Here’s a fun way to get to know other online teachers! It’s called #onlineeslteachertag. In the video above, I gave “rapid fire” answers to most of these, but here’s I’ll expand a bit so you can get to know me!
Thanks to Teacher Lori for getting it started! Head over there to watch the original video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPc4d…
ONLINE ESL TEACHER QUESTIONS:
- Where are you from?
- I’m from rural Minnesota, in a small town of about 5,000 people. I grew up in the Twin Cities, but moved out to the country a few years ago. I love it out here! We get LOTS of snow in the wintertime.
- How long have you been a VIPKID teacher?
- I started with VIPKID in November 2017, and Gogokid in February of 2019.
- Did you get book immediately?
- Yes and no. With VIPKID, I got bookings trickling in right away but it took a full two months to have a full schedule.
- What hours do you typically work?
- I teach mornings, from 5-8am, sometimes 4:30-9am.
- What is your typical #teacherootd (outfit of the day)?
- I wear plain colored shirts, or my teacher shirts made by some amazing instagrammer teachers!
- Are you a brick and mortar teacher?
- I used to be. I taught in the public schools for nine years, then did some subbing, and now only teach online.
- Who are you favorite youtube/snapchat/ig teachers?
- See the video for my faves!
- Are you team meg, mike or Dino?
- Honestly, I’m not really into collecting the characters. I just use some simple 2D cut outs of Meg and Mike when necessary, and I do have a plushie Dino, but I could take them or leave them. They’re not a big deal to me.
- Why did you decide to join VIPKID?
- When I had my 3rd daughter, I was subbing. Most of my income was going straight to daycare, and it didn’t make sense for me to work full-time. Now, I’m loving the “work from home mom” life, and don’t plan on returning to the brick and mortar classroom until my youngest is in school.
- What is your most used prop?
- My small globe is my most used prop. I think this is probably because I teach a lot of level one, and they’re always traveling around the world in that unit.
- What advice do you have for anyone thinking about joining VIPKID?
- My advice is that you should examine your motives. I’ve chatted with many people who are just looking for a quick buck, or a job that pays full time money for part time work. This is not that job. Only apply if you truly love teaching, children, cultures, languages, and want to really make a difference.
- What advice do you have for a newbie teacher?
- My best advice is to get as many certifications as possible. You’ll want to have the opportunity for as many people as possible to see your profile.
- What is your best teaching tip?
- Learn a language yourself. You don’t have to learn Chinese, but practice learning any language that interests you. It’ll make you more compassionate toward your students!
- What does your morning routine look like?
- I get up at 4:30am, press snooze a couple times, quickly do makeup, brush my teeth and hair, make a quick Keurig coffee, and get my lights on. Then, I’ll pull up my Feedback Panda tabs for each student and prepare the feedback, which I’ll edit between the classes. I can go from dead asleep to ready to teach in about 10 minutes if necessary!
- What is your favorite course to teach?
- Level two is my favorite because they’re really ready to learn. I love watching them grow in confidence throughout that level.
- What is your least favorite course to teach?
- Trials. I feel like I’m pretty good at trials, and I do like the variety, but it’s not worth the IT problems and high frequency of no-shows. I’ll take Major Courses any day.
- The best thing you like about this job?
- The flexibility is my favorite part. I am so grateful to be able to pick my schedule. It has made our family life much more calm, organized, and peaceful to have a mom that is home more.
- The worst thing you hate about this job?
- The hours are tricky for my sleep schedule. I have to take a nap in the afternoons to function past 8pm. I can almost always squeeze in a 10-30 minute nap, and it makes all the difference in the world.
- Can you say anything in Chinese?
- Yes! I’ve been learning with YoyoChinese, and my girls take Lingobus classes! We’ve learned a lot! Watch the video to see me attempt some phrases.
- Have you been to china?
- No, but I’m dying to go! Who wants to take me? I’ll hop on a flight tomorrow!
Thanks for reading or watching! You’re welcome to participate in the video or blog version!
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Hello! My name is Laura and I teach online for VIPKID and Gogokid, teaching English to Chinese students!
I write blogs here to connect with other teachers and applicants. If you’re interested in these companies, follow the links below or email me!
Email: laura.risdall@gmail.com
Instagram: minnesotateachermom
GOGOKID referral code: X73CTGPA
VIPKID referral link: https://t.vipkid.com.cn/activity/popu…
VIPKID referral code: 05IOD5
VIPKID/Parenting Blog: http://www.laurarisdall.wordpress.com
Feedback Panda Referral: https://www.feedbackpanda.com/?_teacher_ref=1k0QBN
Lingobus Referral: https://www.lingobus.com/?referralCode=PAR49P
Thanks for reading!
-Laura from Minnesota
#vipkid #onlineeslteacher #vipkid #teacherlife
laurarisdall 