How to get hired by VIPKid
I cannot begin to tell you how much of a blessing VIPKid has been to me and my family! The physical and financial flexibility it affords me is unparalleled! God knew what He was doing when He put people in my life who told me stories of their amazing kids and parents on VIPKid and the freedom it gave them to live the lives they always dreamed of. My interest was peaked, although I was still a Spanish High School Teacher. I know it sounds bad, but I was still dedicated to my work. I promise! Plus, in the words of my wise husband, "It's always easier to get a job when you already have one."
VIPKid's hiring process is a little different than that of your traditional teaching gig for a few reasons.
- You get trained before they hire you. VIPKid's hiring platform includes several training/coaching steps that you go through before you are actually hired. This is mostly to ensure that you are a good fit for the company and that the company is a good fit for you. (More on this training/coaching to follow)
- There are several paths you can take depending on VIPKid's availability and your hiring goals. For instance, the Demo Lesson portion of your hiring process can be done in three ways: Live, Recorded, or the new and improved Express Demo. All have their pros and cons and are unique in their own right. For more information on different Demo Lesson methods click HERE.
- You can apply and reapply as many times and as frequently as you want before you are hired without penalty! If you apply and are turned down, don't worry! You can literally reapply immediately and as many times as necessary before you are hired. This does not affect your pay or your score or follow in any way, shape or form. So you can breathe a little!
Alright, so now that we have talked about some things that set VIPKid apart from other organizations you are looking to be a part of, let's dive into the step-by-step process!
- Apply
The requirements to teach for VIPKid are very minimal. Some questions people typically ask are "Do I have to have a teaching degree or certification? Do I have to have experience as a teacher? Do I need to speak Chinese?" The answer to all of these questions is "no". You do not need to have a degree in education or a TESOL certificate or anything like that. You DO, however, need to have at least a four-year degree. Although, this can be in any field. You do not need to have been a teacher in a public or private institution to qualify to teach with VIPKid, although, they do require that you have 2 years of "teaching experience". All they want to see is that you are good with kids. Things like on-on-one tutoring sessions, homeschooling (for all you mamas out there), Sunday school, even babysitting counts as "experience". No, you do NOT need to know any Chinese to work for VIPKid. These kids are so smart you won't have to. Plus, a lot of times, this is not their first rodeo. Many VIPKid students, especially the older ones, have some knowledge of the English language and can communicate fairly well. Although, this is not always the case, and you will have those beginner students who need to be taught how to say "hello", knowing Chinese is not necessary.
The only other requirements are that you are eligible to work in the United States, your level of English must be fluent, and you must have a North American accent. That's it!
2. Demo Lesson
Once you have received an email informing you that your application has been accepted it's time to prepare for your Demo Lesson. This is a one-on-one "interview" with a VIPKid representative in China. It is meant to establish whether you are a good fit for the position of VIPKid teacher. So remember, be enthusiastic, smile, and HAVE FUN!
The email you receive may invite you to immediately schedule your Demo Lesson, however, I would suggest you take some time, breathe, and review the lesson materials you will be expected to teach in the Demo. Your acceptance will not expire in the time it takes you to review the slides, practice teaching them, and schedule an interview.
There are three different kinds of Demo Lesson, all with their own pros and cons. You will be offered a different type depending on the scenario. For more information on the different types of Demo Lessons and their individual advantages and disadvantages click HERE.
3. Certification & Mock Class
Once you pass your Demo Lesson, you can now move onto the third step in the hiring process, the certification and mock class. The Mock Class is a one-on-one live online meeting with an experiences VIPKid teacher known as a mentor. They will talk with you, get to know a little bit about you, then play the role of a child in the classroom. Your job is to teach him/her to the best of your ability. For helpful hints in how to pass your Mock Class click HERE.
Once you pass your demo, you will receive an email. A link from the email will bring you to the Certification Center where you will watch some informational videos and choose which level you want to receive certification to teach. For some helpful hints on which level to choose click HERE. After choosing your level, you'll get lesson slides to look over. These slides include lesson A and lesson B. Make sure you are familiar with and practice teaching both because, even though you will only teach one in your Mock Class, you won't know which one until you enter the Mock Class.
Remember, you can do as many Mock Classes as it takes for you to get hired. I tried three times before I was hired. It doesn't hurt a thing! So breathe, relax, and just enjoy the process.
4. TESOL - VIPKid Foundational Program
After you have passed the Mock Class, first of all, it's time to celebrate! For me that was the most difficult part of the whole process. It's all down hill from here, baby! Then comes the next step: The TESOL - Foundational Program. Remember how I said that a degree in Education or a TESOL Certificate was not required to apply. Well, that's true. However, if you do not already have one of these (or another qualification of equal value), you may be asked to go through the TESOL - VIPKid Foundational Program. Don't let it intimidate you. It's not as scary as it sounds. All it is is some reading you do at your own pace on teaching English as a Second Language. It's got some basic principles of teaching and language that are useful in the classroom and, to be honest, are quite intriguing. I graduated with a TESOL Certificate and still went through the program because I found it so fascinating, but maybe I am not the right person to ask. Anyway, after each reading section you'll take a quiz. Once you've passed all of the quizzes, you'll be VIPKid TESOL Certified!
5. Contract & Background Check
The fifth and final step involves downloading all of the necessary documents and performing a background check. VIPKid pays for the check so you don't owe a thing! It's pretty standard and usually takes no longer than a week to be processed.
By signing the contract, you agree to the terms and conditions. VIPKid contracts are renewed every six months and will be automatically sent to your Teacher Portal when it is time to sign it again.
And there you have it! The entire step-by-step process involved in becoming a VIPKid Teacher! The time it takes to complete the process varies. Anywhere from three weeks to three months I'd say is normal. Everyone's experience is different. To review the Demo Lesson Slides and get answers to all of your Prospective and New Teacher FAQs click HERE to join the VIPKid Hiring Q & A Facebook Group.
If you are interested in beginning the process click HERE.
And remember, if you want help along the way or have any questions about anything I am here for you! Visit my CONTACT PAGE for more ways to reach out to me!
God bless! Happy Teaching!
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