Interview: Elizabeth on Teaching with 51Talk

This is the fifth interview in our thought-leadership series featuring teachers who work with 51Talk.

Education and professional background

Elizabeth holds a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition and a Master’s in English Education, both from Georgia State University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance (violin) from the University of South Carolina. She also holds a Georgia T-7 teaching certificate, is Gifted Endorsed, and is AP Certified. Her academic training and classroom experience give her a strong foundation for both classroom and online instruction.

How her current roles complement one another

Elizabeth balances three main roles: teaching at Kennesaw State University, editing academic writing for scholars, and teaching with 51Talk. Rather than competing with each other, these roles complement one another. The flexible schedule offered by 51Talk allows her to choose when to work and to fit early-morning lessons around evening university classes. Editing academic manuscripts and coaching students on dissertations or business reports draws on the same communication and organizational skills she uses when teaching live lessons to learners of all ages.

Her day can include a wide range of students: a five-year-old learning first words, a business professional polishing advanced language skills, and university students preparing for professional life. Each role centers on helping others communicate more clearly, whether in basic vocabulary, advanced conversation, or formal academic writing.

Joining 51Talk: the process and first impressions

Elizabeth discovered the opportunity with 51Talk at a pivotal moment in her career. After over a decade teaching secondary English, she wanted a change. A recruiter reached out after seeing her profile, and after several formal interviews, document submissions, and a thorough orientation and training process, she began teaching. The onboarding prepared her well; by the time she taught her first lessons, she felt confident that 51Talk was a professional and well-organized platform.

How 51Talk helped change her life

Making a career change can be daunting. Elizabeth left a secure position with strong benefits to pursue a more flexible path, and 51Talk provided the financial and scheduling flexibility she needed. The ability to open as many hours as she wants makes it easier to control income. For example, minor adjustments in hours from one month to the next led to a noticeable increase in pay for her, demonstrating how flexibility translates into tangible results.

Equally important, the work fits into her life in a way that doesn’t feel burdensome. Teaching from home with a platform that supports live interaction feels authentic and personal to her; she emphasizes that online lessons can be every bit as real and meaningful as in-person teaching.

Advice for educators considering online teaching

Elizabeth offers two practical pieces of advice for teachers who are hesitant about online instruction:

• Accept the learning curve. Even experienced teachers will need time to get used to the technical and logistical aspects—platforms, video calls, time differences, and occasional internet problems. Expect some initial frustration, but know that these challenges become manageable quickly once you complete your first few lessons.
• Be professional, dependable, and adaptable. Keep materials organized, maintain a checklist before lessons, and honor scheduled commitments. If technical issues arise, use available resources and communicate with students and parents. Most families appreciate effort and flexibility, and professional conduct is reflected in student ratings.

Elizabeth also stresses that online teaching feels natural: students interact with teachers in real time, share drawings, play instruments, and “give” virtual gifts. These small, human moments make the experience engaging and authentic.

Final thoughts and a glimpse into her classroom

Elizabeth enjoys creating a lively, supportive environment even during structured lessons such as science. She shared a favorite photo of herself and a student having fun during a lesson; the image demonstrates how prepared lesson materials and a warm teaching approach can combine to create joyful learning moments.

If you are curious about teaching with 51Talk, consider researching the platform directly to learn about requirements, scheduling, and pay structures. Many educators find that online teaching provides a flexible way to continue making an impact while balancing other professional pursuits.