Pros
1. Flexible Schedule: The company offers the ability to set your own schedule, making it suitable for those looking for part-time or remote work.
2. Work-from-Home: Being able to work from the comfort of your home is a significant advantage, especially for individuals with other commitments.
3. Opportunities for New Teachers: A good starting point for those looking to gain teaching experience in ESL (English as a Second Language).
4. International Exposure: You get to interact with students from different cultural backgrounds, which can be a rewarding experience.
5. Completion Bonuses (Though Limited): Some bonuses are available, although they are conditional and not guaranteed.
6. Training Opportunities: The company provides training sessions to help teachers improve their skills and adapt to new materials or teaching strategies.
7. Class Materials Provided: Pre-prepared class materials are available, reducing the need for teachers to create their own lesson plans and saving time.
Cons
1. Low Pay: The pay has seen significant cuts over the years and is now well below industry standards, especially for qualified teachers with degrees and certifications.
2. Below Minimum Wage (UK): For UK-based teachers, the pay often fails to meet legal minimum wage requirements when factoring in prep time, feedback reports, and early classroom entry.
3. Unfair Penalties: Teachers face penalties for sick leave, vacations, or when the scheduling system doesn’t allocate enough classes—issues often beyond their control.
4. Unpaid Training and Standby Time: Teachers are required to spend unpaid time on training and standby sessions, which can be disruptive and unproductive.
5. Lack of Career Growth: Despite years of loyalty and experience, there is little to no opportunity for career advancement or pay increases.
6. Currency Conversion Issues: Payments in USD are a disadvantage for teachers in countries like the UK, where exchange rates negatively impact earnings.
7. Demotivating Policies: Strict policies, such as removing teachers from the system after illness or missing hours, create an unnecessarily stressful environment.
