Thinking about teaching English online? If you love working with children and want a flexible, rewarding job, Novakid might be the perfect fit for you. As a platform used by more than 500,000 young students around the world, Novakid has become known for its playful yet effective approach to teaching English. Here’s what you need to know before joining the platform.

Novakid is an online ESL (English as a Second Language) platform that offers one-on-one classes to kids aged 4 to 12. Each lesson lasts 25 minutes and follows a professionally developed curriculum focused on speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
But what really sets Novakid apart is its use of technology. Classes are interactive and game-based, making them fun and effective. Kids can earn points, do homework assignments, and even customize their avatars—kind of like Duolingo, but designed just for children.
Behind the scenes, Novakid uses AI to track over 1,500 “micro-skills,” such as grammar use or fluency. This helps teachers and parents see exactly how a student is progressing.
Given its focus on educating kids, Novakid carefully screens applicants to ensure they meet specific teaching criteria. Here’s what you need to qualify:
A bachelor’s degree in any field
A TEFL certificate with at least 120 hours of training (CELTA and DELTA also accepted)
You’ll need a minimum of one year’s experience working with young learners—teaching experience is especially valued
Fluent English skills (you don’t have to be a native speaker, but strong language skills are essential)
You’ll also need:
A reliable laptop or desktop with updated software
A strong internet connection
A headset with a microphone
A weekly teaching schedule of 20 hours or more is necessary
A basic understanding of interactive teaching tools and games
Your pay will depend on your experience and qualifications, but most teachers earn between $15 and $25 per hour. Some benefits include:
Performance bonuses based on student progress and parent reviews
Get compensated for referring other high-quality teachers to Novakid
Stock options for long-term teachers
Free training and upskilling programs
Payments are handled regularly and without hassle—no chasing invoices or confusing schedules.
Applying is relatively simple, but Novakid sets a high bar when choosing its instructors. Here's what to expect:
Start by applying through the website and providing proof of your qualifications, including your degree and TEFL certificate.
Pass a tech check to make sure your setup is compatible with Novakid’s classroom.
Take part in a 25-minute interview, which features a 10-minute demonstration lesson conducted with a Novakid team member.
Finish a training module that familiarizes you with Novakid’s instructional approach and classroom tools.
Start teaching! Once your contract is approved, you’ll be ready to go live.
Tip: Watch sample lessons on Novakid’s YouTube channel to understand the energy and style expected in the classroom.
Pros:
Flexible schedule: Work from home, part-time or full-time
Structured support: Set curriculum and resources make lessons easy to follow
One-on-one classes: Build real relationships with students
Good pay and regular bonuses
Open to non-native speakers who meet the requirements
Professional growth: Access to training and a great résumé booster
Cons:
Strict 20-hour minimum per week, which may not suit part-time freelancers
Fixed curriculum: Less room for creative lesson planning
Catering solely to children, which may not appeal to teachers aiming to instruct older age groups.
Selective hiring: You must meet all criteria to be considered
If you enjoy working with children, want to make a difference in young learners' lives, and meet the qualifications, Novakid can be a fantastic place to grow your online teaching career. With its fun, tech-forward platform and global reach, Novakid is more than just a job—it’s a chance to shape the next generation of English speakers.