How to Pick the Perfect Online English Teacher for Your Kids

Let’s be real—choosing an online English teacher for your kid can feel like a never-ending quest. With so many options out there, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of qualifications, teaching styles, and price tags. But don’t worry! We’ve got your back. This guide will break it down in a fun, stress-free way so you can find the perfect teacher for your little learner. Discover expert tips on choosing the right teacher based on qualifications, teaching style, engagement, and budget—so your little learner can thrive in English!

Step 1: Figure Out What Your Kiddo Needs

Before diving into the world of online teachers, take a moment to think about what your child actually needs. Ask yourself:

How well do they speak English? Are they just starting, getting the hang of it, or ready to chat with native speakers?
What’s the goal? Do they need better grammar, pronunciation, or just confidence in speaking?
How do they learn best? Some kids love stories and songs, while others prefer structured lessons and exercises.

Once you’ve got a clear picture, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a teacher!

Step 2: Find a Teacher Who Knows Their Stuff

Not all teachers are created equal! Here’s what separates the great ones from the meh ones:

Degrees & Certifications: A background in English, education, or a TEFL/TESOL certificate is a major plus.
Experience with Kids: Teaching adults is totally different from teaching children! Find someone who has experience keeping little learners engaged.
Specialized Skills: Some teachers focus on test prep (IELTS, TOEFL), while others make learning conversational and fun. Pick one that matches your kid’s needs.

Step 3: Teaching Style—Does It Click?

Kids learn best when they’re having fun! That’s why it’s important to find a teacher with a style that keeps them excited to learn. Look for:

Engaging & Interactive Lessons: Games, songs, and storytelling work wonders for younger learners.
Structured vs. Flexible Approach: Some kids thrive on structured lessons, while others prefer a relaxed, conversation-based approach.
Personalized Feedback: A great teacher knows how to encourage, correct, and adapt lessons to fit your child’s progress.

Step 4: Try Before You Buy! (Trial Lessons Are Your Best Friend)

Most online teachers offer a trial lesson—take advantage of it! During the trial, pay attention to:

How your child reacts to the teacher (Do they look engaged or bored out of their mind?)
The teacher’s energy and patience (Are they kind, fun, and encouraging?)
Lesson structure and clarity (Is it easy to follow and does your child actually learn something?)

This is the best way to see if the teacher is the right fit before committing!

Step 5: Scheduling & Availability

Online learning is great because it’s flexible, but you still need to make sure the schedule works. Consider:

Time zones! If your teacher lives on the other side of the world, make sure lesson times are manageable.
Lesson frequency and length. Short and frequent lessons work best for younger kids, while older ones might prefer longer sessions.
Consistency. Sticking with the same teacher builds confidence and familiarity!

Step 6: Budget

Online English lessons come in all price ranges, from budget-friendly to premium. Here’s how to get the best value:

Compare prices across different teachers and platforms.
Look for package deals—buying multiple lessons often comes with a discount.
Check refund and cancellation policies in case plans change.

Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best—invest in quality teaching that makes a difference!

Step 7: Read the Reviews & Check the Platform

Before booking a teacher, do some detective work:

Read parent reviews. Other parents will spill the tea on what works (and what doesn’t).
Check the platform’s policies. Make sure it’s secure and reliable.
Watch teacher introduction videos. This helps you get a feel for their personality and teaching style.

Step 8: Native vs. Non-Native Teachers—What’s the Difference?

This is a big question! Here’s the quick breakdown:

Native Speakers: Best for pronunciation and natural expressions.
Non-Native Speakers: Often more relatable for kids learning English as a second language.
Cultural Sensitivity: A teacher who understands your child’s background can make lessons more engaging and relevant.

Both can be great—it all depends on what your child needs!

Step 9: Stay Involved & Track Progress

The best online teachers involve parents in the process! Look for:

Regular progress updates. A great teacher will let you know how your child is improving.
Homework and extra activities. Some kids love extra practice, while others learn best in class.
Good communication with parents. The best teachers keep you in the loop and set clear learning goals.

Watch Out for Red Flags!

Not every teacher is a good fit, and some are just not great. Here are some warning signs:

Lessons that feel unstructured or random.
Little to no student engagement.
Frequent cancellations or scheduling issues.
Hidden fees or unclear pricing.

The perfect online English teacher can make a huge difference in your child’s confidence and language skills. Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to try a few different teachers until you find the one that clicks.

Choosing the right online English teacher can feel overwhelming, but with IELC, you can rest easy knowing your child is in great hands! IELC offers expert, highly qualified teachers who specialize in engaging and effective language learning for kids. With interactive lessons, structured learning plans, and personalized feedback, your child will gain confidence and fluency in no time. Plus, flexible scheduling and a supportive learning environment make IELC the perfect choice for busy parents who want quality English education from the comfort of home.

Ready to give your child the best start in English? Join IELC today and watch them thrive!

Do you want to speak English with confidence?

Most people lack confidence when they speak English. They are afraid to make mistakes and are embarrassed to speak in front of others.

This is because they have been taught English the wrong way!

Most English courses waste your time and money on useless exercises that don’t bring results. Even worse, they teach you bad habits that are very difficult to unlearn.

As a result, you become confused and lack confidence. This is wrong!

At IELC, we teach English the right way

Our goal is to get you speaking in English with fluency and confidence as fast as possible. We want to give you the skills you need to fulfill your potential!

Our experienced teachers will guide you along every step of the learning process to ensure that you are not wasting your time, money, and energy on useless language exercises & wrong methods.

Our courses

With our modern campus and technology, we are equipped to provide the best possible courses for children, teens, and adults, including:

We offer our classes in group classes or private classes.

No matter what your goals are, our team will help you achieve these goals by providing you with Indonesia’s best English courses!

Talk to our team today to get your FREE consultation and take your first step towards success.

Sincerely,

Anthony McCormick,

IELC Managing Director