This is our fourth interview in a series featuring teachers from 51Talk. Here we share Katie’s perspective — a seasoned educator living in South Africa who teaches children in China online. If you have questions about teaching with 51Talk, feel free to contact us. To apply to teach, see the 51Talk Application information at the end of this article.
Katie, can you please tell us a little bit about your background?
I love to teach. I have 22 years of classroom experience, working with students from preschool through 12th grade. During my career I taught a full range of elementary subjects and taught English to students in grades 7–12. For the past 17 years my husband and I, along with our family, have lived in South Africa. Living here has given me the chance to work with children from a variety of ethnic and language backgrounds, which I find both rewarding and enriching. Interaction with students is one of my favorite parts of teaching. Outside of work I enjoy reading, sewing, and crocheting.
How long have you been teaching with 51Talk and can you please share your journey toward this role?
I have been teaching with 51Talk for five months. I began searching for a part-time, work-from-home opportunity and 51Talk was one of the first results in my search. I decided to try it and have been very pleased with the experience. The hiring and onboarding process was straightforward, and the company’s platform allowed me to start teaching quickly while balancing other family responsibilities.
What are two things that you enjoy the most about working with 51Talk?
There are several aspects of my role that I enjoy, but the two that stand out are schedule flexibility and the daily interaction with students. Being able to set hours that fit around my family and other responsibilities makes remote teaching sustainable for me. The short conversations I get to have with parents are also very meaningful — they provide context about the child’s learning needs and make the lessons feel more collaborative and personal.
Can you please share what a day in the life of a 51Talk English teacher may look like from beginning to end?
Because I live in South Africa, the peak hours for 51Talk fall in my afternoons. My mornings are usually occupied with homeschooling our remaining children at home. After an early lunch I log into my 51Talk dashboard, review any new lessons or notes from parents, and check that my internet connection, camera, and microphone are all working correctly. I typically teach for three to four hours during the afternoon and early evening. After my teaching sessions I tidy up any administrative tasks, grade any necessary student work, prepare dinner, and spend the evening with my family. All of this is done from the comfort of my home, which I appreciate greatly.
If you were to recommend this path for other teachers, what would you tell them?
Don’t be intimidated by the initial setup. When I first started, I wasn’t worried about teaching the lessons themselves, but I was unsure about the technical protocols and communication channels such as AC, QQ, and Skype. My experience with online teaching tools was limited at the start, but I adapted quickly. The learning curve is manageable — if I can become comfortable with the required computer skills, so can most teachers. Be patient with yourself, practice using the platform, and reach out to teacher support whenever you need help. The support team has been responsive and helpful in my experience.
Can you please share something special that we may not know about 51Talk?
Before I joined, I read several negative reviews about online teaching companies in general, so I approached the role with caution. My experience with 51Talk has been the opposite: the company’s support staff have been timely and thoughtful when responding to questions. Overall, my work with 51Talk has been pleasant and professionally rewarding.
Practical tips for teachers considering online ESL work:
- Create a quiet, well-lit teaching space with a neutral background to minimize distractions for students.
- Test your equipment and internet connection before each session. A reliable connection makes lesson flow and communication much easier.
- Familiarize yourself with different classroom modes and communication tools the company uses — practice them in advance so you can focus on teaching during live lessons.
- Keep lessons engaging and interactive, especially for young learners: use visuals, ask questions, and encourage student participation.
- Maintain open communication with parents where appropriate; short check-ins can help you understand each child’s needs and build trust.
Katie’s experience highlights how online English teaching can be a flexible, meaningful way to continue an educational career while balancing family life. If you enjoy working with children, adapting lessons for different learners, and developing your digital teaching skills, this path may be a great fit.
Thank you, Katie!
Interested in applying? Look for the 51Talk Application if you would like to pursue teaching English online with 51Talk.