Online teaching jobs are great for new and mature graduates who have a teaching degree and do not wish to secure a job at a traditional brick-and-mortar school, university, or college.
Online teaching positions have been growing at a steady pace over the past decade, and now they are really taking off. More students are taking online education courses ranging from kindergarten to Ph.D. level courses. With more and more families homeschooling, more students needing tutoring and interventions, and more busy professionals looking to improve their credentials, online teaching will only grow in demand.
And now, the landscape of education has taken a drastic turn. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced education online for all students from Kindergarten to university. This, in turn, has forced all educators to become online teachers. So, if you are conducting a job search now, chances are you will be looking for an online teaching position instead of a position within a regular classroom, as all school districts are conducting classes online.
If you would like to transition from a traditional classroom environment into an online teaching position, here are some tips to get you started:
1. Build a Strong Online Presence
Having an online identity is important, especially when you want to transition to a career that requires a strong web presence. By publishing a blog, writing articles, taking part in online communities and forums related to academia, participating in social networks, and optimizing your blog or website, you will be able to build a strong and professional online presence and ultimately help you land a teaching job.
2. Online Teaching Skills are Different
The traditional teaching environment is different from the online teaching environment as it demands a different set of skills. When your class is not directly in front of you, you will have to utilize different teaching techniques and strategies to engage them in learning.
Highlight these different teaching methods in your resume and cover letter to communicate that you have the talents and abilities necessary to succeed in a virtual environment.
3. Develop and Highlight Technology Skills
To teach online effectively, you will need a reliable internet connection, a camera and headset, good typing skills, knowledge of technological teaching tools such as Zoom and Student Management Systems, and relevant computer skills.
When you target online teaching positions, you will want to be sure to include these abilities and skills in your application materials, as they will be crucial in demonstrating your capability to be successful in your new role. It is even better if you have taken courses or professional development in educational technology and educational software.
4. Have Everything Ready Before Applying
When you reach the stage of applying for jobs, you need to ensure that your documentation is ready to go. First and foremost, this includes your resume and cover letter. Still, you will need recommendation letters, a teaching philosophy, references, and all your academic transcripts ready and at your disposal. You don’t want to be scrambling to get everything together at the last minute.
5. Do All Your Homework
Like any job, you will need to know the history, mission, vision, and the courses or curriculum of the schools you will be applying to. Target your resume to the specific position and the needs of the school. The same would apply when you are preparing for an interview. It is always best to show an interviewer how you can impact the specific school environment.
Call Candace, the owner of A+ Resumes for Teachers: Toll-free 1 877 738-8052 or email if you need help to focus your resume and cover letter for teaching or any other career opportunities.
