offering feedback and support to students, addressing their questions and concerns.
- Staying current with educational technology and online teaching best practices.
- Monitoring and maintaining student records, attendance, and progress.
2- Online kindergarten instructor
Online kindergarten instructors specialize in teaching young children in a virtual classroom setting. They provide foundational education, focusing on early literacy, numeracy, and social development.
As a kindergarten instructor, you introduce young learners to the world of education. You require exceptional patience, creativity, and adaptability to engage and support your students effectively.
Here are some key responsibilities you’re expected to handle as an online kindergarten:
- Planning and delivering interactive online lessons that cater to the developmental needs of kindergarten-aged children.
- Utilizing engaging teaching methods, such as storytelling, games, and interactive activities, to promote active learning.
- Fostering a supportive and nurturing virtual classroom environment that encourages children’s social and emotional growth.
- Collaborating with parents or caregivers to ensure a holistic learning experience.
- Assessing and reporting on students’ progress and providing constructive feedback.
3- Online K-12 teacher
Online K-12 teachers are responsible for instructing students in various subjects within the K-12 education system. They may teach a specific grade level or multiple subjects and adapt the curriculum to an online format.
As an online K-12 teacher, you’re essential in the world of virtual education. You ensure students receive quality education while providing the flexibility and accessibility of online learning.
The key responsibilities of online K-12 teachers include:
- Developing and delivering online lessons, assignments, and assessments aligned with educational standards and objectives.
- Providing guidance and support to K-12 students, addressing their individual needs and learning styles.
- Collaborating with parents or guardians to monitor students’ progress and facilitate parent-teacher communication.
- Adapting teaching methods to engage and motivate students in the virtual classroom.
- Assessing and grading student work, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
4- Online ELL instructor
Online ELL instructors focus on teaching English to non-native speakers. They help students improve their English language skills, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
As an ELL instructor, you’re instrumental in helping students from diverse backgrounds enhance their English language proficiency. You facilitate their integration into English-speaking communities and improve their educational and career opportunities.
Here are the common responsibilities you undertake as an online ELL instructor:
- Designing and delivering English language lessons tailored to the proficiency level and goals of the learners.
- Creating a supportive and inclusive virtual classroom environment for ELL students.
- Assessing students’ language abilities and tracking their progress.
- Using language-learning resources and technology to enhance instruction.
- Providing feedback on language skills development and guiding students to reach their language acquisition goals.
5- Private education company online teacher
Teachers working for private education companies specialize in providing online educational services, often catering to specific subjects, standardized test preparation, or other specialized programs.
They can specialize in their subject area and provide specialized instruction. These roles can vary widely depending on the company’s focus and target audience.
Working as a private education company online teacher, your responsibilities may include:
- Delivering high-quality, specialized content through online platforms.
- Creating interactive and engaging lessons that align with the company’s educational offerings.
- Assessing student performance and providing feedback for improvement.
- Collaborating with the company’s team to maintain educational standards and innovation.
- Staying up-to-date with industry trends and educational best practices.
How to Become an Online Teacher
Becoming an online teacher is an exciting and rewarding journey that demands a well-rounded education, practical experience, and a solid foundation in technology.
As the field of online teaching continues to expand, educators who possess these qualifications are well-equipped to embark on a successful online teaching career, making a meaningful impact on students in the digital learning landscape.
In this section, we will outline the path you need to follow to become an online teacher and discuss the essential elements required for success in the teaching field.
Get a degree
To prepare for a career in online teaching, you need to meet the qualifications. While these requirements may vary depending on the institution or platform you want to work with, a degree in education, your chosen subject area, or a related field is preferred.
In many cases, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement for online teaching positions. However, some online teaching positions, especially in K-12 and higher education, may prefer you if you have a master’s degree.
Additionally, specialized degrees, such as a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Master of Online Teaching, can enhance your teaching prospects.
Some universities offer specific degree programs in online teaching. These programs focus on the unique challenges and opportunities of teaching in a digital environment, preparing you for success in online classrooms.
Gain experience teaching or working with kids/young adults
You need practical experience working with children or young adults. Practical experience provides insights into educational dynamics, classroom management, and student engagement.
Working with kids or young adults hones your ability to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles, identify and address individual needs, and foster a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Also, you’ll build patience, empathy, and communication skills are critical. You must learn to connect with students in a virtual setting, which requires a deep understanding of students’ emotional and academic needs.
Gain computer and online technology skills
Effective online teaching incorporates technology to create engaging lessons, assess students’ work, and facilitate discussions. You must be proficient in computer and online technology.
Familiarize yourself with video conferencing software, learning management systems (LMS), virtual whiteboards, and other online teaching tools. You’ll also need basic computer skills, such as word processing and spreadsheet software.
Also, online teachers use various tools and platforms to deliver lessons, communicate with students, and assess progress. Proficiency in using these technologies is essential for a seamless teaching experience.
Searching for Online Teaching Jobs
Compared to traditional teaching job searches, applying for online teaching jobs is convenient and accessible.
Unlike traditional teaching positions, online opportunities are often readily available online.
Many educational institutions, such as K-12 schools, universities, and private education companies, post their online teaching job openings on various job boards, school websites, and specialized education job platforms.
When applying for online teaching jobs, don’t limit yourself. You can get teaching opportunities anywhere– even beyond your locality. Conduct a national or even international job search, and expand your potential employment options.
When looking for online teaching jobs, it’s essential to focus on the specific role and teaching area that aligns with your expertise and passion.
Online teaching also offers opportunities to specialize in various subjects and educational levels. Look for positions that match your qualifications and align with your teaching preferences.
A Few Tips Before Becoming an Online Educator
Are you looking to become an online teacher or are you an experienced educator seeking to transition to online teaching?
The following tips will help you have a successful and fulfilling online teaching experience:
- Keep your online classroom engaged: Online learning can be isolating, so it’s essential to keep students engaged and motivated. Use interactive tools, discussions, multimedia, and gamification to create an engaging and dynamic virtual classroom environment.
- Consider the grading load: Online teaching often involves grading assignments, discussions, and assessments. Be prepared for a potentially higher grading workload, especially if your online classroom is larger. Effective time management and clear grading criteria can help manage this load.
- Record live lectures for review: Recording live lectures is a valuable practice for both teachers and students. It allows students to revisit the content, aids in revision and can be particularly useful when accommodating diverse learning paces.
As an online teacher, recorded lessons can help you review your teaching methods and make improvements.
- Ensure you’re easily available: Make yourself available to students through various means, including email, video office hours, and phone calls. Effective communication and timely responses to student inquiries help foster a supportive learning environment and build trust between educators and students.
Becoming an Online Teacher
The emergence of online learning platforms and the integration of modern technology has made education more affordable and accessible and created more employment opportunities for educators.
The transformation in education has expanded the options for education. Quality education is now accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
The changes in the education industry have created a growing demand for online teachers. Becoming an online teacher offers you a rewarding career with flexible work hours, where you can determine your schedules.
Also, online teaching can be done from the comfort of home, eliminating the need for long commutes. It increases students’ access to teachers, reaching a global audience and broadening the student base.
Online teaching reduces administrative work, as platforms handle administrative tasks. Additionally, there are opportunities for teachers to earn more through online tutoring, maintain records of online tutoring sessions, and easily update course content.
At Teachers of Tomorrow, we can help you become an online teacher with alternative teacher certification. Take that first step today and become a part of the transformative world of online education. Get in touch with us today.
