I taught 1600 Chinese Kids English— Here is What I learned

I've never been to China, but for two years, I taught Chinese kids English online. The job gave me a look into a distant country, funded a world tour, and changed my career trajectory. Here is what I learned.

Class Begins!

Intense Chinese work ethic

The first thing that stood out to me was the intense Chinese work ethic. For example, some elementary school students are easily logging twelve hours of studying a day. Sometimes the kids look burnt out, but on the plus side, many of the most impressive people I have ever met are Chinese. Now, China is trying to prevent childhood burnout by restricting after-school tutoring— a once booming sector of the economy.

Chinese Culture

Also, I learned about Chinese holidays. Because I taught with a private company, we continued having classes into the holidays, and I got a glance into Mid Autumn festival and Spring festival. The world and China are at a turning point, and I expect we will all be more exposed to Chinese culture and holidays in the coming years.

Further, in China, teachers are addressed as such (老师, Lao shi), and students generally respect teachers— quite different from in America.

Putting a face to the name

Next, I learned direct contact is the best way to reduce prejudice. Before, China was a vague concept without a face to the name. Now, when I think of China, I think of my students Tony or Chris or the thousand-year-old stories and traditions. Continuing to build bridges with Chinese people is now a life goal of mine. As much as getting to know the Chinese lowered my barrier towards them, I hope I had the same effect on my little buddies (小朋友 xiao peng you).

I speak Chinese now

I started greeting the kids with 你好 (ni hao), and although that was the only word I knew, they always said, "Teacher, your Chinese is so good!" Although I now know that that is just standard pleasantries, it motivated me to keep learning. Learning Chinese is the best way to make connections with Chinese people. For example, I asked a Chinese student where he got his bubble tea from this week, and we instantly connected.

Becoming a morning person

Next, I learned to become a morning person; you need something to wake up for. When I was a kid, I woke up at 5 am on the weekends to play Lego Starwars, but I could hardly get out of bed to go to school during the week. Then, when I was in California and the time difference required me to get up at four am to teach, I got it done. I don't want to go back to waking up at four am, but if I have to, I could.

Have a purpose to wake up early → wake up early

Energy levels

Next, I realized professionals, just like all humans, only have so much energy, and if you want the best service, you should schedule appointments early in the day. Although I could teach three hours in the morning and then hold evening classes, I always had more energy and enthusiasm for the morning classes.

Getting paid

Then I learned the more replaceable you are, the less you will get paid. For example, with Qkids, I was following set lesson plans— none of it was my own. Anyone could do it. As such, I was only paid 16-20 dollars per hour. Meanwhile, if I were creating my own lesson plans and were less replaceable, I would have gotten paid more.

Be less replacable → get paid better

Make learning fun again

Lastly, I learned how to persuade students to enjoy learning. Once, I had a student, Buddy, who came to class totally down. I tried to make him happy with some superhero emojis, but he wasn't having it. Then I wrote a math problem on the board, and he reluctantly solved it. Finally, I broke the ice, and Buddy was ready to learn. Students don't want handouts. They want to challenge and recognition for their effort.

Give students challenges they can conquer not handouts.

Job well done

I never viewed English teaching as a career but rather as an opportunity to learn and support myself outside of my parent’s house. Best of all it was great fun. Next time we will talk about the value of learning seemingly trivial things. Thanks for reading.