Must-Haves for New ESL Teachers (Especially Online) - Sharing what I’ve learned from 5 years of teaching English online
Starting out as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher—especially online—can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. After teaching online for five years, I’ve learned what tools and setup really make a difference.
Whether you're just beginning or thinking of upgrading your gear, here are some must-haves that I personally use and recommend.
(Just a heads-up: I’ve included a few affiliate links below. That means I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I truly use and love!)
1. A Reliable Laptop (or Desktop)
You’ll need a dependable device to handle your video calls, teaching platforms, and resources. While a desktop can work if you’re teaching from a fixed location, I highly recommend getting a laptop for its portability.
You’ll thank yourself when you need to work while traveling, visiting family, or even just changing your work environment for a fresh perspective.
Lately, I’ve noticed many ESL teachers also using tablets or iPads—with great results! As long as your device can run your teaching tools smoothly, you're good.
Personally, I use an HP Ryzen 5 laptop, and it has served me well. From what I’ve seen in ESL job listings, the required specs can vary. Some employers accept an Intel i3, while others prefer i5 or higher. If you're buying new, go for an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 at the very least. Trust me—it’ll save you a lot of frustration later on.
2. A Laptop Stand (Yes, It Makes a Difference!)
This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s been a game-changer for my comfort and posture. A laptop stand helps elevate your screen to eye level, so you’re not constantly hunching over—especially during back-to-back classes.
In the beginning, I used stacked books as a makeshift stand, which worked for a while. But I quickly realized that this can cause your laptop to overheat, especially during long hours of use.
Now, I use adhesive, foldable laptop stands—and I love them! Unlike bulky, separate stands, these stick to your laptop and stay there, ready to use anytime. Perfect for teachers on the go!
3. Headphones (Preferably Noise-Cancelling)
Good headphones are another must-have, especially if you're planning to work with an ESL company. Most companies require noise-cancelling headphones to make sure your audio is clear and distraction-free for your students.
Now, here’s a little honest truth—I haven’t personally found the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones yet, so I can’t confidently recommend a specific model. That said, since I teach private students, they’re not too particular about background noise as long as it's not disruptive. Plus, many teaching platforms these days have built-in noise-cancelling features, which really helps.
Let me share a quick story:
When I first started teaching, I invested in the most expensive headphones I could find, thinking they'd last forever. Unfortunately, they broke after just a few months. I tried again with a mid-range pair—same result. Frustrated, I finally bought Logitech’s most affordable headphones (they cost me less than ₱500 and don’t have noise-cancelling features), and guess what? I’ve been using them for four years now and they still work great!
So, while noise-cancelling is ideal, especially for company jobs, what matters most is finding a reliable pair that works for your setup.
4. A Comfortable Mouse and Mousepad
You might not think much about it at first, but having a good mouse and mousepad can make a big difference—especially when you're teaching several classes a day.
As an ESL teacher, you'll find yourself clicking through slides, annotating materials, drawing, or pointing out things on the screen quite often. A responsive and comfortable mouse helps you do all that smoothly without hand strain.
For your mousepad, I highly recommend getting one with wrist support. It adds an extra layer of comfort, especially during long teaching hours. Trust me—your wrist will thank you later!
5. A Desk Lamp (Your Eyes Will Thank You!)
For years, I didn’t bother using a lamp during classes. It seemed unnecessary and just another expense. But one of my students kept reminding me to get one, saying it would help with eye strain from staring at the screen for too long.
At first, I brushed it off. But eventually, I gave in—and I’m so glad I did! The difference was immediate. I didn’t realize how much the dim lighting was affecting my focus (and probably my energy too). Now, I can’t imagine having a class without a lamp—it just feels too dark without it.
If you’re planning to get one, I recommend choosing a rechargeable lamp. That way, you can still use it during power interruptions—super helpful, especially if you live in an area where outages happen from time to time. You can easily find good ones at department stores or online for an affordable price.
SHOP HERE: Study Lamp
6. Lesson Materials
If your company doesn’t provide teaching materials—or if you’re working with private students—don’t worry! The internet is full of free, quality resources you can use. From grammar worksheets to speaking prompts, there’s something out there for every type of learner.
One of the best ways to find materials is by joining ESL Facebook groups. These communities are filled with generous and supportive teachers who share resources, advice, and encouragement. I highly recommend checking out a specific group I’ve found super helpful (see the photo below for the name).
Once you join, head straight to the Files section—there’s a goldmine of free lesson plans, PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, and more. It's a fantastic starting point, especially when you're still building your own materials library.
7. A Few Fun Props
Lastly, consider having a few props on hand to make your lessons more engaging—especially if your student isn't in the mood for textbooks or structured materials. Props can turn an ordinary class into a fun, interactive session. Think flashcards, puppets, small toys, or even just printed visuals to spark conversation or play a quick game.
Some teachers might say these aren’t necessary anymore, especially with modern platforms like ClassIn offering lots of built-in interactive tools. And while that’s true, having a few physical props can still be super helpful—especially for younger learners or even adults who need a break from screen-heavy learning.
They’re also great for review games, warm-up activities, or even just to change the pace when a lesson feels a bit flat.
You don’t need to have everything right away, but having the right tools can really make teaching online easier and more enjoyable.
These are just the things that have helped me over the years—and I hope they help you too, whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your setup.
Start with what you can, add more as you go, and most importantly, focus on giving your students a fun and meaningful learning experience.
If you have questions or want to share what works for you, feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you!
Comments
Post a Comment