This blog has morphed into the story of me learning and teaching languages. I teach refugees and online for VIPKid. I LOVE to study languages!
I post in the middle of the night while sleep deprived in a foreign country, and though I can’t always promise that entries will be error and sarcasm free. Thanks for looking past the mess and enjoy. I also believe and hope that through my journal you will find some beauty in cross-cultural dialog, education, and friendship. Felicia Follum on IG, YT, FB.
Keep in mind, I just began learning Chinese in April (and technically, I'm still in what I call the preparation stage, I'm just learning how I want to learn Chinese).
Pimsleur - Often available at your local library or on audio Mango - ChinseseClass101 (used to be ChinesePod101)
General
Read the Bible in Chinese - I'm not at this level yet (obviously)
Flashcards
Read Poems
Read children's stories Apps
The aap Beelingual is great for reading
Chineasy - simple vocabulary builder and familiarizes you with Chinese characters
Chinese Skill - Panda - I'm really enjoying this app
Chinese Grammar (I have not used this one as much)
TaoTie - A new way to learn languages! If you are a native English speaker and want in on creators message me on Facebook (I'm just using my name) for how to make a little extra cast recording SHORT videos and I'll give you a code. Offer only lasts a couple months.
Lingo Bus - Is like VIPKid but for children who want to learn Chinese.
If you want to apply for VIPKid feel free to use my link and message me if you have any questions <3
So you keep seeing VIPKid and you're wondering, "Is this real? Is this too good to be true? Why can't I find what I'm looking for on their official website?"
I am very new, as of April 5, 2019. And I have done a full month worth of research. Here is some of what I have learned.
VIPKid is real and it does pay well. There is a plethora of information out there and I have sorted through it and have compiled all of my favorite resources for you here in this one place?
Requirements
You need to have a North American accent and a degree. Teaching experience is helpful. There are no minimum teaching hours.
Process
The process does seem to change on a regular basis. We can choose to see this as a frustration or something that is helping us, as VIPkid teachers, and our students be the best we can be (An example is adding the FREE training courses). As of last week, my experience was as follows...
Application - 3 Requirements must be clear to a computer screening but pay is computed by a human. So include anything that gives you a leg up but make the following requirements very clear.
1. Bachelors Degree. It can be in anything. 2. 1 years experience with children - coaching, volunteering, teaching, Sunday school, foster parent, parent, babysitting, anything with children
3. Legal eligibility to work in the US or Canada
Interview- After your application, you will be emailed "the next steps." It will include links to slides and more information. This will happen each step of the way (if the process is different than in this list, follow the email, as things are always changing with VIPKid)
You will be given 1 to 4 options (this is one of those odd inconsistencies). Your starting pay will be based on your performance in your interview and your past experience. Take the interview seriously. You may be asked questions and you may jump right in.
1. Live interview - 10 min demo - this was a great experience and I believe is the most useful option in preparing me for the job. You get live feedback and an opportunity to ask questions.
2. recorded 10 min demo - This is another common option and I have heard that is has great feedback as well.
3. Smart Demo (NEW!) - This option is available via the VIPKid App. You will review some VIPKid teaching basics, take a timed quiz (covering lesson objectives, repetition, speaking speed and language, TPR and modeling), and record your short (3 min or less) demo based on a slide.
Express (has been replaced by the Smart Demo as of Late April 2019) - I have been told that if you wait "Interview Express" will come in
the email as an option. This is a 3 min interview. This sounds great but you don't get the experience. I am also not sure if this option will say as I don't hear about it often.
4. Coaching Days/Fast Pass - This is a live 4 hour event/workshop/class in major cities with VIPKid teachers. You will want to take your laptop (with a camera) and have created a VIPKid account. You don't need your resume and documents with you.
Certification - When you pass your interview you will receive an email telling you the official up-to-date details with what mock classes you will prepare. You can find mock classes on YouTube, but please follow along with your slides and DO NOT COPY the videos online. Create your own style and have fun.
You get to choose what you certify in but you will prepare 2 lessons. These specific two lessons may change and when you get to the certification room they will tell you which class you are teaching. The most common recommendation and I agree is "Interactive level 2 and 3."
I would recommend taking one of the mentoring sessions before your class. Don't get down on yourself if you don't pass the first time. VIPKid is committed to training you. Think of this as free training. They will not let you teach until you are ready. Keep improving and growing. My understanding is that on average it takes two tries to pass. I know people have taken it 4 or more times. The more you take, the more prepared you feel. And you can't fail!!!
I certified for levels 2-5 and within 1 week of being contracted, I certified for Trial classes. I would recommend going for as many as possible, but you are your own boss.
Contract & Info - There are now multiple stages for the contract stage. Once you pass at least one certification stage you will move on to the contract stage where you will be ready to create your profile and take your TESOL certification. And then you can sign your contract.
1.TESOL - The Chinese government is requiring all online teachers to have this certification. It was really good and VIPKid offers it for free, which other companies are not free but often still require it. If you have teaching certificates in the United States you may be able to skip this step, but parents will still want to see this certification. Hint: If you have studied education, it will be quick. I took one education course (and have studied linguistics on my own) and it was mostly review ;)
2. Profile - I was thankful that I was prepared with my profile photo, two relaxed photos, and a video. Start thinking of these early on. You can record them and take them while you practice for your mock class and interview.
3. It took my profile a week to be reviewed. While you wait you can take your other available certifications if you didn't earlier on.
Like I said things change. Taking a week to review was strange. They may say that you have 3 days to move on to the next step. I took 5 and it was ok. I can't promise.
I know it's frustrating, but it's the way it is. I think it's pretty ok considering I got to wear yoga pants or sweat pants for it all.
4. Contract - This literally took 13 seconds since I had read through it previously (while waiting for my profile to be reviewed, but I do encourage you to read it).
Congratulations!
Open some classes and if you skipped extra certifications this is a great time to get started on those. It takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks to begin getting bookings. I've only taught one class at this point. I will post more on what it's like from the inside once I feel more qualified.
*I got emails saying the next step would happen within 24-48 hours, this usually meant 5min - 7 days. I know this isn't our preference but my best advice is to maintain your professionalism and when you say you will be there, you show up. Don't be late. Make sure things are going to work and that you are there when you say you will be and laugh when it doesn't go perfect.
Other Topics Payment
Base Pay $7-$9 per class. Classes are 25 minutes long.
If you are on time you get + $1/class
If you teach at least 30 classes/month + $0.50/class*
If you teach at least 45 classes/month + $1/class*
My base pay is $8/hour and I teach less than 45 classes, so I make $18/hour. I will likely teach more than 30 or 45 classes a month in the future. Then I will make $19 or 20/hour.
But for everyone this = $14 - $22 per hour (there are ways to go higher than this)
There are always incentives.
Referrals - helping people through the hiring process (because it's kinda strange) = $100
Also, if you cancel, you can loose incentive pay. My understanding of the contract is that it can't go below the $7 per class, but please check with someone who understands contracts better than I do if you are concerned. My advice is don't skip/miss work.
*It's possible that there are one or both of these rules. I know that the $1 for 45 classes exists currently. I will edit this when I reach 30 or 45 classes. *wink**wink*
Props
Use my code or link, email me and once I see you as a referral, I will send you printable props to get you through the mock classes. You will also want a puppet or stuffed animal, a toy or two and dry erase board (I'll send you some tips to make these in the PDF document). Once you have taught your first class with VIPkid I will give you some options of other props and mail you more props to say thank you!! Don't stress over props! You do not need to go crazy! What you have around your home, the couple extras, and what I will provide you will get you a long way if you are on a budget. Some of My Favorite Resources - Why reinvent the wheel?
Why Should You Pick Me to Walk Through This Process With You?
I am not referring hundreds of people so I will have time to focus on you! I will chat with you one-on-one on Facebook or the phone. I will be upfront about what I love and the frustrations. And I will be making props to send to those who put my code in. E-mail me for more info and to request some basic welcome printable props and prop tips. Also, when you teach your first class I will send you some physical props.
There is so much information out there and I encourage you to become a part of the family. The community is great and if you are working with someone else, I encourage you to continue to work with them as I know there are a ton of great teachers out there....Over 30,000!!! Come join the team! Apply here!
Keep in mind, I just began learning Chinese in April (and technically, I'm still in what I call the preparation stage, I'm just learning how I want to learn Chinese).
