When I first started teaching online, I thought, “I know English. I can talk. How hard can this be?” So I jumped right into lessons without preparing much.
It didn’t take long before I realized my mistake. One student asked a grammar question I hadn’t anticipated, and I stumbled through an answer. Another time, I ran out of material halfway through the lesson and awkwardly tried to fill the time. The students noticed, and I could tell I wasn’t giving them the professional experience they deserved.
That was a turning point for me. I learned that online teaching requires more than just speaking English—it requires structure, planning, and backup activities for when things don’t go as expected. Being underprepared doesn’t just affect the quality of the lesson; it also affects your confidence.
Over time, I started developing detailed lesson plans, preparing examples in advance, and having extra activities ready. The difference was night and day. My students were more engaged, I felt more confident, and parents could see the value of the lessons.
Takeaway: Don’t assume that being a native speaker is enough. Prepare your lessons thoroughly, anticipate questions, and always have a backup plan. Preparation is what separates an amateur from a professional.