First, this does not have to be elaborate. Simple works! Do not get intimidated or overwhelmed with what you see on YouTube of other online teachers. Create YOUR classroom and be YOU!  

Suggested resource: video on Lights/Camera/Audio from Teacher Michael

1. Lighting

   • Lots of light on you without making shadows

     • Low Budget: 2 lights, one on each side of you - one can be the room's overhead and another a lamp on the other side

     • Medium budget: Ring light

     • High budget: Several umbrella lights.

     • See Teacher Michael's Lighting 101 Video 2018 | Lighting 101 Video 2019

2. Background 

   • A clean back wall or corner with two clean walls.

   • You DO NOT have to use a map, in fact, I discourage it even when you see others with one. You don't want to have the "wrong" map (based on countries and territories) so stay away!

   • Use half-page or full-page size shapes. Anything smaller is too small!

   • See the Simple Background setup video (it's good for any platform)

3. Camera positioning

   • You want it eye level or slightly higher

   • do not have it low, looking down on your student

4. Headphones

   • Check with the company you are applying with and be prepared either way - Headphones with book mic or earbuds

   • The headphones with boom mic like a telemarketer type work, but big Gaming headphones are also a winner for teaching younger students, and companies like it (some require it)

   • Some allow earbuds wired or wireless

   • Some will allow none with a mic but that is rare.

5. Sit or stand?

   • A table or desk to place your computer on.

Most companies will have these required for your profile once you are further along in the application. It is still wise to have these ready beforehand. If you have them ready, then great. If you don't, then it may take you some time, so start now and save stress or inconvenience later.

1. Profile photo: ready to upload

   • Basically a headshot photo

   • Full Color, 250x250 or larger square

   • Some companies mention a 'LinkedIn' type photo, while other companies are ok with a more fun approach.

   • Either way - do the following:

     • Good lighting, not too bright, not dark/shadows

     • No sunglasses or masks or accessories

     • Face centered, look forward, smile

     • Simple background, white or solid color

2. Feature/Lifestyle Photos: ready to upload

   • 4:3 ratio; Visible entire face

   • If others are in the photo, you must be center, front, recognizable

   • full color instead of back and white photos.

   • A recent photo without excessive makeup, filters, or any horror elements.

   • Stand out from the crowd

     • Photo of you traveling, front of rare buildings or art

     • Petting an animal at the zoo

     • Doing a hobby (running, biking, photography, sewing, etc)

     • Maybe a photo of you and your pet

3. Video Introduction: be ready to do this, See props and classroom

   • Most companies will give you a guide, not exactly a script, but a flow and timing criteria.

   • What should I say?

     •  Welcome! My name is Teacher ______.

     •  Showcase some props, TPR, your teaching style, and your class atmosphere.

     •  Let them know you are looking forward to seeing them in the class. Invite them to your class.

   • Background & Lighting

     • Bright/natural lighting, simple background, include objects that attract a child's attention.

     • I suggest you avoid maps. It would need to be consistent with the Chinese educational standards.

   • Video size & Quality

     • At least 800x480 in the 16:9 or 4:3 ratio, size should be under 100MB. Please use the highest quality setting on your camera.

     • About 20-40 seconds

   • Format

     • Format should be in Mp4, AVI, or MOV.

   • Body language

     • Please be welcoming, friendly, and fun

     • Don’t forget to smile and use gestures whenever possible (e.g. waving).

   • Props / Costumes

     • Be sure to show some!

     • Wigs, hats, headbands can be fun. Make sure they are not too distracting

4. Short Bio: ready to use

   • For all companies, you will need a short bio. Do not worry, there is a basic template, just fill in the blanks.

   • Make a mini paragraph using the template sentences: (you can edit the format and words after you have a draft, but this is  standard):

     • Hello, my name is (first & last name). 

     • I come from (country). 

     • I graduated from (University name) and got a Bachelor's degree. 

     • My major is (Major). 

     • I have (##) years of teaching experience.

     • I have taught  (write your own or use any suggestions)

       1. all subjects

       2. many different subjects

       3. All ages of students/children

       4. many different age groups

       5. in various schools

       6. in various settings

     • It is my goal to make learning  (write your own or use any suggestions)

       1. fun

       2. educational

       3. engaging

       4. comfortable

       5. interactive

     • My hobby(s) is/are  (write your own or use any suggestions)

       1. read

       2. write

       3. travel

       4. hike

       5. cook

       6. run

       7. swim

       8. sing

       9. dance

       10. garden

       11. watch movies

       12. spend time with family

       13. bike

       14. bake

       15. exercise

       16. sew

       17. crafts

       18. play sports 

     • My profession is (write your own or use a suggestion)

       1. K-12 teacher

       2. substitute teacher

       3. Professor

       4. Graduate student

       5. Professional

       6. Freelancer