So you’re interested in becoming a VIPKID teacher but are wondering, “what is a VIPKID class like?” and have no idea what to expect? In this post, I’ll be sharing the inside scoop with you!

If you decide you want to join VIPKID, please feel free to ask me anything and I would love it if you could please my referral code. I get a small bonus if use my link and I would really appreciate it 🙂 TIA!

The VIPKID Classroom

This is what your classroom will look like on the VIPKID teacher’s portal.

The presentation will be provided by VIPKID and on the bottom of your teacher’s presentation will be “TIPS” where you can read the teachers directions for each slide. This will only be visible to you and not the student. Since this is a recording of a lesson I taught previously it’s not shown, but it is usually near the bottom of the presentation. In the VIPKID classroom, both teacher and student can use their mouse to write, circle, draw and now drag and drop items on the slides.

How long is each class?

Classes are booked for 30 min time slots but teaching the lesson should take an absolute minimum of 25 mins and a maximum of 28 mins. The remaining time should be used to leave feedback on your student’s performance. This will be read by their parents so please be professional and kind. In order to receive full pay, you must leave feedback for your students within 12 hours of the class.

The lessons are usually 24-28 slides and you should aim to use 1 min per slide.

What are the students like?

Each class is different depending on the student’s age and level. You should always adjust your teaching style to match the student’s age/level. 

Level 2-3 students ages 5-7 require a lot of TPR – Total Physical Response or body language. They will need you to speak slowly, smile a lot, and give a lot of positive reinforcement/praise. Be careful not to use incidental language with these students as they will not understand you. They don’t speak any English and at this level, they’ve only had 0-2 years of learning English. 

Level 4-5 students are ages 8-12 and are much more independent. They will be doing most of the reading and you can practice more vocabulary with them. At the level, they have been studying English for over 3 years and they require less TPR. That said, you should still use  TPR being mindful not to treat them like babies and adjust the reward system to match their level.

Based on my experience, students are usually attentive, smart and want to learn. You may have a difficult student here or there but try to get them to communicate by building rapport and supporting them! Never give up.

Types of Classes:

There are two types of classes with VIPKID: Master Classes and Trial Classes.

Trial classes are exactly what they sound like; parents who are interested in trying VIPKID but don’t want to commit yet can sign up for trial classes for free. In my experience trial classes have 50/50 chance of student no-shows. If you do have a student no-show, then you get paid 50% and must stay in the class for a min 15 mins.

However, if you complete a trial class and the parents sign up you get a $5 bonus! Woohoo!

Master classes are for students who have already signed up with VIPKID.

How do I get bookings?

Don’t expect to be rolling in the bookings when you first sign up. Parents can see from your profile the number of classes you’ve taught and how long you’ve been with VIPKID, so it’ll take a little while to build your reputation. For some teachers, it’s a matter of weeks before they have a lot of bookings and for others, it takes a few months.

Just keep trying your best in class and try to build relationships with your students so they will want to book you and you can build a list of your regular students who are literally waiting to book you when they get the chance.

If you are still struggling to get bookings after months, try opening more time slots, getting more certifications, join the VIPKID facebook group, use the HUTONG for community and support and reevaluate your bio photos, description, and video – you may want to change some of it to appeal to more parents.

If you decide you want to join VIPKID, please feel free to ask me anything and I would love it if you could please my referral code. I get a small bonus if use my link and I would really appreciate it 🙂 TIA!