Simple Tools for the Online Teacher

Online Teaching is a great place to start for Stay-at-home-Moms looking for a work-from-home job. Within the online teaching world, teaching ESL - English as a Second Language - online is the perfect spot for the Mom without a degree or experience. In this episode, I share 5 of my favorite ESL platforms for 2023. These platforms have great reviews and teachers are happy!*Important to note* not every platform is hiring every day. They may accept your application but will hold onto it for months. These platforms don't onboard new online teachers until their online class numbers call for it. This is great news for you as a new online teacher! It means you're much more likely to get bookings than on other platforms that hire and onboard every day.*also important to note* that some of the platforms today do require a degree. The degree DOES NOT have to be in education! It can be a degree in anything! So, if you're a mama with a college degree, those platforms are available for you as well!FREE DOWNLOAD TO MATCH YOU WITH A PLATFORM: https://onlineteacherallyson.com/platformonlilneteacherallyson.comApply to Outschool: https://outschool.com/teach?signup=true&usid=5PZJij7r&utm_campaign=share_invite_link&teacherReferral=trueApply to VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=3770056cecf6a4261cd607348261dbf4&refereeId=42025210&channel_id=copy_link_pcApply to Cambly: https://www.cambly.com/invite/9KFQZEFF?st=090822&sc=4Podcast: Simple Tools For The Online TeacherBlog Post:Instagram: @teacher.allysonTikTok: @teacher.allyson

Don't let online student tech issues derail your lesson! They can be stressful but they don't have to be. In this video I outline my favorite ways of troubleshooting online student tech troubles on the spot so you can get your online lesson back on track.onlilneteacherallyson.comApply to Outschool: https://outschool.com/teach?signup=true&usid=5PZJij7r&utm_campaign=share_invite_link&teacherReferral=trueApply to VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=3770056cecf6a4261cd607348261dbf4&refereeId=42025210&channel_id=copy_link_pcApply to Cambly: https://www.cambly.com/invite/9KFQZEFF?st=090822&sc=4Podcast: Simple Tools For The Online TeacherBlog Post:Instagram: @teacher.allysonTikTok: @teacher.allyson

When I first started teaching online, I was completely blindsided when I found out I had to make an intro video.I didn't know what it was or how to even do it. It was almost the reason I didn't move forward, and I'm so glad it wasn't!If you're a new online teacher, I'm detailing everything you need to know about introduction videos:- What are intro videos- Why you should make an intro video (even if it's not required)- What to include in an intro video- Student privacy- How to make an intro video- How to edit your intro video for freeonlilneteacherallyson.comApply to Outschool: https://outschool.com/teach?signup=true&usid=5PZJij7r&utm_campaign=share_invite_link&teacherReferral=trueApply to VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=3770056cecf6a4261cd607348261dbf4&refereeId=42025210&channel_id=copy_link_pcApply to Cambly: https://www.cambly.com/invite/9KFQZEFF?st=090822&sc=4Podcast: Simple Tools For The Online TeacherBlog Post: https://onlineteacherallyson.com/how-to-create-an-introduction-video-for-new-online-teachers/Instagram: @teacher.allysonTikTok: @teacher.allyson

Pricing an online class has several different variables. Most stay-at-home-moms who are just getting their start teaching online stress over this - I did!I didn't want to price too high and not have anybody sign up, but I didn't want to price too low and give a bad first impression. Finding that sweet spot just took a little extra knowledge that I didn't have yet.Here's what most online teachers consider when they're pricing their online classes:1. Their experience2. Type of online class - is it a group class or private?3. Online class duration - do you meet once, more than once? How long will each online class be?4. Supplies they will need to teach the class + if they will need to be replenished5. Supply and demand for the class6. Prep workDon't miss my ✨limited✨ Black Friday Deal! My email list will be the first to know! To grab your spot on my email list grab your free PDF download here: https://onlineteacherallyson.com/platformThe free download will walk you through all the steps you need to become a successful online teacher, and you won't miss any limited time deals.onlilneteacherallyson.comApply to Outschool: https://outschool.com/teach?signup=true&usid=5PZJij7r&utm_campaign=share_invite_link&teacherReferral=trueApply to VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=3770056cecf6a4261cd607348261dbf4&refereeId=42025210&channel_id=copy_link_pcApply to Cambly: https://www.cambly.com/invite/9KFQZEFF?st=090822&sc=4Podcast: Simple Tools For The Online TeacherBlog Post: https://onlineteacherallyson.com/how-do-i-price-my-online-classes-pricing-online-classes/Instagram: @teacher.allysonTikTok: @teacher.allyson

New online teachers often want tried and true online teaching strategies to bring to their first online classes. In this video I give 6 of my favorite online teaching strategies that are either FREE or cheap!1. Songs2. Props3. Worksheets4. Body Movements5. Exit Tickets6. Checks for UnderstandingWorksheets Don't Grow Dendrites: https://www.amazon.com/Worksheets-Don′t-Grow-Dendrites-Instructional/dp/1412978505/ref=sr_1_5?crid=OCDEECBI68RQ&keywords=worksheets+don%27t+grow+dendrites&qid=1666727939&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIyLjE0IiwicXNhIjoiMS42MSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMzcifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=worksheets+%2Caps%2C180&sr=8-5onlilneteacherallyson.comApply to Outschool: https://outschool.com/teach?signup=true&usid=5PZJij7r&utm_campaign=share_invite_link&teacherReferral=trueApply to VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=3770056cecf6a4261cd607348261dbf4&refereeId=42025210&channel_id=copy_link_pcApply to Cambly: https://www.cambly.com/invite/9KFQZEFF?st=090822&sc=4Podcast: Simple Tools For The Online TeacherBlog Post:Instagram: @teacher.allysonTikTok: @teacher.allyson

With more and more families choosing online learning, don't you think it should be fun?! In this video I talk about why online teaching should be fun for you, and why online learning should be fun for your students!As an online teacher for 3+ years, I've had fun online classes for me, and not so fun online classes. I've also taught the fun and not so fun online classes. It's an important distinction to make and I bring that experience with me!onlilneteacherallyson.comApply to Outschool: https://outschool.com/teach?signup=true&usid=5PZJij7r&utm_campaign=share_invite_link&teacherReferral=trueApply to VIPKid: https://www.vipkid.com/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=3770056cecf6a4261cd607348261dbf4&refereeId=42025210&channel_id=copy_link_pcApply to Cambly: https://www.cambly.com/invite/9KFQZEFF?st=090822&sc=4Podcast: Simple Tools For The Online TeacherBlog Post:https://onlineteacherallyson.com/why-online-learning-should-be-fun/Instagram: @teacher.allysonTikTok: @teacher.allyson

Many online teachers and parents want to know if online education is going to replace the traditional classroom. As a former teacher, and current online teacher, I give insight to the pros and cons of both the traditional classroom and online education.OnlineTeacherAllyson.comTo apply to Outschool click here.To apply to Cambly click here.

OnlineTeacherAllyson.com/platformOnline teaching is a popular work-from-home opportunity for Stay at Home Moms. But, what exactly is it? Many Moms know online teaching from 2020 - when their children logged into their typical school day to get their mandated minutes for their core classes.Online Teaching from home for Stay at Home Moms is wildly different! These classes cover more of the 'extras' - the fun classes, the passions that aren't covered in a typical school day, or offer the flexibility that homeschool families are looking for. Most jobs don't require a degree or any experience! Rather read up on this? Check out the blog post here!Rather listen up on the podcast? Check out the Simple Tools for the Online Teacher Podcast here!

My most commonly asked question: "How much money can I make teaching online?"I get it! It was one of the first questions I asked when I started online teaching, too. What inspired me on the tough days were the inspiration stories. The stories of other teachers and moms earning over $1000 a month - right from their spare bedroom.In today's episode I'm giving you exactly what I made my first 9 months teaching online. I'm taking you through the highs and the lows, and how I got to my best month - all while staying home and caring for my son.When you're ready to get started head over to https://onlineteacherallyson.com/platform to be matched with the platform that best fits you and your teaching style. It's completely free and will only take a minute or two of your time.

How much does teaching online pay?How much can I earn teaching online?What's the pay like?These are all questions I get at least weekly when talking to other Moms and Dads who are interested in teaching online. It's a super valid question, but also kind of gray. The truth is, it depends. It depends on where you teach, how much you teach, what you teach, and so much more! In this episode I'm pulling back the curtain and letting you know what I've earned in the past, what I earn now, and how you can do the same. I'm also breaking down the gist of different pays you can expect from platform to platform. It's ultimately your decision to decide what works best for you and your family,  and I want to help you make the most informed one.If you'd like to get a guided training by me to help you make your first 3 key decisions to teaching online, grab your free guide at onlineteacherallyson.com/getstarted. Inside this free guide I will walk you through deciding who to teach, what to teach, and where to teach it.

In today's episode I sit down with Kerry from Kerry on Coaching to discuss dyslexia in the online classroom. As someone with dyslexia herself, Kerry has learned different ways of managing her learning, and shares how we can help our students in the online space as well. Kerry also shares different resources that can be used to help accommodate assignments for these learners.So, if you ever need to know- what is dyslexia?- the politics behind dyslexia - online resources to help students with dyslexia- how to recgonize dyslexia- and so much more! Kerry is the person for you.

Well hey again! When I talk to parents who are considering taking the leap to become an online teacher, so many of them have the same fears and concerns. In today's episode, I'm debunking the most common ones.I'm not certifiedI don't know how to teachI'm not qualifiedIt's going to be too hardI can't do it from home with my childIt needs too much technology/I'm not tech savvy/I don't have the technology necessaryThe kids will find me boringAre you ready to get started? Grab your free guide at onlineteacherallyson.com/getstarted

Starting out as an online teacher can be intimidating. I found this out the hard way when I blindly jumped into the deep end in 2019. While learning how to swim, I realized that online teachers have 4 big 'secrets' that they don't like to talk about:taxeslesson planninglow parent reviewsLoneliness In this episode I break down each secret to help you get started on the right foot.

Hey there Stay at Home Moms and Stay at Home Dads! This episode is just for you. Today I'm outlining how you can earn an income while staying home with your babies teaching online. Teaching online has given my family a freedom I never could have imagined. I want to share it all with you too! In this episode I am walking you through the free guide at onlineteacherallyson.com/getstarted. This guide will help you make the first key decisions you need to make in order to be a successful online teacher. 

Welcome to a very special episode! Today the Simple Tools for the Online Teacher has it's first interview! I was so happy to interview Niki from Kids' Anxiety Solutions. In this episode she shares with us different strategies for helping students cope with their anxieties and how it helps us connect with them as teachers. Among the things she mentions are:The Heart Connection2 Roses and a Thorn5 Senses Groundingand so much more!If you liked what you heard today, you can give Niki a follow at @kidsanxietysolutions everywhere!instagram.com/kidsanxietysolutionsFacebook.com/kidsanxietysoulutionstiktok - @kidsanxietysolutions

Hey teachers!How's your mental health as we approach the holidays? I know those 3 weeks in December tend to bring chaos, stress, and too much to do with too little time. In today's episode, I give a quick tip to help your mental health that you can apply in your in person classroom, your virtual classroom, or your personal life. 

Happy Holidays! I know it's a tad early, but I wanted to get my 2021 Online Teacher Holiday Gift Guide into your ears for all the early shoppers out there (like myself). In today's episode I am giving 7 specific recommendations to help improve the classrooms of online teachers. In the coming weeks, months, and beyond I will be adding more and more affiliate links. It doesn't cost you anything, but I get a small commission to help support my podcasting hobby.Blue Light GlassesAmazon Basics 9-Inch Thermal Laminating Machine with matte lamination sheets from Oregon Lamination Premium Store.Logitech C920 WebcamUBeesize 12” ring light with TripodFezibo electric height adjustable standing desk with drawerMPOW HeadsetGreen Screen Software (Manycam, OBS, Camtwist)Canva

Hey Teachers! How many different toys have you seen since you started teaching online? What do you do about it? In today's episode I offer a fresh take on discipling toys in the online classroom. I share what works for me as wells as my procedures surrounding it. My hope for this episode is that it inspires you to also allow toys in your classroom, and gives you some quick and easy tips for implementing it as painlessly as possible. onlineteacherallyson.com 

Happy Fall, Y'all!I wanted to get all of my teachers started off on the right foot! In today's episode we are discussing your fall lesson plans across al subjects!We are talking about how to use pumpkins in both the online and offline classroom to teach math, science, social studies, and reading. What fun is fall without a little pumpkin spirit!My hope is that this episode gives you a jumping off point for your fall plans, and gives you actionable ways to implement in their classroom.

Hey teachers! Are you tired of the struggle during math while you attempt to make it stick? What do you do when your at home learners don't have the manipulatives you so heavily relied on before? In today's episode, I give 3 different solutions to the manipulative dilemma. One site is linked below. You may also want to check out Episode 4: Online Teaching Tool Swap 2.1 - Up your student engagement by leveling up your Google Slides and Powerpoint lessons with Nearpod.https://sites.google.com/view/elementarymath/5th-grade/manipulatives

Hey Teachers! I hope you enjoyed your long Labor Day weekend. Many teachers I've spoken with are worried about still teaching virtually, or the prospect of having to teach virtually again. They're worried about some of the kinks that haven't been worked out since they started. One of these is read alouds. In today's episode I give 4 different solutions to help improve your read alouds in the online classroom. One of the tools mentioned is Nearpod. If you need the quick rundown of how to use Nearpod, be sure to check out Episode 4: Online Teaching Tool Swap 2.1 - Up your student engagement by leveling up your Google Slides and Powerpoint lessons with Nearpod.I also have a video series in the works where I take you step by step through each edtech swap to help improve student engagement when teaching online. You can grab the list at Onlineteacherallyson.com/swap. It will get you on the email list to grab a limited seat upon it's release - coming very soon!

Hey teachers! I've been talking to a lot of virtual teachers. One common stressor is the Internet not working when you need it. What do you do? Well, I've been given this test in real time on several different occasions. Today I've compiled 5 different alternatives you can use for when your internet goes out and you need something in a pinch. Today I'm telling you how to use:1. Hotspot2. Cellular data3. A Generator4. Family and Friends5. Free WiFi

With the start of the new school year brings back to school preparations. If you're teaching virtually, it brings even more. In today's episode I give you 4 different ice breakers you can use in person and virtually. I've taken some of my favorite get to know you activities and given you simple steps to implementing them virtually. Ice breaker number three also features Flipgrid! If you haven't caught that episode yet, or just want a refresher, it's Episode 7: Online Teaching Tool Swap 5.0 - Bring Student Centered Discussions to Your Virtual Lessons with Flipgrid

Hey teachers! How many of you have tried recording a video for eLearning, but have struggled with editing? How m any of you plan to try this year? How many of you need the confidence to try again? In today's episode I go over a few of my favorite tips for recording to make your editing process  easier, where to record, and I explain some of the verbiage you will likely see in your video editing software. I hope this episode give you the confidence to try, or try again. It can be quite the undertaking, but is so worth it once you've 'got it'. What video will you record first?onlineteacherallyson.com

Hey Teachers! I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend. I know I did! Today's episode is episode 4 of 4 of our Online Classroom Setup Guide. In the previous episodes we've covered technology, lighting, and your background. Remember, you can grab all the notes for this series at onlineteacherallyson.com/setup. You can also catch the past episodes! There are tons of gadgets that claim to make online teaching easier. It would be impossible to cover each one, so today I'm focusing on "the arm", headphones, microphones, and a stand for your laptop or tablet. 

Welcome back to our 4 part series on online classroom setup. Today we are talking about the fun part - the background! In the previous episodes of this series, we've also talked about the technology needed to execute an effecive online lesson, and the lighting that will help bring your classroom to life. You can grab all of this information at onlineteacherallyson.com/setup in a free PDF download. For classroom background setup, there is something for every teacher type and budget. There's something for the Pinterest teachers, and something for the minimalistic. There's something for the penny pinchers, and something for the ones wanting to splurge. I give examples of what works for me, and some of my favorite options as well.

Hey teacher friends! Welcome back to the Simple Tools for the Online Teacher Podcast. Today's episode is episode 2 in our 4 part series of your online classroom setup guide. Like normal, all of this information is written down for you in an easy to digest free pdf file. You can grab it at onlineteacherallyson.com/setupIn today's episode we are exploring 4 ways to improve your classroom lighting from free to pricey. Each of these options has their pros and cons, but there is sure to be something for every teacher and every classroom. Today we are exploring natural lighting, floor lamps, ring lights, and photography box lights. 

Hey, hey teacher friend! Welcome to a brand new series on the Simple Tools for the Online Teacher Podcast. In this series we are exploring the online classroom set up. Setting up an online classroom comes with a new language and new skill set. For the next 4 weeks we will be breaking some of that down to help you achieve success when setting up your virtual classroom. Each of these topics are broken down in an easy to digest PDF download you can grab at onlineteacherallyson.com/setup.In today's episode, we are breaking down the technology. We will cover internet connection, computer specs, and camera needs. 

Hey, hey teacher friend! I hope you are enjoying all summer has to offer. In today's episode we are bringing student centered discussions back to life and putting them in the online classroom with Flipgrid. I LOVE Socratic Seminars. Like, rearranged my classroom, dedicated the morning to one LOVE. So, I was pretty bummed when the pandemic took this option away. That's why I love Flipgrid. It's a safe place for students to respond to you, or their classmates using short videos they create. Video can be scary, so this is a safe place to nudge both you and your students out of your comfort zones. Think TikTok and Instagram Reels...how much do your students love these? It is a great hook for this edtech resource. Remember, if you want each of the swaps mentioned in this series in one printable sheet, you can grab it at onlineteacherallyson.com/swap. Also...for all you visual learners, I am currently creating a video tutorial for each of these edtech resources we explored together. But, space is limited an my email list is always the first to know. So, go get yourself on the list! You can use the link above to be automatically added - and get that sweet download as a bonus

Hey, hey teacher friends! Today we're taking same ol' same ol' review games and putting a different twist on them. In today's episode we are exploring Plickers. Plickers isn't as hybrid friendly as the past resources have been, but it's still lots of fun to implement in your classrooms. And, with the world getting back to normal, I know some of you are looking for some in person joy again as well. I also have an announcement. If you are visual - like me - you may prefer to see each of these resources rather than hear about them. I am currently creating video tutorials for each edtech tool that is mentioned in this Online Teaching Tool Swap series. The space will be limited for this series, and my email list is always the first to know. Make sure you don't miss out by going to onlineteacherallyson.com/swap. This will not only get you on my email list, but it will also get you the PDF file with each edtech resource mentioned...and you will get to see the topic of episode 5 right away.  

In part 3 of our software swap series, we are making your lessons virtual again - while keeping in compliance with Covid regulations. This online tech resource works for both in person and distance lessons. Jamboard is a Google extension that is as teacher lead, or student lead, as the teacher chooses. Jamboard's easy to use software and friendly tools means teachers can hear about Jamboard today and implement it into their class this week. In this episode we explore some of the key tools within Jamboard.If you want the rest of the series at your fingertips, today, you can grab it at onlineteacherallyson.com/swap

Hello teacher friends! This is episode 2.1 of 5 different technology swaps you can use to level up your student engagement. Last week we leveled up Google Slides and Powerpoint lessons with Peardeck. Today, we are leveling up Google Slides and Powerpoint with Nearpod. Nearpod has a ton of different features you can use to keep students engaged, track student progress in real time, and assign to both in person and at home learners at the same time.Remember, if you want all of the swaps at your fingertips right now, you can grab the resource at onlineteacherallyson.com/swap

Hey teacher friends! Welcome to episode 2.0 of our 5 part technology swap series. Last week we swapped out Kahoot! with two similar, but new and exciting, resources. Today, we will be leveling up your Google Slides and Powerpoint from either the before times, or new ones, with a student centered resource.This resource allows you to see student responses in real time and will allow you to move up and down on the Bloom's Taxonomy Scale. The lessons are easy to level up and can be easily accessed for both in person and at home learners. If you want to follow along with the free resource, be sure to download it at onlineteacherallyson.com/swap.

Welcome back, teacher friends! In today's episode we are starting a 5 part series of simple swaps you can make in your in person and virtual classrooms to increase student engagement. Today's episode is a two-fer! If you love Kahoot!, but really need a change, then give today's episode a listen. I offer 2 fresh takes on online quiz platforms to breathe life back into your classrooms again.

In the very first episode of Virtual Teaching Made Easier we dive into state assessments and teaching in a pandemic. Online Teacher Allyson gives tangible, productive things to do while actively monitoring your students - nothing but your brain is required!