Retired Teacher Finds New Joy Teaching English Online
Hey there! Let me tell you about my amazing new job. I teach English online to the cutest kids overseas! We do everything over video chat, so it's like having a little classroom right here in my house.
- Hivan Mena
- 2 min read
I teach English to kids overseas.
Never thought in a million years I’d be back in the classroom after retirement, but here I am, loving every minute of it! Except, this time, my classroom is my home office, and my students are a bunch of adorable faces on a screen, all the way overseas.
It all started when I saw an ad for teaching English online. Now, I spent 30 years in brick-and-mortar schools, so online teaching seemed a bit out there. But then again, I craved the interaction with students, the chance to share my love of language. Plus, the idea of a flexible schedule and working from home was mighty appealing!
So, I took the plunge, got myself TEFL certified (that’s the fancy term for teaching English as a foreign language), and started interviewing with online companies. Let me tell you, the interview process was a breeze compared to the school board interviews I used to endure!
What this gig pays?
Finally, I landed a gig teaching with a private online platform. It’s perfect for me – I set my own hours, which right now is about 15 hours a week. That gives me plenty of time for gardening, volunteering at the animal shelter, and spending time with the grandkids. And let me tell you, that $45 an hour paycheck is a sweet bonus on top of my retirement income!
The best part, though, is the students themselves. These kids are bursting with energy and curiosity. They may be thousands of miles away, but through the magic of the internet, we build these little connections. They light up when they master a new word, and their excitement is contagious! It’s like having a front-row seat to their “aha!” moments every day.
Challenges
Of course, there are challenges. The time difference can be tricky, and sometimes the internet connection gets a little wonky. But those are minor inconveniences compared to the joy of teaching these eager young minds.
So, here I am, a retired teacher with a second wind, thanks to this online teaching adventure. It’s a whole new way to connect with the world, share my knowledge, and maybe even inspire a future generation of language lovers!