I recently resigned from work so while looking for a new job, I decided to try my luck as a part-time tutor in one of the best and most established online English as a Second Language (ESL) schools here in the Philippines — RareJob, Inc. Its main office is based in Tokyo but it has a branch in the Philippines. They have many Filipino tutors and cater to (mostly) Japanese students. I came across a Korean student who was based in Japan. Read more information about the company through this link.
I started by taking up the preliminary assessment wherein I indicated the type of Internet Connection that I have at home. Unfortunately, I cannot get a DSL connection in our area so I settled for a Broadband connection. Luckily, they allow such type. All I know is those are the only connections (DSL and Broadband) that can make you go through the assessment.
After that, I received an email asking me to take the English Proficiency Test (EPT). It is a four-part examination that aims to evaluate your grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and conversation skills. My English communication skills are just average but fortunately, I passed this test with a grade of B.
Another e-mail was then sent to me asking for my preferred schedule of Tutoring Skills Assessment (TSA). It also instructed me to wait for a phone interview to confirm my availability for the TSA. Now, this is the most tedious part of the procedure. I waited for more or less than two weeks before I decided to send a follow-up email and Skype message to the acquisition team regarding the conduct of my TSA. Because of the numerous applicants, you really have to wait for days before the team contacts you. You also have to note that the priority are those applicants who got the highest rating in the EPT. And because I was just grade B, I was not on the first part of the list. Good thing I was impatient, thus I had my TSA next day after I followed up. Haha!
No worries, guys – my brother just applied recently, and they now have a new process when it comes to TSA scheduling. After passing EPT, you’ll be redirected to a page where you can directly book a schedule. In this way, you’ll be assured that you already have a slot, unlike the former process in which you have to take chances for a certain time slot. After passing the EPT, my brother had his TSA in two days. Please take note that slots are immediately filled.
So now let’s talk about the TSA. Before my schedule, an email was sent to me containing the materials that I need to review together with the guidelines that I need to remember during the mock lesson/demo. I was really nervous, mind you! I just read all the instructions and the materials and luckily, I passed with a grade of A. Yay! I never expected it. My trainer said that I was confident and did not seem nervous at all. But truth be told, I was sweating all over while I was having the demo.
After passing the assessment, I submitted my requirements. Then voila! I had my first student last May 13. I’m now almost three months teaching and I have no regrets. I’m actually loving my students and I’m also learning from them every single day. This job is so fulfilling it feels like I’m not working at all. For this incredible experience and opportunity – I will always be grateful.
hi ms. lexy. thank you for all the tips. ive already passed the ept. But i didnt schedule my demo lesson yet because i dont have any idea on how to start, since i dont have any teaching experience.. Do you have any specific guidelines for the demo lesson.. pls pls pls help.. here’s my email add. krish.padilla@yahoo.com. thank you in advance.
Hi Ms. Lexy, I would like to ask what if I’ve confirmed my attendance through the skype message but now I wish to reschedule the demo lesson. Do I still have the chance to change the sched? Thanks to your blog š
Sorry, too much questions there
Hi Ms. Lexy, thank you for this helpful blog. I just want to ask if the demo lesson in video mode/ face to face? Also during the demo lesson, for example while the mock student is reading the paragraph and I have noticed a wrong pronunciation of the word, should I correct it immediately or better if after the lesson. And what’s the best way to address the mistake of the student, instead of saying “that’s wrong”
Hi Milo! As far as I can remember, I think it was in video mode, but only my camera is turned on. I would suggest you correct immediately student’s mistake and in doing so, you can say “I think it would be better if you say/use…” Good luck and thanks for dropping by! š
Thanks again! I’m quite nervous because tomorrow is my demo lesson. How about the vocabulary, is it the tutor’s duty to provide the words for the student to learn or just if the student asks a word that she does not understand. Also, what is an example of expression? Cause it requires to introduce atleast one new expression to the student. Sorry too much
In my practice, I only provide definitions and examples when my student asks me to or when I can sense his/her confusion. As for the expressions, it will depend on the lesson as it should be related. Common useful expressions are idioms or greetings. Since the mock lesson is already given to you beforehand, I suggest you think of a useful expression that you can teach your mock student. You can also pick that from the lesson module itself.:) Good luck! All the best!
Hi Lexy! I was just browsing around Google looking for tips about TSA on Rarejob. I am scheduled tomorrow and I’m really nervous! I’ve never had any teaching history whatsoever but I have been in love with the English subject ever since elementary school. Thank you so much for posting this blog. I hope I pass! <3
Thanks a lot for reading my post! How was your TSA? Cheers!
On Fri, Feb 27, 2015 at 8:14 AM, Project Alexa wrote:
>