My ideal work from home space Working from home has its perks—no commute, flexible hours, and the comfort of being close to family. But even in a peaceful household, staying focused isn’t always as easy as it sounds. My teens, for instance, don’t interrupt loudly. They’ll quietly make a hand signal from the door, asking where their papa is, or if they can grab something … Continue reading Designing a WFH Space That Sparks Focus
It’s World Teachers’ Day, and I couldn’t let it pass without saying something to my fellow online tutors. After almost three years of teaching English from home, often with roosters cawing outside and my son’s electric guitar blasting in the background, I’ve learned that this job takes more than just skill. It calls for patience, humor, and a strong cup of coffee. Some days, the … Continue reading To My Fellow Online Tutors: 7 Things I Wish for You Today
When you teach English online, those little stars beside your name matter more than most people realize. As a work-from-home mom juggling ESL tutoring and content writing, I’ve seen firsthand how one number can make a big difference. My RareJob rating hovers around 4.90 — solid on paper — but mixed in with those high scores are the dreaded ones and twos. They sting. They’re … Continue reading Why Poor Reviews Hurt ESL Tutors More Than You Think
“Why am I so nervous? They’re just students.” I whispered that to myself before logging into my first online ESL class two years ago. My hands were clammy, my heart was racing, and for a second, I considered pretending my internet went down. If you’ve been there, trust me—you’re not alone. Teaching English to foreign learners sounds exciting, but the reality can feel intimidating at … Continue reading Confident Teaching: Simple Ways to Beat Nervousness in ESL Classes
When I applied for my first ESL job, the part that scared me the most wasn’t the interview—it was the demo lesson. You know, that short class where you’re supposed to impress a hiring manager who’s pretending to be a student? Yep, that one. My hands were sweating so much, I was afraid the flashcards would stick to my fingers. If you’ve ever been there, … Continue reading How to Ace Your ESL Demo Lesson and Land the Job
Keeping free talk sessions alive is an art—here’s how ESL tutors can keep the conversation flowing naturally and make every minute count. #ESLTutoring #FreeTalk #OnlineTeaching #ESLTeacherTips #WorkFromHomeLife #LanguageLearning Continue reading Mastering Free Talk: How ESL Tutors Can Keep Conversations Flowing
I love using idioms! I remember a student once asked, “Teacher, what does break the ice mean? Are we talking about ice cubes here?” I laughed, then paused—how do you explain something that doesn’t mean what it says? Expressions like this pop up everywhere—in casual chats, movies, and even work emails. But for many ESL students, idioms can feel like a secret club where everyone … Continue reading 15 Everyday English Idioms Every ESL Student Should Know
Back when I was still learning English, I didn’t have fancy apps or online classes. What I had were my aunt’s Betamax and VHS tapes—movies she brought home from her job in the Middle East. I must’ve watched Mrs. Doubtfire a hundred times. Not because I planned to “study” it, but because it made me laugh. And somewhere between the jokes and the drama, I … Continue reading Must-Watch English Shows for ESL Learners: Tutor-Approved Picks
There’s something oddly humbling about having a student correct you—especially when you’ve been teaching English for a while. It happened to me recently during a business lesson with a sharp executive. I meant to say “feedback on performance,” but I casually said “feedback about performance.” He paused, smiled politely, and said, “Wouldn’t it be more natural to say on?” I laughed and agreed—he was right. … Continue reading When ESL Students Outgrow the Basics: What Great Tutors Do Next
Teaching isn’t always sunshine and smooth conversations. Sometimes, it’s awkward silences, forced smiles, or a student who just… won’t budge. If you’re an ESL tutor like me, especially working from home while juggling family life and another job, you’ve probably had at least one class that made you question your career choices. I’ve been part of Rare Job for over a year now, squeezing in … Continue reading Teaching Isn’t Always Sunshine: Let’s Talk About Difficult Students
From My Corner of the Couch 