How to Find Remote Teaching Jobs in Africa (Online Schools)
As online education continues expanding across Africa, there is a growing demand for remote teachers at various grade levels and subject specialties. Whether you’re an experienced educator, a subject matter expert, or a recent graduate eager to teach, remote teaching roles can offer flexibility, broader reach, and a chance to impact students beyond geographical boundaries. Below are practical steps to help you discover and secure remote teaching jobs with online schools or edtech platforms in Africa.
1. Determine Your Teaching Niche
Why It Helps
Having clarity about your target subject area or grade level can guide your job search and help you tailor applications to the right institutions.
Questions to Ask
- What age group do I enjoy teaching? Primary, secondary, or adult learners?
- Which subjects am I best qualified for? Maths, languages, sciences, or vocational skills?
- Do I hold any special certifications? ESL/TESOL for teaching English, or government teaching credentials recognized in your home country?
2. Research African Online Schools & Platforms
Why It Helps
A growing number of African-based and international online education companies hire remote teachers, tutors, or course facilitators targeting African students.
Examples
- Ubongo (East Africa): Focuses on edutainment content for children (though more content creation, check if they have teaching roles).
- Moringa School (Kenya): Specializes in coding and tech skills, occasionally hires remote instructors or teaching assistants.
- Andela (Pan-African): Known for developer programs, they sometimes need remote technical trainers or mentors.
- Local EdTech Startups: E.g., SkoolDesk (Uganda), Teesas (Nigeria), or Eneza Education (various African countries).
- Global ESL Platforms with African footprints, e.g., iTutorGroup, Preply, or Learnlight, can occasionally have African-based students or hire African teachers.
Tip: Visit each platform’s “Careers” or “Jobs” page or follow them on social media for announcements.
3. Look Beyond Continental Boundaries
Why It Helps
Many global companies welcome African teachers to handle international students, especially for language or specialized tutoring.
Where to Look
- ESL Marketplaces: VIPKid, Qkids, or DaDa (though often focusing on Asia-based students, they do hire globally).
- Subject-Focused Tutoring Platforms: Chegg Tutors, Tutor.com, or TutorMe sometimes accept teachers from Africa if you meet qualifications and have stable internet.
- International Education Recruiters: Aggregator sites like TeachAway, Footprints Recruiting, or LinkedIn can filter remote teaching roles.
4. Optimize Your Online Teaching Profile
Why It Helps
Hiring managers for online schools assess your digital readiness, teaching style, and credentials quickly. A strong profile stands out.
Steps
- Professional Photo & Headline: For LinkedIn or tutoring platform profiles, a clear headshot with a straightforward headline (e.g., “Certified Math Teacher with 5+ Years Online Tutoring Experience”).
- Highlight Tech Proficiency: Emphasize your familiarity with e-learning tools (Zoom, Google Classroom, Moodle).
- Showcase Student Success Stories: If you have experience, mention improved test scores or positive feedback from previous online learners.
- Add or Link Credentials: Diplomas, degrees, TEFL/ESL certifications, or local teaching licenses.
5. Ensure Reliable Tech Setup
Why It Helps
Online schools prioritize teachers who can maintain consistent connectivity and a high-quality virtual teaching environment.
Minimum Requirements
- Stable Internet: At least 5–10 Mbps for smooth video calls. Backup data source (e.g., mobile hotspot) is ideal in case of power or ISP issues.
- Computer or Laptop with Webcam: A modern OS and up-to-date anti-malware software.
- Quiet Workspace: Decent lighting, neutral background, or use a virtual background if permitted.
6. Network Within Teacher Communities
Why It Helps
Referrals or insider knowledge of upcoming online teaching vacancies can accelerate your job search.
Ways to Network
- Join Facebook/WhatsApp Groups: Many African teacher communities share tips and job leads.
- Engage on LinkedIn: Follow African edtech companies, comment on relevant posts, and connect with other educators.
- Attend Virtual Conferences or Webinars: Edtech or educational events often have recruiters or HR managers in attendance.
7. Apply and Follow Up Professionally
Why It Helps
A well-crafted application stands out, but timely follow-ups also signal motivation and seriousness.
Steps
- Customize Your CV & Cover Letter: Tailor each to match the platform’s teaching ethos and highlight relevant experience (online or offline).
- Attach or Link Samples: Lesson plans, videos of you teaching, or a teaching portfolio.
- Polite Follow-Up: If you don’t hear back in a week or two, a brief email or LinkedIn message can reaffirm your interest without seeming pushy.
8. Consider Volunteering or Internships for Experience
Why It Helps
If you lack online teaching experience, volunteering with small nonprofits or local e-learning projects can build your portfolio.
Suggestions
- Partner with Community Groups: Offer free or low-cost online lessons to local students who might not have easy teacher access.
- Gain Tech Skills: Learn basic video conferencing facilitation, screen-sharing, or other interactive tools.
- Gather Testimonials: Request short recommendations from learners or supervisors.
9. Negotiate Compensation & Payment Methods
Why It Helps
Payment structures vary significantly; some pay in USD or local currency, others have rigid pay scales or rely on per-session earnings.
Considerations
- Exchange Rates & Transfer Fees: Decide if you’ll be paid via PayPal, local bank deposit, or mobile money. Factor in currency conversion costs.
- Hourly vs. Salary: Some online schools pay by the hour, while others have a monthly retainer. Ensure clarity on rates and schedules.
- Taxes & Compliance: Understand local tax obligations. Even if paid in foreign currency, you might need to declare income to your local authorities.
10. Maintain High Teaching Standards
Why It Helps
Long-term success in remote teaching depends on consistent quality, good feedback from students, and reliability. This can lead to higher-paying opportunities or promotions in the future.
Approach
- Engaging Lessons: Use interactive slides, digital whiteboards, and quizzes.
- Punctuality & Preparedness: Log in early, have lesson plans, and stable software setup.
- Solicit Feedback: Encourage students or parents to share suggestions, addressing them promptly.
Final Thoughts
Africa’s online education market continues to grow, offering more remote opportunities for teachers with diverse backgrounds and specialties. By leveraging strong digital skills, highlighting relevant experiences, and networking in teaching communities, you can tap into online schools eager for qualified and passionate African educators. Once you land a position, maintaining professionalism, reliability, and engaging teaching methods ensures you stand out in this evolving digital landscape.
