What is 51Talk?
Founded in 2011, 51Talk has become a leader in the online teaching space and is one of the largest online teaching platforms in the world. This organization has been so successful that they actually went public on the New York Stock Exchange (COE) in June 2016! With over 10,000 educators, it’s no surprise that this is one of the top organizations to consider if you’re If you are looking to teach online.
Like many of the other online teaching frontrunners, 51Talk is in the midst of a hiring frenzy, searching for experienced teachers who specifically enjoy working with children. They make known that there is an emphasis on fun in their teaching style and vow to constantly help develop your teaching skills by offering unlimited professional development training programs. These resources can come into great help when first starting out as an online teacher. On the other hand, it’s a great continuing ed tool for all of the seasoned online teachers out there.
If you’re looking for an online teaching job (view our online ESL job board here), it’s important to evaluate all the factors (schedule, commitment, pay etc.) when considering which organization to pursue. With this in mind, we have tried to answer all of the big questions when it comes deciding whether or not to teach for 51Talk.
Interested in VIPKID, Magic Ears or DaDaABC? Read our hiring guides: How to Get a Job with VIPKID, Magic Ears Guide, and Teaching for DaDaABC to learn more!
Want more details on teaching for 51Talk? Let’s Continue!
51Talk Job Summary
51Talk’s online teaching job is a home-based position so if you have been trying to find a plan to escape the office, 51Talk may be the right choice for you!
The company’s website has laid out the job summary pretty loud and clear:
It is important to note that these will be one-on-one video lessons with students. Each class lasts 25 minutes long and you are required to work a minimum of 30 peak time hours per month.
- Peak Times (China Time):
- 7pm-11pm (Mon-Fri)
- 9am-11pm (Sat-Sun)
Lastly, it is important to notice that 51Talk comes with a minimum one-year commitment from all teachers. This is something to heavily consider when applying to 51Talk.
What are the requirements to teach for 51Talk?
There are a handful of specific requirements highlighted by 51Talk on their website. Unlike Magic Ears, there are some additional requirements other than simply being a native speaker from USA or Canada.
Here is what 51Talk says they’re looking for:
At the end of day this means that in addition to being a native English speaker, you are required to have a 4-year Bachelor’s Degree with experience teaching kids aged 4-12. Additional certificates (like a TEFL) are a great advantage (but not 100% necessary) and if you have a Bachelors in Education, even better!
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Technical Requirements for 51Talk
Like any home-based teaching jobs, the company has set specific technical requirements for their staff. This will make sure your lessons go as smoothly as possible.
- CPU / Processor – Dual core processor 1Ghz or above, Intel Core i3/ i5 /i7 or AMD equivalent is required (check your Mac or check your Windows computer)
- RAM – At least 2GB of RAM (4GB is recommended) with 60GB free hard disk space available (check your Mac or check your Windows computer)
- Headset and Webcam – A headset with noise-canceling feature and a high definition webcam (view our recommended headsets and recommended webcams)
- Internet Connection (VIP) – 3 Mbps and up wired DSL. You must be directly connected into the modem from your computer as Wifi connection is not allowed (check your speed here)
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51Talk Salary: What Can I Make?
51Talk advertises a base salary of $15.00 USD per hour with most teachers earning an average of $17:
In addition, 51Talk offers a promotional and bonus structure which can boost your earnings. This promotional structure is based on performance as well as how much of the advanced training you partake in and could increase your rate up to $22.00 USD per hour.
Performance is measured by the teacher’s attendance as well as the rating given to them by the students and their parents (teachers are rated after each lesson). The higher the rating, the better the performance.
In addition to the rating system, attendance is also considered when evaluating the teacher’s performance. Do you show up to class? Do you show up on time? 51Talk charges a steep penalty of $18 lesson missed or canceled (much steeper than other companies) but also rewards teachers for consistent attendance.
While there is room for advancement, 51Talk doesn’t make it very easy to make extremely large advancements in pay. There are multiple reports of two pay raises within the first six months which seems to be common. However, if you want these bumps in pay you are definitely going to have to earn them by undergoing additional training as well as performing at a superior level.
51Talk Interview and Application Process
The 51Talk application process consists of 4 steps:
- Application
- Interview/teaching demo lesson
- Orientation
- Training
The entire application process should take only 1-3 days which is super fast compared to other online teaching companies.
The first step is to submit your application. After the submission, just wait for your phone to ring. When they call, make sure you are in a presentable setting when you initially pick up. Go to a quiet location and enunciate your words clearly as this is your first impression. Be aware of your grammar and sentence structures while avoiding using lots of slang. Make sure to express your interest and passion for teaching as well.
If you’re looking to really prepare, here are some of the 51Talk interview questions that tend to pop up regularly:
- Tell us about yourself
- What is your experience teaching children?
- Are you comfortable singing songs?
- What is your general availability on weekdays?
After the phone call, you can expect a Skype interview. For this, you are required to connect directly from the router to your computer since Wifi is not allowed (see the technical requirements discussed above).
Next, you will receive a program via Skype to run on your computer for the interview process. Don’t worry as instructions are provided via a YouTube video so please reference it if you are unclear. If all else fails, just ask – the recruitment staff is extremely helpful!
During the interview, they will have you perform a short demo lesson. Reports from other teachers suggest this is a relaxed atmosphere and there are tons of YouTube videos with examples:
After your demonstration lesson, most candidates know right away if they are hired or not. If hired, your next step is orientation! The Pre-Service Orientation (PSO) is a 2-hour orientation to help you understand the things needed to do in order to be a successful online teacher. Usually, this is conducted online in a group setting with other applicants to make things a little more lively and fun!
Lastly, the New Teachers Training (NTT) is the final step in the interview and hiring process. This is a 3-hour long training session via Skype with the other new hires. They will provide you with PDF files prior to training so make sure you have read them and can engage in conversation when these topics arise.
During the session, the trainer will teach you the basic teaching methods used by 51Talk. They will give you the materials and techniques needed as well as help you design a correct lesson flow. These 3-hours are extremely beneficial and remember to always ask questions if anything is unclear!
Congrats if you’ve made it this far! You’re about to become a 51Talk home-based teacher! You will soon be sent information showing you how to navigate their website as well as creating your class schedule!
51Talk Teaching Schedule + Hours
Now that we have gone over how to become a 51Talk teacher, let’s move on to what we do once we’ve landed the job! The most important thing to understand here is the work schedule and hours required by 51Talk.
As mentioned, each class lasts 25 minutes long and you are required to work a minimum of 30 peak time hours per month.
- Peak Times (China Time):
- 7pm-11pm (Mon-Fri)
- 9am-11pm (Sat-Sun)
It is important to take note that cancellations are also strongly discouraged. Once a time slot in your schedule is booked, it can not be canceled unless there is an absolute emergency. However, unbooked time slots in your schedule are able to be canceled prior to a student booking. You are also able to ask off for an extended period of up to 30 days maximum if needed by contacting the support team.
Understanding the 51Talk Portal and Platform
When applying for online teaching jobs it’s always important to look at the company’s portal and platform that you will be using. You want to make sure the software is intuitive and easy to use so that your lessons go smoothly and the students enjoy the experience.
51Talk’s teaching platform provides their teachers with well-designed lessons that are easy to follow and require no preparation in advance. They provide tech and teacher support teams that are always available to answer any questions throughout the day.
Here is an example of a lesson at 51Talk. Remember, classes, are 25 minutes long so be prepared for a 25-minute video!
As you can see there is a great interaction between the teacher and student. The platform shows both participants clearly and has a fairly simple, yet effective layout. It enables the students to see the teachers expressions and how they pronounce the words. On the other hand, the teachers are able to see if there is any confusion or hesitation on the students face during the lesson.
51Talk Reviews – Is It for You?
Hopefully, we have been able to answer the majority of your questions as you search out your next online teaching job. There are pros and cons to each organization. It is important to do your research as you make your decision.
If you’re still not sure about 51Talk, here are some testimonials and reviews from current and former teachers:
Hopefully, we have been able to answer most of your questions regarding teaching for 51Talk. Feel free to send us additional questions or suggestions should anything arise in your research!
If you are ready to take the next step: Apply Online Today!
FAQs
Can you teach for VIPKid without a bachelor’s degree?
No, you cannot currently teach for 51Talk if you do not have at least a bachelor’s degree.
Can you teach for 51Talk if you’re not a native speaker?
Yes, you can teach for 51Talk if you are not a native speaker.
Can you teach for 51Talk without a TEFL certificate?
Yes, you can teach for 51Talk without a TEFL certificate.
Other Resources
- Proudly 51Talk – a decent blog with some good teacher stories.
55 Responses
Do non-native speakers have any opportunity in teaching English using this platform?
Yes, but you will earn less per hour.
Hey there. Do you have to be from the US or Canada to use this platform please?
Hi George – no, I don’t believe you do anymore.
Hello, i am interested with this job but i don’t have experience in teaching a child. But i know how to handle a child ages 3 and up since i have a son and i used to baby sit my niece. Can i still apply fir this job?
-thanks.
Yes, I believe you can still apply.
Hi
I am trying to sign up on 51talk.com however when I select the sign up option nothing happens. Why is this and how can I apply from South Africa?
These questions are better directed at 51Talk as we cannot speak to their platform, sorry!
Does 13 inches laptop can be applicable for teaching in 51 talk?
I don’t think the size of the laptop matters.
Please could someone assist me on how to format my mobile number for 51talk. I’m in South Africa my mobile number is 0796935416
Hi, I really love to be part of 51talk family because teaching is my passion. A lot of my school mates is there at your company so I just want to ask if I can also have a chance to apply even I am studying right now taking Bachelor of Secondary Education?
Hi Aira – unfortunately you will need to have completed your bachelors before applying as 51 Talk lists that as a requirement.
Hello, thank you for the information provided. It was very useful. I have a few concerns: I am a Jamaican teacher and I have applied to 51talk and have set my interview time and date. I wanted to know how they would go about getting my qualifications documents and how I will be paid. Thanks in advance
Hi Renae – you should be able to submit all docs during the interview process (maybe after your interview if you haven’t already). I’m unsure about their payment methods but you can either ask the interviewer or email them at teacher_recruitment@51Talk.com. Good luck!
Hi! Could I ask of you can teach in 51talk even if you don’t have any experience in teaching??
Hi! I already pass the initial interview. I already bought the equipment that is required for this opportunity. I been part of BPO for a year.I just wanna ask, do you accept 2yrs course or Undergrad in College since the I already told to interviewer that Im not a Degree Holder. Please reply. Thanks a lot.
Hi Grazel – we are not affiliated with 51Talk but the last we heard they are only looking for teachers with at least a 4-year bachelors degree. What did the interviewer say?
Does 51talk accept persons without Bachelors Degree?
Sorry Amy, last we heard is that they require a bachelors degree for all applicants.
This company just fired a huge amount of American teachers in favor of Filipino teachers whom they can pay $2/hour. They are also not ethical in many ways. They reduced the pay by over 30% for American teachers silly enough to stay.
I missed my training session which was a mistake on my side because I misread the time due to time difference. Does this mean I will not get the job anymore?
Hi Clarissa – we’re not sure about this – have you contacted the interviewer to see what they say? It’s ultimately up to 51Talk.
I’ve been a teacher in 51talk for more than a year, for some reasons ,my contract was cancelled. Is it possible to re apply?
I believe they are changing their platform and will reopen hiring when it’s ready to go – not sure when that will be, though.
I Would like to apply as online teacher. I am from Indonesia, a chinese born Indonesia. I hold a bachelor degree in education major in English. I teach at home. Children from my neighborhood come to my house to learn both English and Chinese. Chinese and English is taught as foreign language in school.
Please apply directly to 51Talk using the link in the guide – good luck!
Hi, I already passed the initial interview and tomorrow is my schedule for the tech check. But sadly, I cannot provide the tech requirements for some reason. And I am torn between participating the tech tomorrow or just leave the schedule hanging.
Any suggestion? what should I do?
This might be too late but Id recommend doing the test so you can then know exactly what you need to fix/improve if you don’t pass.
i am interested in joing 51talk but i do not have any teaching experience. do you think i should go ahead and apply or i’ll just be broken hearted. i have all the other requirements tho. thanks.
Definitely go ahead and apply – you never know what will happen!
Hi! I am really interested in this job. I am an Italian living in Amsterdam. I have a master degree. I had some teaching experience with high school students. Do you suggest me to apply for this job? Btw, I could not open the application link above.
Hi Luca – yes, you’re always welcome to apply (note that we are not affiliated with 51Talk at all). And thanks for the heads up on the link, it looks like you can still apply via https://www.51talk.ph/.
Hi there
I am experiencing a hard time getting signed up. I’m from South Africa; I have taught ESL in Korea before.
When I try to sign up, the online sign up form won’t take my cell phone number. I have tried sending e-mails to 51Talk, but no response. What do I do?
Hi Solomon – have you tried contacting them on social media?
Hi,I already passed the initial interview and was booked for tech check however i wasnt able to attend which I informed your staff,I wish to reschedule it ,I’ve sent email and text messages but i did not get any response, may you help me on how to reschedule my tech check?thanks
I am having the same difficulty as you – any advice?
What worked out in the end?
Hi! I already finish my process and got hired, How long does it takes for them to launch you?
Hi Samira – we’re unsure, you should check with 51Talk.
I am having a hard time with getting them to take my mobile number. Which country do they want the mobile to be from? As it says that the number must begin with an 09… What shall I do if my number does not begin with 09 – as I am from England, and they are not replying to any emails I’ve sent them…
Hello I have sent email to 52talkinet and they are yet to reply me…. I am a Nigerian graduate with Bachelors Degree in Mass Communication and I have 3 years experience in Teaching English language to both Children and Adults….what could be the delay in their response
Hi Rose – we aren’t affiliated with 51Talk and cannot speak to any delays on their end, sorry!
I am really interested in this opportunity. I recently heard from a friend as she is one of your tutors. I am fluent in English but do not have any qualifications in teaching, will I be able to apply to work with your company? Is there any type of course I can attend to improve my chances?
Hi Alba – we are not affiliated with 51Talk and all questions regarding hiring should be sent to them directly!
Hello, I faced an issue while trying to register specifically when entering the mobile number, (The mobile number format is incorrect. Please review your response).
thank you guys for the help, I’m really excited to be part of this
Hi Fady – please direct all questions like this to 51Talk as we are just an informational website.
Hello
Can you please help me with mobile number correct format?I do not know how to do it.I tried many options but it does not work.
Thank you
Hi Dorra – we don’t know it either, sorry!
Hello! I am a Filipino and currently hired in 51talk, but I am currently living here in the United States. How do I apply for 51talk united states? When I log in to the United States, 51talk site I am redirected to my Filipino My Page. What I earn per hour is not the same as people earning in the Philippines. It can’t even afford my internet bill.
Hi Tom – Im afraid we can’t help with this, have you tried contacting 51Talk directly?
Hi, can I apply if I am in Australia? I actually worked for 51talk last 2015.
Our research shows you need to be either Canadian or American – sorry!
Hi! I am Teacher Maria Zel of 51 Talk Philippines. Can I work in 51 TALK USA? I am now in Florida, USA and my child who is already an American citizen is working on my change of status now.
hi, i will have my 51talk interview tomorrow. i just wanna ask if they accept without teaching experience?
thank you.
Does the platform still hire if it is based in China?