I started with English Online (EO) as an eTutor in December 2013 when I was matched with my first learner from Tel Aviv.  I’ve enjoyed every minute, including planning, time with learners, time experimenting with different technology and time participating in my own self-development, all with tremendous support from English Online.

10. Being affiliated with a professional organization.  My experience started with a Skype Interview and extensive reference and police checks which signaled to me that EO is a professional organization; serious about the well-being of its learners. This was followed by two hours of interactive orientation with other eTutors facilitated by Margarita and supplemented by a comprehensive EO Volunteer Handbook with a full range of resources for teaching (websites, sample agendas/checklists/ice breakers & topics for your sessions) and resources to support my own development as a teacher.

9. Lots of recognition.  As an eTutor, if you utilize the wonderful eLearning platform and the learning journal to record your hours and reflect on your weekly lessons, you receive positive feedback from your co-ordinator (it’s great knowing that you are on track).  Your volunteer hours are recognized PD hours toward your TESL accreditation and recognition certificates are available after each 30 hours of volunteering.

8. You’re matched with learners that suit YOUR skills & abilities, YOUR needs and YOUR time commitment through a Match Survey.  The opportunity to connect with learners from different cultural backgrounds, different walks of life and different countries is SO interesting.  I believe that I am learning just as much as I’m teaching.  I love it!

7. It’s a great feeling knowing that you are helping a learner with essential skills that will contribute to their success in Canada!  Not only learning English but also benefiting from conversations about current events, weather and Canadian traditions. I’ve learned a lot more about Winnipeg, Manitoba and Canada through my involvement with EO.

6. Opportunities to branch into other volunteer areas such as eMentoring.  I had the wonderful experience of mentoring an HR professional from St. Petersburg…after our 10 or so weeks of meeting on Skype we had the opportunity to meet in person in Toronto and are now meeting again via Skype from Winnipeg as tutor and learner for English classes.

5. Always meeting new and interesting people from other cities, other provinces and other countries_ learners, other eTutors, other ESL professionals and the wonderful staff at English Online.

4. The convenience of eTutoring and eProfessional development. Having the ability to schedule sessions at a time convenient for you and your learner. All webinars are recorded so that you can tune in at your own convenience, in the comfort of your home or favorite coffee shop.   I had a free morning a few weeks ago and participated in back-to-back live webinars (one presented from Toronto and one presented from Vancouver (Teaching Discussion Pragmatics in an Academic English Program and English Grammar Uncloaked).  I was still feeling energetic so I listened to a recorded webinar about resources available on the worldwide web.

3. Continuous learning about Teaching with Technology. I gained a significant comfort level with using a variety of free, online classroom resources that I learned about through English Online and Tutela.  Through EO I was able to facilitate a 3 way dialogue using vyew.com (suggested by Margarita) between learners in Russia and Israel.   Although I have a lot to learn, I’ve learned to be more comfortable in trying different options if technology is not co-operating and not giving up.

2. Access to a wealth of free information ranging from monthly webinars, newsletters, online conferences such as REALIZE 15 (January 23 & 24, 2015). Did I mention that this is all FREE and accessible!

AND, THE # 1 BENEFIT of being an eTutor with English Online………

1. The top benefit of being an eTutor with English Online is the opportunity to work with wonderful people like Margarita and her team, including Natalia and Yuliana! In addition to being very nice people, they are professional, knowledgeable, accessible and supportive.  THANK YOU for the privilege of being part of the English Online eTutor team!

Mary Kutarna
English Online eTutor
Toronto, ON