When exploring online teaching opportunities, the right platform can make a significant difference in your teaching experience and career growth.
With so many options out there, it’s essential to compare the features and benefits of popular platforms to find the one that best suits your goals.
We’re going to compare Preply, The Really Great Teacher Company, and Berlitz, and see how these platforms stack up next to each other.
Each of these platforms offers unique opportunities for teachers, from flexible schedules to diverse student bases. By understanding how these platforms operate, you can make a well-informed decision about where to apply and how to maximize your teaching potential.
Preply Overview: Flexibility and Diverse Subjects
Preply is a global online teaching platform that allows teachers to offer private lessons in a variety of subjects, including English, math, science, and more.
With a focus on language learning, Preply gives teachers the ability to connect with students from around the world, offering a diverse teaching experience.
Key Benefits
- Wide Range of Subjects: While Preply is best known for language teaching, it allows teachers to offer lessons in multiple subjects, such as business, science, and even test preparation. This broad range makes it appealing to teachers with expertise in various fields.
- Set Your Own Rates: One of the most significant advantages of Preply is that teachers set their own hourly rates. This flexibility allows you to charge what you feel your time and expertise are worth, with rates generally ranging from $10 to $40 per hour.
- Global Student Base: Preply connects teachers with students from all over the world. This means teachers can work with a wide variety of students, from children to adults, and schedule lessons at times that work best for them.
Challenges to Consider
- Competitive Market: Because Preply allows teachers to set their rates, there is a high level of competition for students. It may take time for new teachers to build up their student base and attract consistent bookings.
- Self-Managed Curriculum: Teachers on Preply are responsible for creating their own lesson plans, which can be a challenge for those who prefer a structured curriculum or are new to teaching.
The Really Great Teacher Company: Fun and Engaging Environment for Kids
The Really Great Teacher Company (TRGTC) is an online platform that connects teachers with young learners, primarily in China.
It offers an engaging and supportive teaching environment that’s perfect for educators who love working with children.
Key Benefits
- Focus on Young Learners: TRGTC specializes in teaching children between the ages of 4 and 14. This makes it ideal for teachers who are passionate about engaging young students in learning.
- Structured Curriculum: Unlike platforms like Preply, The Really Great Teacher Company provides teachers with a set curriculum, making lesson planning easier and less time-consuming. This structure is great for teachers who prefer not to spend time creating lessons from scratch.
- Supportive Community: TRGTC offers a collaborative and encouraging work environment with a strong support system for teachers. This can be a major benefit for new teachers looking for guidance and mentorship.
Challenges to Consider
- Fixed Hours: TRGTC requires teachers to work within specific time frames, typically in the evenings or early mornings (U.S. time), to align with the schedules of students in China. This can be restrictive for teachers looking for a more flexible schedule.
Berlitz: Global Reputation and Established Teaching Methods
Berlitz is one of the oldest names in language instruction, offering both in-person and online teaching opportunities. It connects teachers with students worldwide who want to improve their language skills, focusing primarily on business English, general conversation, and specialized language instruction.
Key Benefits
- Established Brand: Berlitz has a long-standing reputation in the language instruction field, which can be a significant advantage for teachers looking to work with a well-established, trusted company.
- Variety of Teaching Opportunities: Berlitz offers both group lessons and one-on-one sessions, catering to a wide range of student needs. Teachers can engage with business professionals, adults, or younger students, depending on the program.
- Training and Resources: Berlitz offers extensive training and professional development opportunities for teachers. This is ideal for educators looking to improve their teaching skills or learn new methodologies.
Challenges to Consider
- Fixed Scheduling: While Berlitz offers flexibility in terms of location, teachers may be required to work during specific hours depending on the student’s location and program. It may not offer as much flexibility as platforms like Preply.
- Higher Requirements: Berlitz has specific requirements for its teachers, including formal teaching credentials and language proficiency. This may limit opportunities for individuals who do not meet these qualifications.
Key Considerations When Choosing the Right Platform
When deciding which online teaching platform is best for you, consider the following:
- Your Target Audience: If you enjoy working with young learners and prefer a structured curriculum, TRGTC may be the best fit. If you prefer flexibility and the ability to teach a wide range of subjects, Preply and Berlitz may be better options.
- Schedule Flexibility: If you’re looking for a platform with more freedom in setting your hours, Preply and Berlitz offer this flexibility, whereas TRGTC has more fixed hours based on students’ schedules.
- Income Potential: Consider whether you’re comfortable setting your own rates (Preply) or if you’d prefer working with a platform that provides a salary structure (TRGTC, Berlitz). The potential for earning depends on the platform’s structure and the level of competition.
Which Platform is Right for You?
Each of these platforms offers unique advantages depending on your teaching preferences and career goals. Whether you prefer teaching children, working with adults, or offering a broad range of subjects, there’s a platform that fits your needs.
Key Takeaways:
- Preply: Best for teachers who want to set their own rates and teach a variety of subjects to a global audience.
- The Really Great Teacher Company: Ideal for teachers who enjoy working with young learners and prefer a structured curriculum.
- Berlitz: Best for experienced teachers looking for opportunities with an established, global language brand and professional development resources.
For anyone looking to get started or boost their career in online teaching, get started with a TEFL certification from Teach Away.