Magic Ears Interview: Step by Step

[@brianneholt7809]

I said more or less the same thing in a reply to a comment here, but I wanted to make sure anyone who needs encouragement can see it: Before I started teaching ESL online I NEVER thought that I could act like this. I honestly thought I would just look ridiculous. Well, I've been doing it for over a year now and I'm so glad I went for it and loosened up in regards to thinking I would look "silly" because it's the best job I've ever had. It's a lot easier to act like this when there are actual kids there to interact with and you can see the joy that you bring them. My best tip is to invent a persona for yourself that you can just have fun with! I never saw myself working with kids, and now I LOVE working with kids a lot more than working with adults, and I've been quite successful with it. I hope this gives someone the encouragement they need! I think maybe people could surprise themselves with how much they'd enjoy it if they tried. Good luck!

[@karib574]

But do you NEED to act like this? Is this geared towards teaching preschoolers? This would not be my style and I'm much more interested in teaching older kids.

[@SaneKoi13]

I really appreciate this comment, I'm like starting in this teaching English career and I'm VERY anxious. I'm still taking certification classes...

[@FarrahB]

I hope they pay you good for all the effort you put into this video and for the company.

[@alexg5513]

I understand that young students need an interactive, funny and happy teacher to engage them but this is ridiculously OTT and so sickly sweet. I would never put my child into a class with this kind of teacher it is so fake.

[@veronicav1779]

agree 100%

[@elal2626]

Honestly I don't act this way with my current students but all of them love my classes. Too much acting, I don't think students like it especially from China, my students don't like me to display a fake smile.

[@jalex.musica]

It's just me, but in my previous job, I'd just keep a dry casual smile. But you know, still be friendly and say "Hi so-and-so. How are you today? If they said "good", I'd say, "Well that's good to hear. Let's get started, shall we?"

[@josephlongfellow6831]

I agree, I've been teaching children online for years and I don't act like this as well. I just teach and have fun. They are more interested in learning and the parents are wanting professionals.

[@MalakKleit]

Thank you so much Teacher April, I followed your tips and advice and I passed the interview!

[@CassDelores]

Are you still with MagicEars and do you like it?

[@slnhn]

well this pretty much kills my eligibility to teach for Magic Ears. No way could I act goofy like that for a half hour!

[@122222770]

Then you shouldn't work with kids.

[@josephinegracie44]

well is just a matter of just making the student filling comfortable

[@boyar1978]

just have a glass of vodka before you do it and you will be so out of it you wont know you did it.

[@ga1921]

my god! dude, you read my mind. I just scheduled an interview with magic ears and I've started having second thoughts. cause this is clearly more acting than teaching.

[@ga1921]

I didn't even bother showing up for the interview. Thank God for this video. It's more of an audition than a demo for a class.

[@gusdiaz2382]

As a Teacher to any type of Student or any age group, you must learn to adapt to different styles of Teaching. For Example: small children respond more to playing games, songs, and acting Goofy. While Adults can respond better to, Proper Pronunciation, Grammer, Sentence Structure and I especially mix in a little Humor with your lessons. Don't forget that as Teachers we must be willing to be Councelors, Freinds, and much more. It is a learning process for both Student as well as Teacher.

[@msevergreen7289]

Gotta break it to ya... this is the reality of being a successful online ESL teacher. If you don't act super enthusiastic like you're on a kids tv show, the kids will struggle to engage and the parents won't rebook. You can adjust your use of incidental language based on how well the students are picking up the content. Adaptability and super happy energy is crucial though! :)

[@msevergreen7289]

just trying to be helpful to my coteachers. Play to win if you want to succeed in the ESL online teacher game. And don't be rude to crack users. Being a drug addict isnt something to joke about.

[@msevergreen7289]

@Jimmy L Needham easy bro, you're reading way too much into this, lol. Thanks for that laugh tho

[@msevergreen7289]

Well, it's been fun, but since I've actually been hired by ME I've got classes to teach and students to laugh with. Good luck 🤞 Katniss out

[@tjfortunato]

she said not to try to act like her. showing enthusiasm is different for everyone. remember you are online so enthusiasm is key for kids used to entertainment. if they have fun they forget they are learning.

[@MagicEars]

Perfect!

[@grievousangelic]

April, your teaching style reminds me of the old Romper Room TV show with "Miss Sally." It was a phenomenally successful show and ran nationwide, and was franchised internationally.

[@doodoodunderh3ad722]

This is more acting than it is teaching lol

[@emilyschaedle8482]

It is with the interview. But once you watch the training videos after getting hired, you'll notice they aren't bubbly all the time. Just during the interview.

[@mbvlove3133]

So true I’m a preschool teacher this is a bit much

[@calripplebear1293]

it's a bit much, but I think they're overemphasizing the energy and positivity because maybe a lot of the applicants they have don't get the job because they are lacking these things, which are pretty key when dealing with very young ESL children. You have to 'sell' English to the kids. And, once they're interested, then they will likely be easier to deal with. That's just my thought. I had a few 'unmotivated' kids in my classes too. You just keep on coming up with interesting things, showing positivity, and hopefully they'll come to. Not always, but often times that's what it takes to turn the tide. People who become easily discouraged will have a difficult time with ESL kids. Not all of them are excited about learning. I mean think about it. If you had the option between watching a screen of someone trying to speak to you in a language you didn't know, who was rather boring like and uninteresting vs. playing on your ipad or mobile phone pretty much any game you wanted...which would you do (as a kid)?

[@Den9082]

acting the apes indeed... that is a good fit for being a clown in a circus.. not a teacher actually..

[@tonischumann2644]

This has completely put me off applying. I mean who actually teaches like that- sounds so false!

[@danielkoehler5700]

This is absolutely insane

[@charlettedarby8488]

good job. My interview is coming up. You were a great help.

[@izagrek8878]

If I was 3 years old, I would run away - fast!

[@Gozyization]

Absolutely. This is too animated.

[@manonleblanc2919]

I teach kids and I don't need to act like that. Just be lively and interesting.....I doubt I'll be applying for Magicears.........

[@richardblackmore9351]

Are we expected to have all of those props before we even have the job? Now I am scared.

[@Bambino1974]

I'm not sure I can be so bubbly.

[@MagicEars]

It's not for everyone, but it may be for you! Watch a few of our class samples and see if you can get a feel for it!

[@122222770]

@@MagicEars Do we need to download the platform and then that gives us the options on this screen?

[@Gozyization]

Good grief! What is this?! I couldn’t crack a fake smile if you chiselled it on me. I’ll just shuffle along and find a gig more suited to my (tried and tested) natural demeanor.

[@nancyoakley4727]

Wish you had more videos, April. This one helped me a lot. I'm getting ready to apply.

[@MagicEars]

Yes, we need more videos from April!

[@lyndsiemmiles]

This helped me so much! Thank you for putting this together.

[@MagicEars]

Thank YOU for watching! Good luck!

[@apjpisared]

Òk no disrespect to the school- I was thinking about this job for extra cash but honestly I am a grown man working in IT support, as well as often having side gigs in teaching and translating-I have a degree in languages plus 4-5 years English teaching experience in Poland and Austria but I am now based in The Czech Republic where you need a TEFL/TESOL to teach here. I think I will do their TESOL course as it is accredited and affordable, but then actually just teach for local schools and work with adults and kids, but in a less demanding way, no offence. I have heard their TESOL course is alright, and once I have that I will look for extra work teaching Business English again. This enthusiasm is too much, I don't think 75% of teachers can actually behave like this. I am sure it works for some people, but not for a lot of teachers.

[@TheSingleMumEntrepreneur]

Glad you said this! I have a degree in German and French, and did TESOL in Germany for 3 years in the early 90's. I need to do an updated TESOL course and I will probably buy their TESOL training for the same reasons as you said. I would rather teach adults or teenagers and there's no way I could sustain this level of fake bubbliness. I'm not sure I could do it for 1 minute, let alone 30 minutes!

[@antoinetterandall4115]

Thank you 😊 so much for helping 😂😂 m😂e prepare for my 1st preparation, I pray 🙏 for an interview I'm just as I write ✍️ down this message 📖🖍 too you, I am so excited to could have found the Company you are working for. 🙇‍♀️Thank you once again 😂 for making my preparation 😊 just so much easier. 😅 May the Lord Bless 🙌 🙏 you abundantly more. Bye-bye 👋 🧚‍♀️👋

[@leahtreel]

April, you are doing a wonderful job! I know this will sound very stupid, but don't teachers say there is NO stupid question.... Anyway, How do you manage to draw on screen at the same time you are doing TPR? Your hands look very busy. You seem to be going pretty fast. Until I am more familiar with the lessons I'm sure I will not keep your pace. How much of a problem will this be?

[@MagicEars]

Writing while doing all the other things is an acquired skill. It will seem daunting at first but you will catch on soon enough with some practice!

[@sunseeker2009]

If you get a few complaints from parents I guess you won't last long.

[@naturemanironfist5621]

I cant get the platform to open, I want to practice . Does it open the day of the demo or something ?

[@madenewministries]

Nice video! I have my interview on Monday. 😀

[@MagicEars]

Best of luck to you!

[@1goodthing]

Is it aimed at deaf children?

[@jrwellington7575]

I'm interested in becoming a magic ears teacher but how can everyone be expected to be like that? Shes seems more like an actress than a teacher. It seems a little fake. I can be nice and kind and gentle but why would that be an example people are expected to emulate and follow?

[@MagicEars]

Our teachers have varying personalities. April is a great teacher and using her personality to advantage in the classroom. There are many ways to do it. We are working on getting more variety of classroom examples out for people to see. We hope you will come back and check soon!

[@tweedbunny]

She's teaching children. They're much more likely to be interested in an animated and exciting personality.

[@pauljdavies4042]

I taught students computing from 2yrs old to 20yrs - this approach works with the babies/younger students, they have the attention span of approx 90 seconds, if you aren't energetic they lose interest. I do this is in my current job, I am an introvert. It's just an act that you get used to - it can be switched off and on almost immediately. Look beyond the act, look at how much she covers - syllables, touch, body parts, food - all in a few minutes.

[@austinogbata1079]

teaching is about innovating your own style, this is all about teaching kids so whatever you think you can do to capture their attention . i believe that will be what you need. she is only creating her own style. i dont think you need to be like her

[@alexandrabanach1865]

Hello April! Thanks for your great video. I will be applying very soon to work with Magic Ears, so excited! I have a question, do you think that teaching with an iPad is possible?

[@MagicEars]

So glad you liked it! Unfortunately, an iPad will not work. :(

[@umeerapasha3198]

Will a litebook be possible to teach on windows 10

[@travelingteacher6770]

For the recorded demo, how do we create a link to our video? Thanks!

[@frankge8690]

Love you, April!!

[@apriltierney4067]

I love Magic Ears! :)

[@MagicEars]

April is great!

[@trevorbinkowski9023]

Your energy is amazing.

[@MagicEars]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@marksesl]

DO NOT APPLY TO Magic Ears. They engage in age prejudice. I did a great job giving my 8 minute interview, which I prepared hours for. They had encouraged me saying I would be a perfect fit. For the interview I had several fun props and was very playful and energetic for the entire 8 minutes. The interviewer told me the next step would be the trial 25 minute class, and I would be taught how to use the platform better. Oh, but the next day I was told I didn't pass. IMPOSSIBLE. I practiced their demo video over and over and did virtually all the same things. I'm 70 -- That's the problem.

[@melaniejarrett2953]

my coach is 50 plus years old...not sure that is true. Maybe you didn't do as well as you thought?

[@TheIntrinsicReport]

Not surprised. If they market their platform to Asian clients there's gonna be a lot of -isms coming at you. Asians are the number 1 consumers of cosmetic products globally for a reason. Their cultures prize perfection in a way that is off-putting to foreigners.

[@steve9473]

Are you working anywhere else right now Mark? I know Magic Ears doesn't have the best following.

[@TadoAllday]

I have a question for the application process. I am looking to record the demo however where do I access the demo lesson to prepare to teach it? I'm having trouble finding it on the screen.

[@angelatorres2316]

Thank you for the demo April! I plan to record my interview demo soon but I have a question. I was told that the recorded demo should be between 6 to 8 minutes long but if you time only the classroom demo that you do (without any of the instruction to us teachers) it's still closer to 11 minutes. Should I trim down how many times I have students repeat? Seems important that I get to every slide so I don't want to just cut off at 8 minutes. Or should I just submit a 10 minute recording? Just trying to determine what Magic Ears is wanting. Thanks!

[@MagicEars]

Thanks for you comment! I (the youtube manager) am trying to get an official answer for you. I know that quality is probably more important than timing but I want to be able to tell you for sure. In the meantime, you might also consider asking this question on our facebook Q&A group.

[@jamiefulwood5999]

Reminds me a little of Sesame Street, which I enjoyed as a kid growing up. Cool concept, may not be for everyone though.

[@karib574]

Agreed, like it's geared towards preschoolers...

[@zahraxabdi]

Thank you! I have applied and it has been longer than 1-2 business days and I have yet to recite a response and I have sent two emails and no reply.

[@oskroskroskroskr]

I find it extremely convenient that you guys just happened to mute such an unappealing song, I'm sure you know that many potential teachers will switch off

[@tanyabordelon2939]

If I do the recorded demo, will I have the lesson slides?

[@dereknicholl4300]

This approach really does put off many children!!!!!!!! It appears all about the teacher and this over powerful approach can alienate many students! Just so fake and annoying!

[@fadzaimanyeza9666]

This really put me off. I was considering applying but this is too much

[@j43w0n]

Same. I tried applying for other tutoring companies and failed twice. I'm gonna give this one a go now, but not sure how I can maintain that energy. I'm thinking about tryna channel my inner Steve from Blues Clues

[@mindsprawl]

How much English exposure have they had prior, and what is the age range?

[@michaelmyers1274]

I am a mom to 3 kids that all learned how to talk without me ever needing to act like this or use a puppet. This isn't even realistic. As a parent, I don't think many of us want our kids to have teachers that are on drugs, and that is exactly what I would need to teach like that. This is distracting and unnatural, and companies like this one are probably missing out on some good teachers by requiring that we all become mental patients to teach for them.

[@teachernancy458]

I just did my first live demo, and my nerves ruined it. I was so nervous I forgot to use my props and plug in my ethernet cord. I'm so sad 😥. I have over 2000 hours of online ESL teaching experience. I have never been this nervous. It was horrible.

[@maiterapatsa6549]

How it go?

[@buyikhumalombuyi6757]

HI APRIL in the demo interview will i be teaching the same content? as you show on the domo video or i will be given a different content

[@nyshareyes]

Are the demo interviews recorded on its own or do we need to screen record ourselves? I’m pretty sure I read that they were but now I can’t find where I read that 😂

[@justin97W]

What if I don’t have props?

[@groovymusick3929]

To all the children reading the comments , see this lady talking , shes on drugs , just say no to drugs

[@Raqmedia]

*This is Nitro teaching ^^*

[@peggymonroe2728]

How do you know when to change back and forth from group to single?

[@hisgrace.]

I hold a masters and bachelor's degree but no ESL Certification but have a license endorsement for reading/phonics for teaching license requirement in TN . Will this help me??

[@OhHalloLeibe]

I’m confused, are we supposed to sing with the video or not?

[@WorkatHomeChaos]

Are we expected to get through this entire lesson in the 8 minute demo ?

[@MagicEars]

Hello there! Here is some advice from an Interviewer at Magic Ears: "for the interview there is no set expectation of what they need to complete. I will stop them at 8 mins...if they are done w the material, great. If they aren't finished when I stop at 8 mins it still is great." Hope this helps! Good luck!

[@mlsaulnier]

@@MagicEars Thanks - that answered my question!

[@chrispeterson307]

In the ad in my town it said that a bachelor's degree was preferred but was not required. Is this not the case? I taught in a private school prior to getting married for 7 years and I also taught my 8 children at home for 16 years. I am an excellent teacher, but no bachelor's degree.

[@sunseeker2009]

Well they don't really know if anyone has a bachelor's degree or not. You shouldn't need one for this simple English. Degrees are only necessary for work visas. There are many teachers online with no degree.

[@FreeDuprey]

If you do t mind me asking what did you teach in a school?

[@cailinclarke9565]

Is Magic Ears hiring at the moment?

[@polymathtutoring1292]

What if I don't have any of the props? 😕

[@MagicEars]

This is something online ESL teachers must constantly address in creative ways. Consider making props or an unconventional approach to prop choice. If you draw a blank, ask others in the Magic Ears groups what they have used when the obvious prop isn't available. They will have some good ideas!

[@lisal8984]

Dollar tree

[@apjpisared]

@@MagicEars Ok this is why this is not for me. It is possible to teach kids and young people without doing it this way, I will be glad to do your course as I need a TESOL to get locally accredited, but I will work for other schools then. Kids do not always need shiny pictures of bananas and cardboard, they are very smart and can be stimulated in many more ways than above displayed(I am talking about kids aged 5-15 from my own experience). The above approach might work better with very young kids...

[@pauljdavies4042]

I am thinking of applying, my current employer (been with them for 13 months) uses Manycam, does Magic Ears allow the use of this? Thanks

[@mrjonathanellis7674]

Do we also have to sing when we teach? i Find your tone very singy...

[@fallleaves8684]

no

[@austinogbata1079]

hello Teacher April, i previously tried making an application through the application link but had problems uploading picture as well as submitting the application. please could you assist me get through the application page or is there any other means known to you

[@stellason92]

So do we prepare all of this for our interview or?? I have a live interview tomorrow but I assumed it would be getting accustomed to the platform and discuss my teaching status

[@kf4688]

So what happened after your live interview? did you get the job?

[@keshiekhouri6958]

Hi Apri I have just applied and waiting for the status of my application. I recorded my intro. video but wasn't able to post it. Now when I log in I don't see an option to post it. Can you tell me where I can upload the video?

[@MagicEars]

Please email us at [e-mail] if you are still experiencing difficulties!

[@austinogbata1079]

i am applying from England and a post graduate holder. hope that will be acceptable.

[@English1224]

Where is the teacher's manual? Thanks so much!

[@sandragregoli6936]

I think you are wonderful!

[@sl7150]

Love your video. Some teachers recommend very little incidental language. However, I notice you doing it often. For example, "Look Elsa! Let's practice banana!". What do you suggest?

[@MagicEars]

We do like some incidental language to keep the class flowing naturally. It shouldn't be way beyond what a student could understand in context of the class. Some ways to do this are to use the vocabulary in the transitional phrases, to introduce the next activity, or to praise the students. Here is a video on the use of Transitional Language in a Magic Ears class: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aYmngH6MfM5-ZtE

[@Cc-eq3ot]

hi there!Can i apply if i am not native and i don't have a bachelor's degree?

[@MagicEars]

We hire only native speakers with bachelors degrees or higher. Thanks for asking!

[@sunseeker2009]

You don't need a degree for this play acting. I know they ask for one but lots of teachers just send in a degree they photos hopped.

[@giovannatodaro001]

Hi! I'm planning on applying for Magic Ears, I have 5+ years experience of teaching esl abroad and I'm TEFL certified. I'm still working on getting my bachelor's degree, would this be a problem?

[@carven2004eca]

You have 5 years experience teach abroad with no bachelor's degree?

[@giovannatodaro001]

@@carven2004eca Yes, surprisingly many people do, in China it's called Guanxi.

[@carven2004eca]

@@giovannatodaro001 Okay. How is it teaching in China. I've been teaching here in Thailand for about 2.5 years. I like it here.

[@sunseeker2009]

No. You need a BA degree from the USA or UK or Australia to teach in China. Thailand pays peanuts.

[@janesinger2008]

Can the student write on the screen.

[@zainubansari2251]

Do you by chnace know why the volume doesn't increase like how it does in the box where I see you

[@MagicEars]

Teacher April's volume bar rose and fell with her voice. Is this what you are asking about?

[@zainubansari2251]

@Jimmy L Needham im actually a healthcare worker but thanks

[@hongseoul4550]

Hi! Is this the exact same lesson that I will be "teaching" for my own upcoming interview? Thanks so much!!

[@MagicEars]

No, it has changed! You will be able to view it once you book your interview!

[@acook76]

I have my interview tomorrow and when I previewed the lesson it was this exact one. I only ask again because I want to be prepared...

[@acook76]

Magic Ears see my comment/question below

[@elizabethvenable8661]

@@acook76 was it the same one??

[@elizabethvenable8661]

Because that's the one that loads

[@vashsam3467]

Better they say, they need clowns and monkeys then we'll find some.

[@lilv219]

Nobody of normal teachers can teach like this. Repulsive and implausible🥴 This way of teaching repels students

[@writerricnovelwritingcours8754]

Are they still in business?

[@archiemeijer9978]

That link to the song doesn't work.

[@MagicEars]

Oh no! We will get right on that.

[@juanlmartin]

the song is "baby shark" but they say "baby monkey - banananananas"

[@aiogalejavier9364]

Do they hire experienced online ESL teachers from the Philippines?

[@piggypigpig5153]

do they hire non-native speakers?

[@MagicEars]

Sorry, we do not hire non-native speakers

[@rjvids2019]

Hello teacher. Is the platform accepting Esl teachers from the non native countries like Philippines?

[@fallleaves8684]

nope

[@usharamnath1020]

Hi, is this open to South African teachers?

[@Mili-bedili]

Yes.

[@otsileletsoalo5990]

Hey April, I’m having a hard time booking a live interview. Can you please assist me 😭

[@sbonelondlovu892]

Same here Otsile. Have you received any help or found a way to manouvre through the difficulty?

[@gamingwithgraciemae]

Do you have to know any other languages other than english?

[@MagicEars]

Great question! Only English is required. We never use any other language in our immersive classrooms!

[@gamingwithgraciemae]

@@MagicEars Would you allow 16 year olds to teach?

[@MagicEars]

There is currently no age restriction, but all teachers must be eligible to work in the US or Canada and have a bachelors degree, or enrolled pursuing one.

[@qpuesrubenz]

grat video, very informative.

[@ndyer6005]

How annoying.. Not much teaching. Go apply to work for your local schools.

[@phumlamagasela632]

How do I record the demo I am struggling?

[@Test-vr3kf]

Hi there. I don't work for magic ears, but what parts are you struggling with? How to record (recording software?), what to do in the recording? couple of suggestions - if you don't how to record yourself, you can schedule a live demo instead - if you are not sure what to record, I recommend watching more video on this channel. If you do want to record, but want ideas how to get starts, please respond

[@Ojosraros23]

Did someone tell you to teach like that?

[@valeriefieber2725]

Thanks for the tips. Could you tell me the easiest way to obtain an ESL certificate?

[@MagicEars]

We are unable to officially endorse a company but if you ask this question in our Q&A facebook group, our teachers can recommend their favorites.

[@flakeycakey]

Hey, if you haven't found a program I got mine from Arizona Stat via Coursera online, Teach English Now. I loved it. Moves at your speed.

[@MAGA_Dec1773]

I feel like April was having a stroke this whole time. Either that or took some shrooms. No thanks

[@kimlass20]

I find it really weird that she uses the okay sign and the thumbs up sign. Those hand signals are objectively offensive in many cultures...

[@jeremyedwards9638]

This site teaches Chinese kids, and those signs aren't offensive in China

[@pavitrayavvari290]

please refer me mam

[@nazareneonia9013]

This is not teaching its annoying and also looks applicable if you teaching maybe 3 year olds

[@John-pl8fe]

No wonder you guys won't last long.

[@blaketaylor1097]

So you have to act like a total fruitcake to teach for Magic Ears? Do your actual credentials and experience even matter to them?