Imagine turning your passion for teaching into your ticket to a location-independent lifestyle. That’s what I did and I can show you how to do the same.
I started teaching English online back in 2016 when I joined the teaching team at VIPKid. It was a wild ride as I watched it explode into one of the most well-known online language schools in China. Many other platforms popped up, each trying to meet the demand for remote English classes kids could do from home.
But in 2021, the Chinese government changed their regulations overnight causing this massive industry to crumble. Many thought it was the end of the road for teaching English online.
Here’s the good news – online English teaching is evolving in ways that open doors to more freedom and travel than ever before.
The golden days of scripted lessons and guaranteed high wages may be behind us but the future is even more exciting and rewarding.
If the idea of building an online teaching career while jet-setting around the world is calling your name, stick around. I’ve been in your shoes, wondering how to make it happen. Now I’m stoked to show you the ropes.
Why Now is the Golden Era for Independent Online English Teaching
The world of online English teaching is booming like never before, making it the perfect time to carve out your niche in this landscape. There’s data to back this up.
Traditionally, if someone wanted to learn a new language, they’d have to enroll in a school. To help you visualize this, imagine that the language learning market is a shopping mall. These traditional schools would be a department store that has everything.
But now, thanks to technology, language learners are shopping directly from home and they’re looking for specialty shops. Think of these language learners as music fans who want to buy their favorite band’s merch directly from the band’s website.
In other words, language learners are more interested in learning directly from a teacher of their choice than going to a traditional language school.
This is called direct-to-consumer, or D2C for short.
According to HolonIQ, the D2C language learning market is expected to reach $115 billion by 2025. That’s huge! Meticulous Research predicts that the specific market for learning English will continue to grow exponentially, reaching about $81.1 billion by 2031.
English is the most popular language being learned all over the world. 1.4 billion people are seeking to become proficient in English.
Why English?
It’s the official language in numerous countries and the preferred language in international business, travel, and communication. Knowing English isn’t just about being able to chat. It’s about opening doors to new job opportunities, boosting career success, and gaining the confidence to travel the world independently.
The increasing demand for English has sparked a high demand for personalized learning experiences. Learners aren’t just looking for any class. They want classes that fit their schedule, meet their specific needs, and match their pace—much like how music fans seek out intimate concert experiences.
In short, the stage is set, and the audience is waiting.
There’s never been a better time to step into the spotlight and become an independent Teacherpreneur (teacher-entrepreneur). If you’re passionate about teaching and dreaming of a career that travels with you, this is your backstage pass to freedom.
My Journey to Becoming an Independent Teacherpreneur
Back in 2010, Sasha and I were teaching English in China. It didn’t take long for us to develop an insatiable wanderlust. That itch to explore led us to quit our jobs, pack our bags, and embark on a 14-month gap year that forever changed our lives.
It was on that life-changing trip that our desire to become digital nomads was born.
We moved to Bali in 2016 and got to work on making our digital nomad lifestyle dreams come true. I was deep into figuring out how to grow this blog and make it a viable business when I stumbled upon VIPKid.
It was a game-changer, at least for a while. I loved the gig, but I craved more—more autonomy, more impact. That’s when I discovered the world of online teacher marketplaces.
The idea of teaching adults again, much like I had in China, reignited my passion. So, I took the plunge with Langu in 2020, and what a breath of fresh air!
I set my own rates, chose what to teach, and really honed in on what it meant to offer something specific, not just general English lessons. I gained skills in selling by persuading interested students to sign up for a package of lessons.
But then, the unexpected happened.
VIPKid vanished overnight – our main source of income gone in a blink. It was like the ground had been pulled right out from under us.
Shock doesn’t quite capture the feeling. It was a wake-up call. I vowed then never to let any single company have so much control over my livelihood again.
That moment of crisis was a catalyst for transformation. I dove headfirst into the worlds of marketing and sales, building on what I had learned from managing the blog. The learning curve was steep, but I was determined.
I joined every relevant course and workshop I could find. The communities I was introduced to motivated and encouraged me to keep going. Before I knew it, I had signed up four new students to my own program, all through my own marketing efforts.
Partnering With BridgeTEFL
Meanwhile, my increasing involvement with BridgeTEFL – participating in their summits and leading webinars – didn’t go unnoticed. They saw the strides I was making and offered me a chance to update one of their existing courses.
Together, we didn’t just update the material. We transformed it into the Teacherpreneur Academy, a comprehensive program designed to empower online English teachers to take control of their careers and step into their own as independent Teacherpreneurs.
This journey from a classroom in China to a digital nomad Teacherpreneur has been wild, exciting, and downright scary at times.
But every step has brought me closer to where I am today – eager to pass on what I’ve learned and help you carve out your own path in this world of teaching English online.
Join the Teacherpreneur Academy and Transform Your Teaching into a Thriving Business
Ready to redefine what it means to be an online English teacher?
Introducing the Teacherpreneur Academy, a place where ambitious educators evolve into independent Teacherpreneurs. No matter where you are in your teaching journey—from rookie to seasoned tutor—this program is designed to catapult you to new heights.
It’s a 12-month program that equips you with the business acumen needed to thrive as an independent English Teacherpreneur.
Here’s everything you get as a member of the Teacherpreneur Academy:
- 60-hour Succeeding as an English Teacherpreneur Course – Dive into a self-study course that guides you from uncovering your unique ‘why’, selecting your niche, mastering marketing and sales, to scaling your operations and pivoting effectively.
- Monthly Workshops and Live Networking Events – Participate in hands-on workshops and connect with fellow educators worldwide. These sessions are designed to help you implement what you learn, step-by-step.
- Community – Join an inspiring community of teachers from across the globe. Share experiences, challenges, and wins as you navigate your path to independence together.
- Extensive Resource Library – Access an extensive collection of worksheets, guides, and resources to deepen your understanding and refine your approach to building your own business.
You’ll also create a preliminary business outline as your final assignment, giving you a clear roadmap of what steps to take next.
As your instructor and coach, I’m not just here to teach. I’m here to guide you through each challenge and celebrate every victory. I’ve walked this path – turning my teaching career into a thriving independent business – and designed this program with both the practical skills and supportive theory you need to succeed.
The best part?
I have a discount exclusively for Gnomies! Use the code grateful10 for a 10% discount when you enroll.
Curious to learn more? Join our monthly webinar, ‘Educator to Entrepreneur: Your Pathway to Thriving as an Online English Teacher.’ To see when the next webinar is happening, you can check the BridgeTEFL events calendar…
…or subscribe to my email list and join the Gnomieverse. I send regular updates with tips and discounts for digital nomads and I’ll always let you know when the next Educator to Entrepreneur webinar is happening.
Plus, as a thank you for joining my community of Gnomies, you’ll receive my ebook, ‘How to Travel the World as an Online English Teacher.’ It’s not just a guide—it’s your gateway to a life of freedom, adventure, and meaningful work.
This journey could redefine your career, unlock unprecedented freedom, and empower you to live the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of.
Are you ready to take the leap?
Start Your Teacherpreneur Adventure Today
As we wrap up this post about the possibilities that the Teacherpreneur Academy offers, I want to remind you that every big change starts with a single step.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your horizons, this Academy is more than just a program – it’s a community, a toolbox, and a launchpad for your dream lifestyle.
Imagine waking up every day to a job that’s not just a job, but a passion that fuels your desire for freedom and adventure. The Teacherpreneur Academy is designed to make this a reality, helping you to thrive as a Teacherpreneur in the global marketplace.
Don’t let hesitation hold you back. The world of online English teaching is evolving, and with the right tools and support, you can be at the forefront of this change.
Enroll in the Teacherpreneur Academy today, and start building a future that excites you every morning.
Thank you for taking the time to read about this opportunity. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Join our vibrant community of go-getters, dreamers, and doers. Let’s make magic happen together.
Ready to start your journey?
Click here to enroll and take the first step towards a fulfilling and independent lifestyle as a Teacherpreneur. Remember, use the code grateful10 for a 10% discount.
Your adventure as an independent English teacher starts now!
