In this article, we will look at the 13 best companies for teaching English online. We have also discussed discussed the demand for English teachers in some US states. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Best Companies for Teaching English Online.
The demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) programs in South Dakota is steadily increasing. With about 5% of students designated as English Language Learners, totaling over 6,700 students statewide, the demand for comprehensive ESL education is evident. Rapid City Area Schools, for instance, experienced a 35 new student influx in one year, confirming the ongoing demand for these services. Even in smaller communities like Huron, the ESL student population has skyrocketed from 100-200 to over 1,000, with the district now employing 13 dedicated ESL teachers to meet the needs of these students. To read more about ESL teachers, see the Highest Paying Countries for ESL Teachers.
It is also interesting to note that the increase in ESL enrollment is not without its challenges. Many ESL students come from diverse linguistic backgrounds, requiring tailored educational approaches ranging from basic language acquisition to nuanced language sensitivity. Moreover, ESL teachers often find themselves not just teaching language skills but also serving as mentors and support systems for students who may have experienced trauma or displacement. Despite these challenges, ESL teachers across the states remain committed to providing quality education and support to help these students succeed academically and integrate into their new communities. To read more about how one can teach english online with no degree or experience, see the Best Countries to Teach English Without a Degree.
Moreover, the demand for English language services at STAR Literacy in downtown Bloomington is also increasing, with ESL student enrollment rising from 70 to 80 in a year, accompanied by a waitlist of 20 learners. The spike is attributed to immigration influx, especially from Latin America owing to ventures like Rivian, bringing engineers and their spouses, prompting STAR to enhance its offerings. Collaborations with entities like Bloomington Public Library and the McLean County Museum of History aim to support conversational skills and community integration. While most students are Spanish-speakers, others come from diverse linguistic backgrounds such as Portuguese, French, Turkish, Vietnamese, and Moroccan. STAR seeks more volunteers to address the waitlist, providing 12-hour online training, requiring only 90 minutes per week commitment, emphasizing not just language learning but fostering connections to their new home.
Given the rapid automation of industries, the English language learning segment is not immune to AI developments. According to the global survey conducted by the British Council with 118 countries and 1348 teachers , English teachers worldwide acknowledge AI’s potential benefits in enhancing instructional capabilities and facilitating student learning. However, they do have concens regarding over-reliance on AI tools and the adequacy of training for their integration into teaching practices.
Furthermore, British Council’s report highlights pressing questions about AI’s impact on education, including its implications for knowledge acquisition, teacher recruitment, and the potential replacement of human educators with technology. As highlighted by UNESCO, emerging technologies such as AI present both opportunities and challenges to education systems globally, particularly within fields like English-language learning.
In 2023, Duolingo Inc (NASDAQ:DUOL) observed major changes as it shifted towards utilizing AI to generate content. The company laid off a portion of its contract workforce, including writers and translators, replacing them with AI tools. Despite the Duolingo Inc (NASDAQ:DUOL)’s growth, with over 83.1 million users, the decision raised concerns about job security and the quality of the app’s lessons.
While Duolingo Inc (NASDAQ:DUOL) claims to use AI to enhance productivity and efficiency, critics argue that the reliance on AI poses risks to job stability and the overall user experience.
Before getting into our list of top companies for teaching English online, let’s look at what other key players are doing to contribute to English language teaching and learning.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co (NASDAQ:HMHC) facilitates English teaching and learning through a comprehensive approach that integrates curriculum, resources, and support services. Firstly, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co (NASDAQ:HMHC) offers English 3D which is a structured English Language Development (ELD) curriculum designed to meet the diverse needs of multilingual learners. This curriculum is tailored for students from kindergarten to grade 12, covering all proficiency levels, from newcomers to long-term English learners. Through evidence-based instructional routines and scaffolded writing assignments, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co (NASDAQ:HMHC) ensures that students receive targeted support to enhance their language skills. Secondly, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co (NASDAQ:HMHC) provides a range of resources to support both students and teachers. These resources include authentic texts, multimedia materials, and assessment tools that align with state English Language Proficiency standards. Additionally, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co (NASDAQ:HMHC) offers professional learning opportunities for teachers, including customized training sessions and access to a wealth of classroom videos and instructional materials. Lastly, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Co (NASDAQ:HMHC) focuses on data-driven decision-making to drive student outcomes. The English 3D assessment suite includes a variety of formative and summative assessments, allowing teachers to track student progress and adjust instruction accordingly.
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Our Methodology
To identify the best companies for teaching English online, we looked at the reviews for ESL companies online. We selected top 20 companeis based on popularity (guaged through Reddit threads) and looked up their average hourly salaries. The 13 highest paying companies were eventually selected and have been listed below.
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13. Open English
Average Salary: $11/hr
Open English is one of the best websites for teaching English that caters primarily to Latin American and Hispanic American users, while also extending services to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. With a presence in over 30 countries globally, it has enrolled over 2 million students since establishment. Headquartered in Miami, the company also maintains offices in Mexico City, Bogota, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Bangalore, and Sao Paulo.
12. Skimatalk
Average Salary: $16/hr
Skimatalk has a wide range of highly qualified, native English-speaking teachers who are carefully vetted through a user-sourced rating system, ensuring top-notch instruction. Moreover, its flexibility in scheduling allows learners to access lessons anytime, anywhere via Skype video, without being tied to fixed monthly commitments. Lastly, SkimaTalk offers a unique and affordable platform where learners receive personalized lessons from skilled instructors at competitive prices. With a high customer satisfaction rate and endorsement from leading brands, SkimaTalk is also one of the best paying ESL companies. To read more about ESL teaching, see the highest paying countries for ESL teachers.
11. Voxy
Average Salary: $16.5/hr
With a strong presence since 2010, Voxy has catered to corporate clients in over 150 countries, offering tailored programs to enhance productivity and bridge skill gaps. Moreover, with over 100 industry-focused courses and live instruction available 24/7 in six languages, Voxy offers unparalleled accessibility and relevance. Lastly, its commitment to community impact, supporting projects such as Dhammajarinee Witthaya School in Thailand, confirms that it has a broader mission beyond just language training.
10. VipKid
Average Salary: $18/hr
VIPKid is a global educational technology firm facilitating real-time online English immersion learning for children. Established in 2013 and officially launched in 2014 by Cindy Mi, VIPKid connects students with the best teachers from the United States and Canada. Through its online-classroom portal, students engage in 25-minute English language sessions with proficient English-speaking instructors. With an average salary of $18/hr, VIPKid is one of the English teaching platforms that pays the most.
9. Education First (EF)
Average Salary: $18.5/hr
EF is a global education enterprise renowned for its expertise in language instruction, educational journeys, academic pursuits, and cross-cultural exchanges. Established in 1965 by Bertil Hult in Lund, Sweden, EF remains privately owned by the Hult family. By 2017, EF had a workforce of around 52,000 individuals spread across 116 countries.
8. Lingoda GmbH
Average Salary: $18.5/hr
With flexible scheduling, teachers can work from anywhere, anytime, conducting small group or one-on-one classes with motivated adult learners. Offering expertly crafted, CEFR-aligned materials, Lingoda ensures teachers are equipped for classes. The company prioritizes teacher support, guaranteeing timely payments and assistance whenever needed. Boasting a diverse team of over 1,500 native-speaking professionals, Lingoda provides a rich learning experience for students worldwide.
7. PrePly
Average Salary: $19.37
Preply is one of the best platforms to teach English due to its expansive online platform, facilitating connections between over 35,000 tutors and learners spanning 180 countries. Founded in 2012, its trio of Ukrainian founders spearheaded its evolution into a global educational powerhouse, employing a diverse team of over 500 individuals from 60 nationalities across offices in Barcelona, New York, and Kyiv. Utilizing cutting-edge machine-learning algorithms, Preply ensures personalized tutor recommendations for optimal learning experiences.
6. Palfish
Average Salary: $20/hr
PalFish, a leading EdTech company, has over 60 million global users across 200 countries, offering diverse educational products. With 4000+ digitalized picture books, PalFish is the largest online English reading platform for children, endorsed by renowned publishers, and featuring AI-driven learning tools for personalized plans and sound correction. PalFish Class connects children to 50,000+ certified English teachers, delivering Pearson-approved content tailored to various curriculum standards. With an average salary of $20/hr, Palfish is one of the best paying esl companies.
Click here to see the 5 Best Companies for Teaching English Online.
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Disclosure: None. 13 Best Companies for Teaching English Online is originally published on Insider Monkey.