How to find the best online English teacher?

With the development of technology, access to experienced English teachers from all over the world through online education platforms is becoming increasingly easier. While this provides a great advantage for those who want to learn English without leaving their homes, it also makes choosing the right teacher equally difficult.

In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss 8 steps to help you find the best English teacher for your online education. By following the steps below, you can quickly reach the English teacher you are looking for and avoid wasting your money and time.

1- Determine your English learning goal

Before you start looking for an English teacher for your education, it is important to clearly define your goals and needs. This increases your chances of finding the most suitable English teacher for yourself.

You can start by asking yourself the following questions:

• Why do you want to learn English? (For work, travel, studying abroad, exams, or personal interests)


• What is your English level? (Beginner, elementary, intermediate, upper-intermediate, advanced, expert) If you are not sure about your English level, you can immediately find out your English level by taking our free English level test from the link below.


• How many hours a week can you dedicate to your English lessons?
  By consulting with your private tutor, it is possible to create a personalized study schedule where you can take lessons only on the days and times you are available. It is recommended to take 2 to 3 hours of private English lessons per week.

Defining your goals and level before contacting English teachers will help you find a teacher who specializes in the areas you want to focus on, such as business English, speaking practice, or exam preparation.

2- Research and compare online education platforms

On platforms like BWANS, iTalki, Preply, Verbling, and Cambly, you can find English teachers. When researching these platforms, consider the following factors.

• Average English tutoring fees and payment options
• Teacher locations and time zones
• Trial or discounted lesson options
• Lesson rescheduling, cancellation, and refund policies
• User reviews and platform ratings

3- Check the qualifications and experience of teachers

When choosing a potential English tutor, carefully examine their qualifications and experience. You can do this by checking the following information.

• Do they have an English teaching certificate? (e.g., TEFL, TESOL, CELTA, DELTA)


• How long have they been teaching English?


• What are their areas of expertise? (e.g., grammar, pronunciation, exam preparation)

On many online education platforms, you can find sections with information about teachers' educational and career backgrounds, teaching styles, and student feedback.

4- Meet different English teachers

Most online education platforms offer discounted or free trial lessons. You can use these lessons as an opportunity to meet different teachers. Each teacher you take a lesson with will provide you with insights on what you like and dislike.

Evaluate your teachers in the following areas by purchasing introductory lessons.

• Does the teacher's communication style and personality suit you?


• Can they understand your needs and provide solutions accordingly?


• How is the quality of the lesson materials and resources?


• Will they be able to accommodate your lesson times in the long term?

5- Evaluate your compatibility and communication with your teacher

A good teacher-student relationship is very important for an effective learning process. After your introductory lessons, evaluate your compatibility with the teacher by asking the following questions.

• Did you feel comfortable and motivated during the lesson?


• Was your teacher patient and encouraging?


• Did your teacher listen to your concerns and adjust their teaching style accordingly?


• Were you able to communicate effectively?

6- Evaluate the materials and resources used by your teacher

It is important that the materials used by your English teacher are appropriate for your level and learning goals. The materials should be varied and accessible, providing opportunities for repetition and practice while introducing new information.

• Check the suitability of the educational materials for your level and goals


• Consider the variety of educational materials


• Ensure that the educational materials are up-to-date and of high quality


• Make sure the resources are easily accessible

By sharing your views and feedback with your teacher, you can help them choose the materials that are best suited for you.

7- Consider the flexibility of lesson planning, cancellation, and rescheduling

Online English education is a flexible method that allows you to learn the language from any place and at any time without time and location constraints. Even if you have set your lesson schedule yourself, you may need to cancel or postpone your lessons due to unforeseen circumstances. It is important to evaluate in advance how your teacher and the platform provide flexibility in such situations.

Most platforms and private English tutors allow you to cancel or postpone your lessons free of charge if you notify them in advance. This period may vary from platform to platform and teacher to teacher.

Some platforms and private tutors may charge a fee for last-minute cancellations. Therefore, make sure to discuss this issue with your teacher and the platform in advance and be informed about the policies that will be applied in such situations.

8- Set realistic expectations

Lastly, remember that learning a new language is a process that requires time and effort. Set realistic expectations for your progress and share them with your private tutors.

Finding a good online English teacher requires careful evaluation of your goals, thorough research, and a bit of trial and error.

By following the steps above, you can take confident steps towards finding an English teacher who can help you improve your English skills effectively and enjoyably.

We wish you success in finding the best English teacher for your needs and in your English learning journey!