How to get the right English tutor online

A tutor can offer valuable one-on-one time, giving immediate feedback as well as adjusting to the student’s learning style and language abilities, whether your child needs to brush up on English class fundamentals like writing, studying, & grammar or you need to have a knowledgeable ESL instructor.

This article will show you where and how to look, what credentials and characteristics to look for, and exactly how much it costs to locate an online English coach. Additionally, you’ll discover several effective study methods that students may employ between tutoring sessions to prepare themselves for success.

Where to get an English tutor online

It might be difficult to find a tutor online, much like locating a needle inside a haystack. There are so many possibilities when searching for “online English tutor” on Google that it might be overwhelming. The problem isn’t a shortage of English teachers; rather, it’s understanding how to sort through them all to discover the ideal match for your child’s requirements.

While there are many online resources you may utilize, such as Craigslist or Thumbtack, among the best places to look for an English instructor online is through a reputable firm that specializes only in tutoring.

For instance, TutorMe employs tutors with subject-specific expertise who studied at some of the best institutions and universities in the world. You may check the profiles of the English teachers on the list, explore their profiles, and refine your search to fit your needs. You can be paired with a tutor right away if you do not have the time for that.

Qualities of a good online English teacher

English teachers have a wide range of professional experiences and come from all different backgrounds. An excellent English tutor may be the difference between a learner lagging behind and prospering, whether they are a professor, a college undergrad, or something in between. Despite the fact that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all teacher, here are some fundamental requirements you should take into account when looking.

• English as a first language

Although there are many proficient non-native English speakers who can teach students the language, it makes sense that someone who spent their whole childhood surrounded by English will have a deeper, richer, and more accurate knowledge of its intricacies.

When studying subjects like reading, writing, & grammar, having a tutor with a natural eye and ear for the language may make it simpler and eliminate instances where the learner feels confused or irritated.

• Experience in years

Years of experience are an important consideration when hiring, just as in many other businesses. You should also find out the tutor’s level of experience. 

For example, a tutor with over 6 years of experience educating English with such a focus on composition may be a better fit for a student who requires assistance writing a master’s thesis than a teacher who has only recently started working with middle school kids.

Likewise, choosing a teacher that has experience teaching ESL students might help overcome language hurdles if your kid requires assistance with strengthening fundamental English language abilities or is not a native English speaker.

• Education level

Even if it’s possible to discover a good teacher without a degree, narrow down your search to those who have at minimum a bachelor’s degree. 

These credentials go by many names in various nations. The tutor’s certification may be for TEFL, ESL, or TESOL, depending on where they went to school (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).

• Teaching approach

To ask questions and learn more about a potential online tutor’s teaching methods and style, arrange a preliminary interview. Do they favor a systematic, deliberate pace or do you prefer something more hurried? You want a teacher that can meet your child where they are academically and educate English in a way that is most effective for them.

Even if you are able to do an interview, check the instructor’s profile to see whether they provide any information about themselves other than their education and experience. You may obtain a sense of a tutor’s personality by finding out about their interests and pastimes. Additionally, investigate if the teacher has testimonials from former pupils. In addition to reading an instructor’s biography, reading student evaluations may teach you more about the tutor.