For educational purposes

1. The Highly Effective and Compliant
51Talk Teacher
Chinese parents, like most parents, are looking for
experienced, committed, and engaging teachers to
educate their children.
Yet, not all Chinese parents are fluent in English, or can
understand the challenges or pedagogy associated with
second language acquisition.
Therefore, parents also assess teachers on qualities
outside of an educational context. While academic
standards, demonstrable learning outcomes, and
increasing English proficiency are essential facets of
English language lessons, so too are the feelings or
perceptions of a teacher. Let’s discuss how you can meet
the standards.

2. The Highly Effective and Compliant
51Talk Teacher
Compliance Requirements:
1. A clear copy of proof of college degree (diploma or
graduation certificate)
2. Full TESOL Certificate
3. Valid NBI Clearance
4. Valid ID

3. Facial Recognition Audit
Facial Recognition Standards:
1
2
3
5
4
1. Direct your camera so that your face is
centered in the video window.
2. Wear appropriate clothing.
3. Make sure you’re in a well-lit space.
4. Have the 51Talk tarp as your background.

4. Setting-up your classroom
How your teaching location and equipment impact your student’s learning
1. Lighting
Here are a few tips on how you can
achieve good lighting in your online
classroom:
1. Use multiple lights (at least 2) placed
in front of you (near your webcam).
2. Avoid having windows and other light
sources behind you.
3. Webcam should be placed at eye
level or slightly higher.

5. Classroom Setup – Teaching Environment
Teachers should teach within a clean and tidy background and quiet environments to avoid distractions such as, but not
limited to, live TV, mirrors and a messy bed. Having classes in public places such as, but not limited to, restaurants, bars
and cafes where people appear in the camera frame is strictly prohibited. Class environment should be a quiet corner of
your room or a small home office.

6. Setting-up your classroom
How your teaching location and equipment impact your student’s learning
51Talk online teachers should set up their classrooms in locations appropriate for teaching.

7. Tips:
1. Check your camera before teaching
2. Check your headset before teaching (there should be no static noise).
3. Turn off unnecessary programs and software before teaching.
4. Check that your internet connection is stable and at optimum speed.
Technical Requirements

8. You’re a teacher. DRESS like one!
Teachers are well-respected and admired in China and
there is an expectation that teachers “look the part”
whether they are teaching online or in a school.
Parents notice your appearance and can form negative
opinions regardless of actual teaching abilities.
Your attire, posture, and attentiveness have a definite
impact on the impression you give students and their
parents.
A neat personal appearance, good posture, and your
undivided attention set the tone for a successful lesson.
Keep in mind that Chinese parents frown on bare
shoulders, low necklines, faces hidden behind hair, hats,
and excessive jewelry.

9. You’re a teacher. LOOK like one!
Your hair must be hair neatly brushed or tied back away from your face.
For FEMALE TEACHERS, put some powder and some color to your
lips. This will prevent you from looking washed out and pale. For MALE
TEACHERS, you should be clean shaven.

10. You’re a teacher. SOUND like one!
 Speak slowly and clearly
 No baby talk
 Keep your sentences simple and direct
 Do not exaggerate your intonation
 Do not use rude/offensive language to students

11. • I love you
• You are my baby boy/girl
• You are my little fool.
• You should be spanked
• Good job!
• High five!
• Let’s read this again.

12. You’re a teacher. ACT like one!
Think about your body language, and the way you
present yourself in a digital space.

13. As a professional teacher, you need to bind yourself to the ethical practices of teachers:
1. Be on time. When you’re late, you not only making the student who’s excited to learn wait, but you’re also
sending the message to the parent that you are unprofessional and that you do not have respect for their
time. Time that they paid good money with.
2. Finish your class at the 25th minute. Do not leave your student before the class is officially over.
3. There’s nothing worse than finishing your class before the 25 minutes are up than dismissing your student
early and THEN STAYING in AC so you could be paid the full class fee. This is just plain cheating. You’re a
teacher. Don’t be a CHEATER.

14. You’re a teacher…
• not a charity case. Soliciting money from students or their
parents must never be done.
• of 51Talk. NOT a private tutor. Respect the platform by not
offering private lessons to 51Talk students.
• and all your lessons must be conducted by YOU. Not your
sister. Not you friend. Not your cousin. YOU.