If you’re an experienced educator looking to take your skills beyond the classroom — maybe from a cozy apartment in Florence, a beach café in Vietnam, or a quiet corner of your home — Skooli might be one of the most rewarding ways to do it.
Unlike casual gig platforms that cater to anyone with a webcam and a strong accent, Skooli is built for professionals. It's a space for teachers who want to maintain high standards while still enjoying the perks of flexible, online work. If you've got the qualifications, you won’t be stuck competing with underqualified tutors — you’ll be joining a platform that pays well and respects your credentials.
With its academic focus and high standards, Skooli attracts students who are serious about results — whether they're preparing for exams, polishing their academic writing, or tackling real-world communication goals. That means you’re not just filling time with small talk — you’re guiding real progress, one session at a time.
What Is Skooli?
Skooli is a Canadian-based online tutoring platform designed for educators who want more than just a side hustle. It serves learners who are looking for expert-level support — not just conversation practice, but genuine academic and professional development.
While English is a major focus, Skooli also supports tutoring in math, science, business, and more. That opens the door for subject-area specialists as well as language teachers, and many sessions revolve around concrete goals like exam prep, essay coaching, or specialized topics like business English.
The platform’s custom-built virtual classroom is equipped with video conferencing, screen sharing, chat, an interactive whiteboard, and Google Drive — everything you need to create an engaging, effective one-on-one session without ever leaving your laptop. It's designed to replicate the feel of a real classroom, but without borders or bells.
Whether you're teaching English to an international grad student or helping a business professional prep for a big pitch, the focus is always personalized and goal-oriented. You're not clocking in and out — you're stepping into sessions with purpose.
Who Can Teach on Skooli?
🎓 Minimum Requirements
Skooli is selective by design — and that’s part of what makes it appealing for teachers who take their craft seriously. To get started, you’ll need:
- A bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Plus one of the following:
- A valid state or provincial teaching license,
- A recognized TEFL or TESOL certificate,
- Or a Master’s or PhD in a relevant field.
In addition, you must:
- Be a native or fluent English speaker with excellent communication skills.
- Pass a national-level criminal background check (completed within the last 6 months).
You don’t have to be based in Canada or even North America. Skooli welcomes qualified applicants from around the world — as long as the paperwork checks out and you meet their standards.
🛑 Who It’s Not For
Skooli is not the platform for casual tutors or those just testing the waters. You’ll need verified credentials and the ability to prepare your own lessons — and that’s non-negotiable.
This likely isn’t the right fit if:
- You don’t hold a recognized degree or teaching qualification.
- You’re looking for a platform that provides ready-made materials and structured lessons.
- You’re unable to provide official documentation of your qualifications and a recent background check.
In short: if you’re serious about teaching and want to work with students who are serious about learning, Skooli gives you the tools, the pay, and the flexibility to make it work — wherever you are in the world.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step
Skooli keeps its standards high, but the onboarding process is straightforward — as long as you’re prepared. This isn’t one of those platforms where you can sign up in five minutes and be teaching the next day. Instead, the process is designed to verify your credentials and ensure students get qualified, trusted tutors.
Here’s how to get started:
-
Create a Tutor Account
You can register using your Google, LinkedIn, or Facebook account, or sign up directly through the Skooli website. From there, you’ll land in your personal dashboard. -
Complete Your Profile
Fill in your teaching subjects, grade levels, and spoken languages. Upload a clean, professional photo and write a clear, engaging bio that speaks to your experience and teaching style. Students will be browsing tutor profiles — this is your chance to stand out. -
Upload Required Documents
This is where many casual applicants drop off. To move forward, you’ll need to upload:- A government-issued ID
- A copy of your highest degree or transcripts
- A TEFL certificate or teaching license (if applicable)
- A national-level criminal background check issued in the last 6 months
-
Interview & Verification
If your documents and profile meet the bar, a Skooli team member will reach out to schedule a video call. The interview is part platform walkthrough, part teaching chat — more of a professional conversation than a test. -
Get Verified
Once everything is approved, you’ll earn a purple verification badge. This marks you as a trusted, fully vetted tutor and gives you access to more students and potential bookings.
The key to a smooth application is preparation. If you’ve got everything ready, you could be verified and teaching within a few days.
How the Skooli Classroom Works
Skooli’s online classroom is one of its strengths — sleek, intuitive, and designed for real interaction. Whether you’re tutoring a student for 15 minutes or an hour, you’re working in a space built for clear communication and personalized instruction.
Each session is one-on-one and fully live. You and your student connect in a virtual classroom that includes:
- Video conferencing with crisp quality and stable connections
- Live chat for quick corrections, typing vocab, or linking resources
- Screen sharing for documents, slides, or visual examples
- An interactive whiteboard to draw, explain, and brainstorm in real time
- Google Drive integration to upload or review files on the spot
The layout is clean and modern — no clunky third-party tools or awkward logins. You stay in the Skooli system from start to finish.
Sessions are flexible in length. Some students might want quick grammar help before a meeting, while others may book full lessons multiple times per week. You’ll get both — and everything in between.
Setting Your Schedule
Skooli offers true flexibility — not the kind where you set your hours but still feel like you’re on call. You decide exactly when you're available, and you can open or close your calendar whenever you want.
There are two ways to book lessons:
- Scheduled sessions: Students choose a time in advance based on your availability.
- Instant help: If you’re online and available, students can request a session on the spot.
You can log in during your free time — whether it’s a quiet afternoon in Chiang Mai or a late night in Barcelona — and catch spontaneous sessions without any pressure to commit long-term.
That said, Skooli does value active participation. If you go long periods without accepting sessions, your account may be paused to make space for more available tutors. Staying visible means:
- Keeping your subjects and grade levels up to date
- Logging in regularly to accept or respond to student requests
- Maintaining a sharp profile that attracts bookings
This isn’t a platform that hands you work — it’s one that rewards consistency, clarity, and professionalism. And if you bring that energy, students will follow.
How Much Can You Earn?
Skooli stands out for offering one of the most competitive base rates among online English teaching platforms — but that doesn’t mean you’ll earn a fixed salary. Your income depends on how often you’re available, how quickly you respond to student needs, and the value you offer in each lesson.
📈 Typical Pay Structure
- Standard rate: CAD $25/hour
(Roughly USD $18.50 or GBP £14.50, depending on exchange rates) - Per-minute billing: You’re paid only for the minutes you spend in the live classroom, which gives you flexibility but also means you need to stay organized.
- No-show protection: If a student fails to arrive, you’ll still earn 15 minutes of pay as long as you wait and follow protocol.
- No unpaid trials: Unlike other platforms, there’s no requirement to teach free sessions.
This structure favors proactive tutors who check in regularly and are ready to jump into quick sessions throughout the day.
💸 Payment & Withdrawal
- Fast payouts: You can request your earnings after any completed session — no need to wait for a monthly pay cycle.
- Flexible earnings: The more you’re online and visible, the more likely you are to get booked.
- Rate factors: Tutors with in-demand subjects, strong qualifications, or high student ratings may have more consistent bookings.
- Payment method: Typically processed via PayPal or other standard transfer methods.
Skooli doesn’t cap your earnings, and with the right approach, you can make it a steady income stream or a flexible side hustle — wherever you are in the world.
Teaching Style & Lesson Planning
If you enjoy personalizing your lessons and thinking on your feet, you’ll feel right at home on Skooli.
There’s no rigid curriculum, which means you’re free to design each session around your student’s goals. Some might want help prepping for IELTS or TOEFL. Others may be focused on business English, academic writing, pronunciation, or improving general fluency for daily life.
Here’s what to expect:
- Lesson content is entirely up to you, based on the student’s needs and the time available.
- You might teach a one-off 20-minute session to help a student polish a presentation.
- Or you could develop a longer-term learning plan for someone studying English as part of their university prep.
Having a toolkit of adaptable materials (PDFs, prompts, grammar exercises, real-world roleplays, etc.) makes a big difference. You’ll also want to get comfortable improvising — students sometimes come in with very specific last-minute requests.
If you’re organized, flexible, and enjoy working one-on-one in a goal-driven way, this format gives you a ton of creative control.
Tips to Succeed on Skooli
While Skooli pays well, it’s also competitive. Standing out — and staying booked — takes more than just showing up. Here’s how to get noticed and keep your calendar full:
-
Craft a standout profile
Use a friendly, professional photo. Write a short but engaging bio that highlights your qualifications and how you help students achieve their goals. -
Respond fast
Students often book tutors who reply within minutes. Use the mobile app or check your inbox regularly to avoid missing opportunities. -
Be available and visible
The platform favors tutors who are online and active. Open time slots often, and log in regularly to accept on-demand sessions. -
Prepare engaging materials
Even if a student only books 15 minutes, come in with clear, targeted resources. Students who feel value from the first minute are more likely to return. -
Focus on rapport
Even in quick sessions, a warm, encouraging attitude goes a long way. Many students will book again simply because they liked the way you made them feel.
Success on Skooli is all about blending professionalism with personal connection — and showing up ready to teach, whether for five minutes or fifty.
Skooli: Pros & Cons
Like any platform, Skooli comes with its strengths and trade-offs. For the right kind of educator, it can be a rewarding and flexible way to teach online. But it’s not designed for everyone.
✅ Pros
-
Higher pay than most ESL platforms
With a standard rate of CAD $25/hour and no free trial lessons, Skooli offers serious earning potential for qualified tutors. -
Goal-oriented students
Many learners come with clear objectives — from acing an English exam to prepping for a job interview — which can make sessions more focused and fulfilling. -
Total schedule freedom
You choose when and how often to teach. Whether it’s a few hours a week or a full-time side gig, you set the pace. -
Professional teaching tools
The built-in virtual classroom is loaded with features that make teaching dynamic and interactive — whiteboard, video, chat, screen share, and more. -
No native-speaker requirement
As long as you meet the education and certification standards and speak fluent English, your nationality doesn’t hold you back.
❌ Cons
-
Strict entry requirements
You must submit proof of your degree, teaching license or TEFL certificate, and a clean background check — which can be a hurdle for newer or uncertified teachers. -
Short-term sessions are common
Many students book one-time sessions for specific questions or tasks. Building regulars can take time and effort. -
Lower student traffic
Compared to giants like Preply or Cambly, Skooli doesn’t have the same massive student pool. Earning consistently may require being patient and proactive. -
Prep time is unpaid
Since each lesson is tailored to the student, you may spend time planning outside of sessions — and that’s not billable.
For teachers who enjoy flexibility, professionalism, and one-on-one learning goals, the pros often outweigh the cons. But it helps to come in with the right expectations.
Is Skooli Right for You?
Skooli isn’t built for beginners or casual tutors. It’s designed for educators who want to teach seriously — and get paid accordingly.
You’ll likely thrive if you’re:
- A licensed teacher or TEFL-certified instructor looking to supplement your income.
- An experienced educator who values meaningful, student-driven learning.
- Someone who enjoys customizing lessons and doesn’t mind short notice or on-demand sessions.
- A digital nomad or remote worker who wants high-quality teaching gigs that fit your own schedule.
It might not be the best fit if you’re:
- Just starting out and don’t yet hold any formal teaching credentials.
- Looking for casual, low-prep teaching work where materials are provided.
- Hoping to land a full roster of students immediately after sign-up.
Ultimately, Skooli is a platform for educators who take their craft seriously — and who want the freedom to teach wherever they are in the world, on their own terms.
How to Get Started
Getting started with Skooli is straightforward if you have the right qualifications. Here’s what to do:
- Apply here: https://www.skooli.com/register/tutor
- Gather your documents:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Degree certificate or transcripts
- TEFL certificate or teaching license
- National criminal background check (from the last 6 months)
- Complete your tutor profile:
- Add a professional photo, list all subjects/grades you can teach, and write a compelling bio.
- Upload your documents and submit
- Wait for your interview invitation:
- If selected, a Skooli team member will reach out for a video call to verify your credentials and walk you through the system.
- Get verified and start tutoring:
- Once approved, set your schedule, go online, and begin earning on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Skooli tutors earn?
→ Most tutors earn around CAD $25/hour, paid per minute of active classroom time.
Can I teach without a degree?
→ No. Skooli requires at least a bachelor’s degree and a teaching license or recognized TEFL/ESL certification.
Is Skooli only for native English speakers?
→ No. Fluent non-native speakers who meet the professional requirements are encouraged to apply.
Do I get paid if a student doesn’t show up?
→ Yes. If the student is a no-show, you’ll be paid for 15 minutes of wait time.
Does Skooli provide teaching materials?
→ No. You’re expected to prepare your own lesson plans tailored to each student’s goals.
Final Thoughts
Skooli isn’t your average ESL platform — and that’s exactly what makes it appealing for qualified educators. It gives you the freedom to teach on your schedule, work with driven learners, and get paid fairly for your expertise.
If you’re a certified teacher or a TEFL-trained professional who wants more control and better pay while working from anywhere, Skooli might be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. You bring the skills — they bring the students. And together, you help real learners reach real goals.
Helping teachers find jobs they will love.