Is the online ESL INDUSTRY DOOMED? with Blain Lassiter of Magic Ears and VIPKID

[@sarahkamala1973]

Thank you you guys, this is very inspiring and I am now going to make a webpage to help recruit teachers for magic Ears! You guys ROCK!

[@LingLab]

That is awesome! Did you make your page?

[@reginapustelak5420]

I am new to this idea and seriously considering going into the online teaching ESL industry. I believe in being proactive and doing research. I have watched a ton of videos about VIPKID and how to apply, etc even have a friend who works with them and loves it. Still hesitant. Came across Blaine's channel first then led me here. Also watched a video by another ME teacher that recently resigned. Soooo.... it's almost an entire year since you both made this video. I wonder in what ways, if any, your experience and perspective with Magic Ears has changed?

[@michelleleawinebarger4992]

Hope and Blain, thank you for this video! It is so helpful to hear about the backstory of online ESL companies and Magic Ears. You're both so knowledgeable and I appreciate the candor and honesty. Glad we're not doomed haha. Love from Tennessee :)

[@LingLab]

Hey Michelle! Thanks so much for the comment! It was nice to meet you!

[@VIPKidHealth]

Nice video guys I enjoyed the talk and insight. I think it is very important for teachers to keep the mindset that they have options and choices. This prevents them from stressing out too much over 'negative' actions.

[@stacydeaton3705]

Hope and Blain, thank you! Your videos answered many questions I've had about Magic Ears and the 4:1 student-teacher ratio. Do you spend more time completing feedback for 4 students you have never taught before, as opposed to 1, who might be a regular student, giving you and the student the benefit of building on past discussions in lessons? I am on my 4th contract with the only online ESL company I've taught for, and I so crave the kindness Magic Ears shows their teachers. You've shared this wonderful quality of the company with us for over a year now. I honestly still do not feel that warm, caring company-to-teacher feeling Magic Ears seems to have mastered. But I fear teaching 4 students I've never seen before all at one time, and then writing feedback for each one of them. I'm in brick-and-mortar teacher and already spend probably too much time on feedback doing 25 to 30 classes each week. I love to know your thoughts. So grateful for you guys!

[@LingLab]

Stacy, you are right that writing feedback can take longer with four students. However, many have mastered this and can do it quickly by using a program or having some pre-planned responses that they can personalize for each situation and student. I understand your hesitation. I wouldn't recommend a jump from one to the other because for me, it took about a month to really feel like I was tired of teaching with VK and preferred ME. If you decide to apply, I'd recommend just doing Magic Ears for your very first class of the day. It will pick up your energy and you'll notice a difference in your VK classes. After keeping that schedule for awhile, consider if you'd like to add more classes in.

[@ang.giselle2024]

Why did I hear so many people quit Magic Ears? I am happy for you that you are excelling. It will be one year that I am teaching at the end of April, so that experience is valuable.

[@LingLab]

I hadn't heard that although I do know some teachers do quit. Congratulations on your year of teaching!

[@EnglishwithJulie]

I love listening to your perspectives.

[@EnglishwithJulie]

I am just curious when the last time is that you have received feedback from ME? That was one of the things that really attracted me to ME but the FB is gone now. I got some personal feedback when asking via email what I can do to become Magic Master and their response was that I didn't spend enough time on social media and that I didn't refer enough. Therefore, I kind of gave up on that because I am not going to refer that much when it doesn't pay until the referral teaches 40 classes. I was spending hours on social media for free and it wasn't enough. I've asked for FB on a couple classes that received poor ratings and the last response was that they can no longer send me my own classes due to privacy reasons. Personal feedback seems a thing of the past at ME now. Just a thought.

[@LingLab]

They are working on revamping the ranking system. They do really value community contribution as well as excellent teaching, because teachers can learn to be better teachers in the community. They do still give feedback when they feel something should be addressed. I agree that the referral system and bonus structure shows room for improvement. We need to be vocal about our concerns and I feel confident they will make adjustments like they have in the past for issues we have raised. Thanks so much for your comment! Just a thought, send them your videos and remind them that youtube contribution is social media as well. Also, don't hesitate to share your videos, not just during moscars, in the groups. Maybe this will help, maybe it won't. Good luck!

[@StephRivera]

That was fun to watch!

[@LingLab]

Thanks, Stephanie!

[@ReticulatingSplines_]

Cool. I used to watch Blain's vipkid videos, so I was wondering what he's up to now.

[@LGeneticbeautyH2O]

Thank you both! Great conversation with lots of insight. Linda I used your link to apply but, it won't take my TEFL or my degree , therefore I cannot submit the application. Would you be so nice as to help me out with this please? Thank you.

[@laurarisdallminnesotateach4914]

13:45 I have felt this pull to different companies, and my mindset is definitely shifting. I think that coming from a B&M school, you feel loyalty to one company or one school. But I'm beginning to see myself as more of a contractor, open to different bidders. I'm curious to where this will go!

[@jewellwright5092]

Hi, Hope! Hi, Blain! Thanks for another great video. Hope, I tried to apply with your code but thinking it didn’t go through...did you get anything on your end?

[@LingLab]

I do see a Jewel on my list and it shows your interview is next. Check your portal to see if you can schedule it and if not, email [e-mail] and ask.

[@TeacherBrett]

Great conversation!

[@susie3790]

Hi Hope. Thank you for this information. Hope, is your change in companies the reason why I have not heard from you? I used your referral link last week on VK and the site did not reject it. Thank you for your work and all of your sharing of information.

[@LingLab]

Hi Sgl, I am not checking in over at VK as much these days. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

[@rachelreeves3433]

Does Magic Ears require a minimum number of hours a week? When I applied several months ago they did, so i didn't finish the entire process bc i realized once my husband also started working from home it would be hard to hit the minimum hours and get a bonus from both companies.

[@LingLab]

No, they don't have a minimum any longer.

[@mccoys2009]

I would love to have the kids from a few different countries in one class!!