Online ESL Teacher

About Palfish

Palfish is a Beijing-based online English education platform that connects certified ESL teachers with students across Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Launched in 2014, the company has grown to serve over 200,000 active learners through its mobile-first teaching ecosystem, offering both one-on-one and small group classes. Palfish stands out in the online teaching space with its gamified classroom interface designed to keep young learners engaged through digital stickers, level progression, and interactive mini-games.

The platform operates two distinct programs: the Kids Course, which targets children ages 4–12 with structured, activity-based lessons, and the Official Course, which serves adult learners and business professionals with conversational and exam preparation curricula. This dual-program model gives teachers the flexibility to choose the student demographic that best matches their strengths and preferences.

Position Overview

As a Palfish Online ESL Teacher, you will conduct live English lessons through the Palfish mobile and desktop applications. The platform provides all teaching materials, lesson plans, and classroom tools, so preparation time is minimal. You can set your own weekly schedule with complete flexibility, making this an excellent opportunity for teachers who want to work from home or while traveling.

Classes are typically 25 minutes long for one-on-one sessions and 50 minutes for small group lessons. The platform uses a booking system where students select teachers based on profile videos, ratings, and availability. Building a strong teacher profile with an engaging introduction video and consistent teaching quality is key to maximizing your bookings and earnings on Palfish.

Requirements

• TEFL / TESOL / CELTA certificate (minimum 120 hours) — Required
• Bachelor's degree or above in any field — Required
• Native or near-native English proficiency (C1/C2 level)
• Stable internet connection: minimum 12 Mbps download / 4 Mbps upload
• A computer or tablet with a working webcam and noise-canceling headset
• A quiet, well-lit teaching environment with a clean, neutral background
• Experience teaching young learners is preferred but not required
• Willingness to maintain a consistent weekly schedule for student retention
• Ability to use digital teaching tools such as interactive whiteboards and screen sharing

Earnings & Platform Details

• Base pay: $10–$20/hr for new teachers, increasing to $25–$30/hr with experience and high student ratings
• Peak hour bonus: additional $2–4/hr during high-demand time slots (evenings and weekends Beijing time)
• Performance incentive: monthly bonuses for teachers who maintain 90%+ attendance and positive feedback scores
• Bi-weekly payments via PayPal, Wise, or direct bank transfer
• No minimum hour requirement — teach as much or as little as your schedule allows
• Access to Palfish's built-in classroom with interactive tools, games, and digital flashcards
• Free professional development resources including webinars and teaching guides

How to Apply

This is a partner listing. Click the "Apply via TeacherRecord" button in the sidebar to be directed to the application page. You will need to create a teacher profile, upload your TEFL certificate and degree, and record a short introduction video. Most applications are reviewed within 3–5 business days.

Once approved, you will have access to the Palfish teacher dashboard where you can set your availability, customize your profile, and begin accepting student bookings. The platform provides a detailed onboarding guide to help new teachers get started quickly.