Tutoring English Online with PalFish

PalFish: An Overview 

Let’s address the elephant in the room: to some, the fact that PalFish is a phone/tablet-only platform might delegitimise it, in some capacity. This is not a frivolous platform, though. PalFish works on its lesson material in association with a number of top English-teaching authorities and literary giants, including Cambridge University Press, Oxford University Press, Collins, Benchmark Education and Scholastic. It may have a funny name, but PalFish is by no means small fry.

How did the company get to this point? Founded in Beijing in 2015, PalFish grew rapidly in a very short space of time. Serving Chinese children with a range of amazing courses and tools, PalFish were an early adopter of AI to tailor learning experiences for kids. 

With a heavy focus on tech possibilities and growing its branding, PalFish have been acclaimed as the most popular language learning app in Asia by EdTech Asia. Xiao Li, Head of Global Business, stated PalFish’s goals very clearly, saying: “Reading helps children better integrate into cross-cultural environment, communicate and work with each other more effectively.” Digitising books for children, as exemplified by their partnerships with literary names and lesson material, is a key part of the company’s mission.

PalFish Job description 

So what do you actually do on the PalFish platform?

Again, it depends on which route you choose. PalFish teachers will generally teach “free talk”, which means conversation with students. This is open to both adults and children, though it’s predominantly children who use the platform.

There’s no set curriculum, and you can just build confidence and conversational skills with a PalFish kid for 25 minutes. There may even be opportunities to work with multiple students, though this is less common, and most teachers won't do this often. There’s no particular structure or lesson planning to these sessions, but once you’ve taught a student a few times, you’ll likely settle into a rhythm.

If, instead, you’re an Official Course Instructor, you’ll be following the PalFish curriculum, which uses digitised children’s books and AI to tailor lessons to individual students. As the platform is on phone or tablet, there’s an emphasis on gamification for students; expect lots of songs, games and practical exercises when young learners are logging in for lessons. As an Official Course Instructor, you’ll be delivering a one-on-one class, teaching English for 25 minutes at a time. You'll have your students talking with the confidence of a native speaker before long!

In terms of teaching experience, the nearest competitor might be NovaKid, which uses AI and game-based learning to build English proficiency. 

How do I apply?

The first step: download the PalFish app for iOS or Android. Any smartphone and/or tablet that can run the app successfully will be fine. Your students and other teachers will also be using the app.

Second step: Verify your device with your phone number. You should receive a verification code shortly after signing up for the app and entering your basic information. 

Step 3: This counts whether you’re going to be a free talk teacher or an Official Course Instructor. You’ll need to provide your name, date of birth, nationality (with a scan of your passport) and a professional headshot first. A passport photo (white background, close-up) is probably fine!

Next up, you’ll need to provide the following: three more photos, so both PalFish and potential clients have an idea of who you are! The personalisation continues when you select your keywords - PalFish provides tagged keywords including “Travel”, “Abroad” and more random characteristics, like “animal lover”. If you’re going the free talk route, it’s now when you’ll need to set your rate (you can change it later). Then, you set up your payment details and your schedule.

Step 4: Upload documents. PalFish wants to know if you have a TEFL teaching certificate, and whether or not you have a degree and/or teaching licence. 

Interview process 

When all of that is done, it’s interview time. When we say interview, it’s really more of a demo lesson.

What do you have to do to cement a job teaching students with PalFish? It’s simple: imagine you’re teaching a 5-year-old with little to no English proficiency. Start with a short introduction of around 20 seconds, with a quick explanation of the props you’re going to use during your lesson. The key skills you want to show here are Total Physical Response (TPR), that you’re able to properly reward a student with in-app awards, your Wifi is strong, and that you’re an engaging teacher who can use a time slot well.

Pass this, and you’re nearly there. Not quite, though. PalFish will give you a handbook outlining the ethos and aims of the company and its objectives, and you’ll be quizzed on what’s in the handbook.

Once that’s done, you’re ready to get registered and start on the platform.

Pros

• Flexibility: You can work to your own schedule, and set that schedule up with plenty of notice. If you need time off, it’s easily sorted out. 
• Salary: The salary on offer, despite a 20% commission rate, is competitive for an online English teaching job
• Versatility: If you want to set your own teaching agenda, the Free Talk experience is great. If you’d rather work with a really excellent curriculum, you can be an Official Teacher. It’s not one size fits all.
• A growing company: PalFish, despite only getting started in 2015, is growing rapidly. It’s an exciting time for the Beijing-based, award-winning company, and for teachers, it’s probably a good time to join!