VIPKID changed their application process around October of 2018. Not much has changed. In fact, I think it is a lot less daunting than the previous process. Continue reading below to get a detailed explanation of the entire process. I've even thrown in some tips to help you pass! Let's go!
1. Application Screening
The two main requirements to pass this step is to have a bachelor’s degree and some type of teaching or mentoring experience. Don’t run away just yet! I actually didn’t pass this step when I first applied to VIPKID. I was later informed, that just teaching in a classroom isn’t the only thing that counts. You can include being a camp counselor, babysitting (counts as mentoring), teaching children in church, being a TA, and the list goes on. If you are unsure if your experience counts, leave it in the comments or email me at teacherkirsten.vipkid@gmail.com and I'd be happy to reply!
Once you submit your application, you will immediately know if it passes. It doesn't have to go through a living person because the passing answers are programed into the application. So let's move on!
2. Live or Recorded Interview (aka Demo)
Once your application has passed, you will be in the "Interview" stage. There are two options to choose from when booking an interview. You can do it "live" (over webcam with a real person) or pre-recorded. I did a live interview but there is nothing wrong with recording it. Just pick however you perform your best. I perform better in person with someone, but some people might get too nervous to interview in person, so choose the pre-recorded option! In this option, you can do the demo lesson as many times as you can fit in 30 minutes and they choose the best one when they grade you. The in-person interview consists of meeting the interviewer (a seasoned VIPKID teacher and coach), explaining your background, and teaching a segment of the demo lesson. The demo lesson is about 12 minutes long so the interview usually isn’t more than 30 min. The thing that may throw some people off is, this grown adult pretends to be a 6 year old who doesn’t know much English while you are teaching the demo lesson.
3. Teaching Prep
Congratulations, you passed the interview! In this section, you will learn more about what it’s like being a VIPKID teacher and all of the ins and outs of the job. You will read some material about VIPKID and maybe take a quiz or two. This step is fairly quick and shouldn't cause much anxiety!
4. Interactive Level 2 (and more)
This is where you can certify for interactive level 2. It is very similar to the demo lesson you taught in your interview. You will begin by reading materials and taking a quiz. Then, you will pre-record yourself teaching this lesson as if there was a student on the other end. I believe you get an hour to record in this classroom, so if you mess up and need to start over, you will have time. Make sure you are watching the clock while you teach because staying on time is a huge part of passing! Once you pass Interactive Level 2, you will be able to move onto the next stage. But in order to teach more levels, you will have to get a certificate for each level.
5. Sign contract and start teaching!
This is where you submit your personal information, send a pic of your ID and degree, and sign your contract. Each contract lasts for 6-months so if something comes up during that 6-months and you can’t teach, that’s okay! VIPKID doesn’t have a set minimum or maximum when it comes to teaching classes.
Now are you wondering what to do next? I'm planning on writing a post soon, so stay tuned. In the meantime, email me at teacherkirsten.vipkid@gmail.com and I'll get back to you ASAP!
If you are interested in applying, click the link here. If you have already applied, add my referral code "KIRST0052" so I can help you along in your journey.
Happy Teaching!
Kirsten