Getting Started with VIPKid

When I first started looking into teaching English online to Chinese students through VIPkid, I was extremely skeptical. Honestly, the whole thing seemed a little like a cult. If you do an internet search (which may have led you here), you'll find reams of information about the company--mostly positive. VIPkid is now (at the time of this post) ranked as the #1 Company for Remote Jobs by Forbes, and a 2019 Glassdoor Best Place to Work. On top of that, it's a job where you can show up in your PAJAMAS. I decided it was time for me to put my skepticism aside and try it out for myself.

In order to apply as a teacher for VIPkid, you will need:

• A bachelor's degree
• 1 year of teaching experience of any kind (this can include tutoring, mentoring, coaching, etc)
• Eligibility to work in the US or Canada
• A computer and a headset

I'm not very tech-savy, so I was really concerned about my equipment working correctly. My laptop has a built in microphone, but you are required to use a headset for the interview. All the headsets I tried had an audio jack, and when I plugged them in to my computer, they didn't pick up my voice at all. At this point, I was pretty sure I was doomed for failure, due to my technical inabilities. Finally, I tried using a headset with a USB plug, and that did the trick. Problem solved. And yeah, I felt stupid.

The second tech issue I ran into was getting my internet speed fast enough. VIPkid recommends using an ethernet cable to avoid internet issues, but that wasn't an option in my house. I needed to teach wirelessly. I quickly learned how to test my "ping". Ping is basically how quickly your computer talks to your student's computer in China, and it affects your lag time. You can check the ping on your own computer here: www.speedtest.net. My ping was consistently somewhere in the 200's, and it was supposed to be under 100. I ended up doing three things to lower my ping:

1. I upgraded my internet speed by $20 per month
2. I moved my router closer to my computer
3. I kicked everyone in my family off the internet during my teaching hours

Now my ping is consistently under 100, but no one can stream movies while I'm teaching. Sorry, guys.

Alright, time to interview.

Step 1: Click HERE to get started. And yes, you'll be doing me a favor by using my referral link...it's one more way to make money as a VIPkid teacher! VIPkid decided instead of spending money on Facebook ads in an attempt to recruit new hires, they decided they would prefer to put money in the pockets of their very own teachers. VIPkid teachers earn a one time fee for any successful referrals. If you don't want to use the link or you've already started the process, you can also add my referral code later in the process by completing g the following: BETHA0205 

Login to your VIPKID account

2. In the top right corner, click "My Account"

3. Click "Add Referral Code"

4. Type in my referral code: BETHA0205 (BETHA + zero + two + zero + five)

As a thank-you, I'm offering a 30 minute Skype or Zoom coaching session to help you through your initial interview and answer any questions you may have. Just add my referral code to your online application, then contact me via email to set up a time to talk.

Step 2: Here's where you enter your personal info and teaching experience. This can include tutoring, babysitting, teaching piano, being a leader at a youth group, etc. Think of any experience you've had working with kids, and write it down. You do not need to have an ESL or teaching certificate to apply for this job.

Step 3: Next up is the live interview or recorded demo. I chose the recorded demo. This part was SUPER scary for me. I was not used to recording myself, and I felt very self-conscious during the process. For the interview, it became clear I was going to need more supplies, so here's what I purchased:

• a rechargeable selfie-ring light (for better lighting) ($18)
• a headset with microphone and usb port ($21)
• a small white board from Walmart ($7) 

They also ask you to set up a "classroom" behind you. I borrowed my child's bulletin board and decorated it with some old party decorations and letters spelling out my name. I was getting nervous at this point that I'd just dropped fifty bucks on an interview that I may or may not pass. But I plowed forward and recorded my interview.

All of three steps above took me about the length of a school day (supply run to Walmart, setting up my "classroom", practicing and recording my demo, etc). It probably would've have taken less if I'd been more tech-savy and hadn't had the headphone or internet issues.

After these three steps, I waited for a response to find out if I was hired. When I woke up the next morning, I had an e-mail letting me know I had passed the interview stage -- Yay!!

Step 4: I'd love to tell you more...use my referral code above, send me an e-mail, and I'll send you my interview guidebook!

Where I teach...

In my house, I found a nook, and turned it into my teaching space. I use a bookshelf to store props and toys, as well as hold my laptop while teaching.

I don't have enough light here most of the time when I'm teaching (early morning or evenings), so I place a lamp on both sides of the bookshelf and use a selfie ring above my laptop. 

It's small, but cozy! I don't think I'd like sitting here if I was teaching all night, but I don't plan on doing that at this point. 

What happens during a lesson?

What happens during the actual lesson?

Well, I'm now to the point where it takes me about 30-60 seconds to look over the powerpoint and glance at the student's information. I'm starting to get a lot of regular students now as well, which means I already know a lot about the student before I start teaching.

During class I try to average one minute per slide. If I'm going to fast, we'll slow down and extend on a slide, which basically just means that we converse about the topic or even talk about something else.

I've included a short video that I took of me while teaching. My 12-year-old son saw me teaching the other day, and ever since, he has been royally mocking me. (sigh)

Getting Paid by VIPKid

Okay, let's talk money. Is this job legit? Let's break down how the pay works:

First there is your base pay of $7-$9 for a class (I receive $8 per class). In addition:

• Earn an extra .50 per class when you teach over 30 classes in a month
• Earn an extra $1 per class when you teach over 45 classes in a month
• Earn an extra $1 per class for starting on time
• Earn an extra $2 per class when you get a last minute booking (within 24 hours)

I've almost finished the month, and so far during my first month, I've earned $522 for 52 classes, which breaks down to about 1 hour a day of work.  I earned $47 worth of "participation incentives" which means I showed up for class on time. Then I lost $4 ($2 per class), for having to cancel two classes (other fees apply, depending on when the class is cancelled). I also received an extra $1 per hour for teaching over 45 classes in a month. I earned a few extra dollars for last minute bookings. I'm hoping to double this amount next month...I'll keep you posted.

Props and Reward Systems

During your interview and throughout your classes, you will need PROPS. In fact, you are required to have at least two for each of your demo interviews. Props can include both items for teaching, as well as a rewards system. Most of the interactive slides have a reward system in place, but I use my own reward system about 50% of the time. You do not need to spend a lot of money on props or rewards. There are a bajillion ideas out there on the web or on Pinterest. Here are a few things I work with daily.

I purchased both of these dinosaur puppets at Aldi's for $10. Aldi's occasionally has great inexpensive toys or teaching tools. 

I bought this magnetic white board at Walmart for $6.99. I will use it to draw or use the magnets (below) that I bought in the Target dollar section. 

I placed felt on the back of my white board so I could also use it for my reward systems. The kids get a scoop of ice cream when they are doing a good job. This reward is made out of felt. I will be making more things out of felt, as it's so easy and inexpensive. I am thinking I will have to take the felt board off of my white board and put it somewhere else, however, as sometimes my felt pieces go flying when I want to flip it around and use the whiteboard.

These are just a few ideas. I have found the party supplies section, dollar section (Target), and craft section to be great for finding props and rewards at Walmart, Target, and the Dollar Tree.