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Teach English Online With SuperProf

Last Updated on April 10, 2023

If you’ve ever dreamed of earning a flexible income while sharing your language skills with learners around the world, Superprof is one of the most accessible platforms out there. Built for people who want the freedom to teach on their own terms, it’s a space where seasoned educators, university students, and digital nomads alike can connect with motivated learners from nearly every corner of the globe.

Whether you’re looking to make tutoring your full-time gig or just want a side hustle that fits around your lifestyle, Superprof makes it easy to get started—even without a degree or formal teaching experience. And because you set your own schedule, rates, and lesson plans, it’s perfect for anyone who values independence and wants to teach without being tied to a rigid system.

What Is Superprof?

Superprof isn’t your typical online teaching company. Instead of assigning you lessons or students, it functions as a global tutoring marketplace—kind of like Airbnb for educators. You create a profile, write a short ad explaining what you teach and why you’re good at it, and then students reach out to you directly. That means you're in full control of your tutoring journey from day one.

The platform boasts over 33 million tutors, with lessons offered in more than 1,000 subjects—from traditional academics to languages, music, fitness, and more. With students in 42+ countries, it’s truly a global community.

For English tutors, the appeal is clear: high demand, no barriers to entry, and the ability to teach either online or in person. You’re free to charge what you want, teach the way you want, and work wherever you want. Superprof doesn’t take a cut if you arrange payment outside the platform—so you keep 100% of what you earn.

How Superprof Works

Superprof flips the script on traditional teaching platforms. You don’t apply for a job—you build a personal ad. Once your profile is live, students can message you directly. There are no gatekeepers, contracts, or minimum hour requirements. If someone likes your style, they book a session. Simple as that.

You decide how you teach. Want to use Zoom or Google Meet? Prefer email-based coaching or lesson plans via Google Docs? Totally up to you. Superprof doesn’t force any specific software or structure on its tutors.

You’ll also manage your own materials, pacing, and goals for each student. That might sound like a lot, but it’s actually what makes the platform so attractive—especially if you’re the kind of person who enjoys freedom and creativity in how you work.

Whether you want to tutor kids in conversation English, help professionals with business language, or guide teens through IELTS prep, you’ll have the space to tailor every lesson to your strengths and your students’ needs.

Who Can Teach English on Superprof?

Superprof keeps the barrier to entry low, which makes it ideal for anyone with solid English skills and the drive to teach. You don’t need a bachelor’s degree or TEFL certification to get started—though having either (or both) can definitely help attract more students and justify higher rates.

Native English speakers tend to get a lot of attention on the platform, but non-native speakers with strong fluency, clear pronunciation, and confidence in their skills are just as welcome. In fact, being bilingual can be a major asset if you’re teaching learners from your own country or region.

This platform works well for:

  • Certified teachers looking for more flexible, one-on-one teaching
  • University students who want to earn on the side while building experience
  • Professionals with strong communication skills and subject knowledge
  • Travelers, expats, and remote workers who want location-independent income

Whether you’re a full-time educator or just someone who loves helping others improve their English, Superprof gives you the freedom to make it your own.

What You Can Teach

English is one of the most in-demand subjects on Superprof, but that doesn't mean you're limited to basic grammar drills. You can specialize, mix it up, or even combine English tutoring with other skills.

Here’s a look at the common areas English tutors focus on:

  • General English: everyday conversation, pronunciation, listening, vocabulary
  • Business English: professional communication, meetings, presentations, writing emails
  • Exam prep: IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge exams, SAT/ACT English sections
  • Academic support: essay structure, reading comprehension, grammar help
  • Accent reduction: especially in demand among intermediate and advanced learners

You can also blend your English tutoring with other expertise. For example:

  • Teach English and Spanish, French, or another language
  • Combine English with writing coaching or test prep
  • Offer music, sports, or business classes to non-native English speakers

The more niche or personalized your offering, the more likely you are to stand out.

Setting Up Your Tutor Profile

Creating your profile on Superprof is quick, but it pays to take your time and do it right. Think of it like setting up a storefront for your teaching brand. First impressions matter.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Sign up – Use your email, Google, or Apple account to create an account.
  2. Choose your subject – Select “English” or a specific sub-topic like “IELTS” or “Conversation English.”
  3. Write a compelling headline – Think of this like a tagline: e.g. “Certified ESL Teacher Helping Adults Build Confidence in English.”
  4. Describe your approach – Talk about your teaching style, lesson structure, and what students can expect.
  5. Share your background – Mention qualifications, experience, or even personal stories that show your passion.
  6. Add a professional-looking photo – A clear, friendly image goes a long way toward building trust.
  7. Set your rate and availability – Decide your hourly price, location (online or in-person), and availability slots.

Tips to Stand Out:

  • Offer your first class for free: It helps build trust and increases inquiries.
  • Respond fast: Superprof boosts profiles that reply quickly to students.
  • Highlight what makes you different: Use testimonials, success stories, or unique skills.
  • Avoid clichés: Be specific about who you help, how, and why your lessons work.

If you put effort into crafting your tutor ad, it can continue working for you in the background—bringing in students even while you sleep.

Teaching Lessons on Superprof

Once you’ve set up your profile and connected with a student, lessons can begin almost immediately. Most sessions are one-on-one and last about an hour, but how you run them is entirely up to you. There’s no required curriculum or platform—you’re free to shape the learning experience however it suits you and your student best.

Many tutors start with a free intro session. This first meeting is your chance to build trust, get to know the learner’s goals, assess their current level, and agree on a lesson plan. Don’t feel pressured to dive straight into teaching—use this time to figure out how to help the student progress and whether you're the right fit for each other.

Popular tools and platforms include:

  • Zoom or Google Meet for video calls
  • Google Docs for collaborative writing and real-time edits
  • Screen sharing for explaining grammar rules, showing slides, or correcting work
  • Online whiteboards like Miro or Jamboard for visual learners

The key is to stay flexible. Some students may want structured grammar lessons; others prefer casual conversation to build fluency. The freedom to adjust your style based on individual needs is part of what makes Superprof so appealing.

Superprof's Payment System

Superprof gives you full control over your pricing. English tutors typically charge anywhere from $20 to $40 USD per hour, depending on their experience, niche, and demand.

There are two ways to handle payments:

  • External payments: You and the student agree on a payment method—PayPal, bank transfer, etc. Superprof doesn’t charge any fees if you choose this route.
  • Superprof’s internal system: If you want to keep everything on-platform, you can let Superprof handle payments. In this case, they take a 10% commission, unless you’re a Premium member.

Payments made through the platform are released 24 hours after a lesson is completed, giving both you and the student a short buffer in case there’s an issue.

Want to attract more students and improve your profile visibility? Upgrading to Premium (around $9/month or $69/year) boosts your position in search results and gives your profile an edge. For active tutors, it can easily pay for itself.

Pros and Cons of Superprof

Like any platform, Superprof has its strengths and its limitations. Whether it’s the right fit for you depends on your teaching style, goals, and ability to manage your own schedule and clients.

✅ Pros

  • Accessible to all – No degree, TEFL, or native-speaker requirement
  • Freedom to design your lessons – Teach your way, on your terms
  • Set your own rates – Charge what you’re worth and adjust over time
  • Massive global reach – Millions of students across 40+ countries
  • Free to join – No upfront cost to get listed and start teaching
  • Keep 100% of your rate – If you arrange external payments
  • Premium upgrade available – Boost visibility and client flow

❌ Cons

  • Lots of competition – Especially in common subjects like English
  • No guaranteed bookings – You have to attract students yourself
  • Limited customer support – Don’t expect much hand-holding
  • Flaky students – Occasional ghosting or last-minute cancellations
  • Reviews are crucial – A slow or weak start can impact momentum

Overall, Superprof is best suited for independent-minded teachers who are confident marketing themselves and creating a great student experience from day one.

Teaching through Superprof means working as a freelancer. There’s no employer handling your taxes or sending you pay slips—you’ll need to take care of that yourself. In most countries, this means registering as self-employed and reporting your income through the relevant tax authority.

While Superprof doesn’t require insurance or background checks, both are worth considering:

  • Liability insurance can protect you if anything goes wrong during a lesson (especially useful if teaching in-person).
  • Background checks can help build trust with parents and students, especially if you’re teaching kids or teens.

Also remember:

  • Respect data privacy: Don’t share student information or use it outside of your teaching work.
  • Use Superprof’s built-in messaging system to communicate until you’ve established trust—it’s safer for both you and your students.

The platform keeps things simple, but it’s still a professional service. Treat it as a business, and you’ll go much further.

Tips for Success on Superprof

Want to stand out and build a steady flow of students? Here’s how to get ahead:

Stand Out

Don’t just list your qualifications—tell your story. Why do you teach? What makes your lessons special? Use your Superprof profile to share what you believe in and who you help best.

Optimize Visibility

Speed matters. The faster you respond to student inquiries, the more Superprof will promote your profile in search results. Consider upgrading to Premium to rank higher and unlock more visibility from day one.

Build Reputation

Reviews make a huge difference. After a few lessons, politely ask your students to leave feedback. Consistent, positive reviews lead to more bookings and a stronger presence on the platform.

Ride the Seasons

Student demand rises during:

  • Back-to-school periods
  • Exam prep season (IELTS, TOEFL, finals)
  • Holiday breaks Use these cycles to plan promotions or offer extra availability.

Upgrade Your Setup

Good audio and video quality matter—especially when you’re competing with thousands of other tutors. Invest in:

  • A decent webcam
  • A reliable mic or headset
  • Stable internet

Create a Teaching Space

Choose a quiet, well-lit room. Add a whiteboard, plants, or posters if you want a professional and engaging backdrop. Even little touches can build credibility.

Is Superprof Right for You?

Superprof isn’t for everyone—but it’s a great match for the right kind of teacher. If you’re someone who likes freedom, variety, and connecting directly with learners, it can be incredibly rewarding.

👍 Best suited for:

  • Independent tutors who enjoy setting their own schedule
  • Students or graduates looking for part-time income or experience
  • Professionals and digital nomads wanting to monetize their skills while staying mobile
  • TEFL-certified teachers looking to build a global client base

👎 Less ideal for:

  • Teachers who want guaranteed bookings or stable hours
  • Anyone who dislikes marketing themselves or handling client communication
  • Tutors who prefer a fully structured curriculum and fixed lesson formats

If you're up for the challenge and enjoy building something on your own terms, Superprof can be one of the most flexible and empowering tutoring platforms available.

How to Get Started

If you're ready to start teaching English on your own terms, getting started with Superprof is refreshingly easy.

  • 👉 Create your profile here
  • 📝 Write a strong tutor ad that highlights your experience, approach, and personality
  • 🎁 Offer a free intro session to connect with students and build trust
  • ⚡ Be responsive—reply quickly to messages to improve visibility
  • 🌟 Ask for reviews after a few successful lessons to boost your credibility
  • 🔁 Refine your ad, try new rates, and adjust your focus based on demand

You don’t need to wait for someone to hire you—you just need to show up with value, clarity, and consistency.

Final Thoughts

Superprof offers something a lot of platforms don’t: freedom. The freedom to set your rates, define your style, choose your students, and build a teaching life that works for you—whether that’s a side hustle while studying or a flexible career while traveling.

Success on Superprof isn’t about ticking boxes or holding specific credentials. It’s about how well you connect with students, how clearly you present yourself, and how consistently you deliver.

Put in the effort, stay adaptable, and you might find that tutoring on Superprof becomes not just a job—but a lifestyle that supports your bigger goals.

📘 More About Teaching English Online

FAQ

Q: Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach English on Superprof?
A: Not required, but it definitely helps your profile stand out and increases student trust.

Q: Can non-native speakers teach English on Superprof?
A: Yes! As long as you’re fluent and confident in teaching, you're welcome to tutor English.

Q: Does Superprof take a commission?
A: Only if you use their internal payment system (10%). If you arrange payment directly with students, you keep 100%.

Q: How much can I earn?
A: Most English tutors earn between $20–$40/hour. Rates can be higher depending on your experience, niche, and reviews.

Q: How long does it take to start teaching?
A: You can go live once your profile is approved—often within 24 hours. After that, it’s just a matter of connecting with your first student.

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