Blogs

5 Steps to Overcoming Your Nerves on Your First Day Teaching English Online

By Amanda Radebe, February 2025

Your first day of teaching English online is finally here!!!

You’re excited about landing your online teaching job, but those first-day nerves are creeping in. Thoughts like these might be running through your mind:

• How will my students react to me?

• What if they don’t understand me?

• What if my Wi-Fi cuts out?

Don’t worry—feeling nervous is completely normal! Whether you’re teaching online or in person, most teachers experience first-day jitters. The good news? There are some simple steps you can take to calm your nerves and even turn your first class into a great experience.

Here’s what you can do:

1. Create a Simple Routine

If this is your first time teaching English online, you may not have a set routine yet. That’s okay! Spend a few days before your first class creating one—it’ll help you feel more prepared and confident.

Try adding calming activities to your morning routine, such as:

• Journaling about your thoughts and fears

• Getting dressed as if you’re heading out to work

• Saying positive affirmations

• Eating a healthy breakfast

• Doing light exercise to get your energy up

• Taking a few deep breaths to relax

Even a simple routine can put you in the right mindset for teaching and make you feel more in control.

2. Have a Backup Plan

Technology issues can happen at the worst times, so having a backup plan is a lifesaver. Many teachers’ biggest fear is losing internet access or dealing with tech glitches mid-lesson.

To be prepared, make a list of possible tech problems and what you’ll do if they happen. Keep this list close to your computer so you can stay calm and act fast.

Here are some ideas:

• Keep backup devices (like a phone or tablet) nearby in case your main device stops working.

• Have a backup internet option, like a mobile hotspot, in case your Wi-Fi cuts out.

• Write down your company’s tech support steps—sometimes nerves can make you forget even the basics!

• Gather extra props or lesson materials in case you need to fill time or engage shy students.

• If you have kids at home, set expectations ahead of time so they don’t burst into your lesson unexpectedly.

Having a backup plan will give you peace of mind and help you handle any hiccups smoothly.

3. Practice Your Lessons Ahead of Time

This may seem obvious, but practicing your lessons before class makes a huge difference. You don’t have to memorize every detail, but make sure you feel comfortable with the material and your teaching plan.

Here are some ways to prepare:

• Spend 10 minutes the night before organizing all your lesson materials.

• Jot down key points on sticky notes and place them on your screen as reminders.

• Go through your lesson slides a couple of times and note what you want to focus on.

• Prepare a couple of extra activities or games just in case you finish early.

You don’t need to aim for perfection—just enough preparation to help you feel ready and confident.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Teaching English online can be exhausting, especially if you’re teaching early in the morning or for long hours. To avoid burnout, take care of your body and mind.

• Stay hydrated and have healthy snacks on hand.

• Try to avoid unhealthy, quick-fix foods that will make you crash later.

• If you’re sitting for long periods, stand up and stretch between classes.

• Get enough sleep so you don’t feel drained while teaching.

A well-rested and healthy teacher is a happy and effective teacher!

5. Focus on Your Students (Not Yourself)

It’s easy to get caught up in worrying about how you’ll perform as a teacher. But remember—it’s not all about you. It’s about your students! If you’ve taken a TEFL course, you already have the knowledge you need. Instead of worrying about doing everything perfectly, shift your focus to your students. How can you make the lesson fun for them? How can you help them feel comfortable and excited to learn?

Students remember teachers who make them feel supported and engaged. When you focus on them instead of your nerves, teaching becomes easier and more rewarding.

Teaching English online is an exciting and fulfilling job. It’s natural to feel a little anxious at first, but by following these steps, you can calm your nerves and step into your virtual classroom with confidence. So take a deep breath—you’ve got this! And most importantly, enjoy the journey of teaching and connecting with your students.

Good luck on your first day!

5 Tips for Healthy Working at Home

By Amanda Radebe, January 2025

Working from home as an online English tutor can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. Spending hours at your desk without enough movement or proper breaks can leave you feeling drained. To stay energized and comfortable, it's important to create a healthy work environment. Here are five simple tips to help you maintain your well-being while tutoring online.

1. Set Up a Dedicated Workspace

Your couch or bed may seem like a cozy place to work, but they’re not ideal for productivity or posture. A dedicated workspace—whether a separate room or just a quiet corner with a proper desk—helps you stay focused and comfortable. Having a clear distinction between your work area and personal space makes it easier to switch off at the end of the day.

A good chair and desk setup will support your posture and reduce strain on your body. Plus, having a designated area helps create a professional atmosphere, making it easier to stay in “teaching mode.”

2. Prioritize Good Posture

Sitting for long hours can take a toll on your body. To avoid discomfort, ensure your screen is positioned at eye level, about 50-70 cm away from your eyes. Invest in an ergonomic chair with proper back support and armrests, and be mindful of your posture. Adjust your seating regularly and take moments to stretch—your back will thank you!

3. Optimize Your Workspace for Comfort

Your surroundings play a big role in how you feel during work. If possible, position your screen beside a window to benefit from natural light, but avoid glare from direct sunlight. Dry eyes are a common issue for those who spend a lot of time on screens, so keep your workspace comfortable by maintaining good humidity levels, avoiding direct airflow from fans or air conditioners, and keeping your area clean and dust-free.

4. Take Regular Breaks

When working from home, it’s easy to forget to take breaks. Unlike an office setting where you naturally step away for coffee or a chat with colleagues, home-based tutors often power through lessons without pausing. But breaks are essential for staying refreshed and maintaining focus!

Here are a few simple ways to recharge:

• Stay hydrated—drink at least two liters of water a day.

• Step away from your screen during breaks. Stand up, walk around, or stretch.

• Give your eyes a rest—every 10 minutes, look at something in the distance, or try gentle eye exercises.

• Take a deep breath and relax—visualize a peaceful scene like a beach or a forest to reset your mind.

5. Keep Your Body Moving

Sitting for long periods can lead to stiffness and fatigue. Movement is essential for good circulation, energy levels, and overall well-being. Take advantage of your flexible schedule to incorporate physical activity into your day.

Here are some simple ways to stay active:

• Stretch regularly while at your desk—roll your shoulders, stretch your arms, or twist your torso.

• Stand up and move between lessons.

• Go for a short walk outside for fresh air and a mental reset.

• Try yoga or quick bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, or planks.

The time you save by not commuting can be put to good use—whether it's a morning yoga session or an evening workout to unwind after a long day of teaching.

As an online tutor, your energy and enthusiasm are key to creating a great learning experience for your students. Taking care of your own well-being helps you stay positive, engaged, and ready to teach at your best. With a little attention to your workspace, posture, breaks, and movement, you can make working from home both healthy and enjoyable!

Happy teaching!