Why Switch to Teaching Business English?
The demand for industry-specific English training is skyrocketing. Here’s why:
- Higher Earnings: $35–$100/hour (vs. $15–$25 for general English).
- Motivated Students: Professionals invest in learning for career growth.
- Global Opportunities: Teach remotely for companies in the US, Germany, Japan, and more.
If you’re ready to upgrade your teaching career, follow this roadmap.
Step 1: Get Certified (Even Without Experience)
While a general TEFL certificate is helpful, Business English specialization sets you apart.
Top Certification Programs
|
Program |
Duration |
Cost |
Best For |
|
BridgeTEFL Business English |
60 hours | $299 |
Comprehensive training |
|
TEFL Org Business English Add-On |
30 hours | $149 |
Budget-friendly option |
|
Cambridge CELTA (Business Elective) |
4 weeks | $1,500 |
High credibility |
Tip: If you’re on a budget, start with a free introductory course (e.g., Coursera’s “Business English Communication Skills”).
Step 2: Choose Your Niche (Stand Out from Competitors)
General Business English is oversaturated. Specialize to attract premium clients:
|
Niche |
Example Clients |
Key Skills to Teach |
|
Tech/IT |
Developers, Engineers |
Agile meetings, API documentation |
|
Finance |
Bankers, Accountants |
Earnings reports, investor pitches |
|
Healthcare |
Doctors, Nurses |
Patient communication, medical notes |
Action Step: Take our free quiz to find your ideal niche.
Step 3: Set Up Your Online Teaching Toolkit
Essential Tools:
|
Tool |
Purpose |
Cost |
|
Zoom Pro |
HD lessons, breakout rooms |
$15.99/month |
|
Google Workspace |
Share lesson materials |
$6/month |
|
Canva Pro |
Design professional slides |
$12.99/month |
|
Grammarly Business |
Correct student writing | Free plan available |
Free Alternative: Use Preply’s built-in classroom (no extra software needed).
Step 4: Create Engaging Lesson Plans
Sample Business English Lesson (60 mins)
- Warm-up (5 min): Discuss industry news (e.g., “How will AI impact banking?”).
- Vocabulary (15 min): Teach 5 key terms (e.g., “ROI, liquidity, bear market”).
- Role-play (25 min): Simulate a client negotiation.
- Feedback (15 min): Correct mistakes & assign homework.
Free Resource: Download our Business English Lesson Plan Template (Google Docs).
Step 5: Find Paying Students
Best Platforms for Business English Teachers
|
Platform |
Earnings |
Student Type |
|
Preply |
$15–50/hour |
Professionals & executives |
|
italki |
$20–80/hour |
Exam prep & corporate learners |
|
|
$50–150/hour |
Direct corporate clients |
Pro Tip: Optimize your profile with keywords like “Business English for IT Professionals.”
Step 6: Price Your Services Right
2024 Rate Guide:
|
Experience Level |
Freelance Rate |
Corporate Rate |
|
Beginner |
$25–35/hour |
$50–75/hour |
|
Intermediate |
$35–50/hour |
$75–120/hour |
|
Expert |
$50–100/hour |
$120–200/hour |
Offer only for our subscribers: Get the package: “Master Financial English in 10 Lessons”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Teaching generic Business English (stand out with industry focus).
❌ Underpricing your expertise (charge what corporate clients will pay).
❌ Skipping professional development (join BESIG for teacher networking).
Final Checklist to Get Started
- Get certified(even a $149 course helps).
- Pick a niche(tech, finance, or healthcare).
- Set up a Zoom/Google Workspace account.
- Create a LinkedIn profile showcasing your speciality.
- Land your first student(try Preply or direct outreach).
Download our free Business English Teacher Starter Kit (includes lesson plans + client email templates).
What’s Next?
Want ready-made lesson slides or a sample LinkedIn pitch for corporate clients? Let me know—I’m happy to help!
Your turn:
What’s your #1 challenge in teaching Business English? Comment below!
