This is our third interview with teachers from 51Talk. In this conversation we speak with Ariel, whose warmth and joy come through in every answer. If you’re curious about teaching English online, particularly with 51Talk, Ariel’s experience offers a clear, personal view of what remote ESL teaching can be like. If you want to apply to teach, you can use this link: 51Talk Application.
Ariel, you’ve been teaching with 51Talk for the past four months. Can you share how you came to teach online?
Switching from classroom teaching to online instruction through 51Talk has been a rewarding change. The platform focuses on one-on-one lessons, which creates an individualized learning environment. Students range from very young children to adults, although the American Academy program Ariel teaches is geared toward children. She appreciates the flexibility of being contracted through 51Talk: she sets her own schedule and fits teaching around her life. Lessons are 25 minutes long and designed to be highly engaging—quick, focused sessions packed with activities that keep students energized and receptive to new language concepts.
What two aspects of working with 51Talk do you enjoy the most?
Ariel highlights two main pleasures: the pace of teaching and the students themselves. She finds the short, lively lessons well suited to younger learners and enjoys the consistent energy they bring to class. “My heart melts at the happiness and joy that students show when they come to my lessons,” she says, and that enthusiasm strengthens her commitment to teaching. She also values the cultural exchange—learning about Chinese customs and practicing simple phrases to show curiosity and respect for her students’ backgrounds.
What does a typical day look like for a 51Talk English teacher?
For Ariel, the workday starts early. Living in a U.S. time zone that is many hours behind Beijing, she wakes between 4:30 and 5:00 AM to teach during Chinese late afternoons and evenings, when student demand is highest. Her classroom setup is playful and practical: puppets, stickers, a small whiteboard with colorful markers, stars, and music queued on her phone. She downloads lesson plans in advance, prepares short songs or audio clips, and often uses search tools to pull up real-world examples during class. Many students are regulars who reserve recurring slots, while new students appear frequently. Teachers keep lesson memos for each student, tracking vocabulary and progress to ensure continuity from one lesson to the next. This preparation and routine make short lessons feel polished and effective.
Would you recommend this path to other teachers? What advice would you give?
Ariel strongly recommends teaching with 51Talk. She praises the company’s training and ongoing support, especially for instructors new to online platforms. Her practical tip is to approach the technology step by step and use the support team when needed—51Talk has built tools and processes that evolve with the company, and help is available. She also advises new teachers to stay focused on their goals for each class, bring positive energy, and enjoy working with the often-adorable students who will fill your schedule. The combination of flexibility, student interaction, and meaningful work makes it a happy way to teach.
Is there anything special about 51Talk you’d like to share?
Ariel feels a strong sense of dedication to the company. She notes the opportunities for professional growth and the generally enthusiastic student base. Lesson topics are varied and engaging—sometimes even inspired by American television shows—so teachers find fresh, interesting material to discuss with students. Overall, she describes the experience as enriching: daily conversations with curious learners and the chance to bridge cultures through language.
If you’re ready to explore teaching English online, consider applying here: 51Talk Application.
To read more interviews with other teachers, visit the following profiles:
Teaching from Home and Still Making a Difference: Meet Katharine from 51Talk
Passionate about Second Language Acquisition: Meet Inkeri at 51Talk