If you’re an online teacher or looking to become one, you’ve likely spent considerable time searching for the best platform to focus your efforts. However, one of the top platforms for teaching online is one you might not have heard of. A dynamic and interactive live teaching program called Magic Ears is earning excellent reviews from both teachers and parents.
If you’d like to expand your teaching career and elevate your work-from-home income to new heights, the Magic Ears platform may be exactly what you need. The question is, does it live up to its claims? In this Magic Ears review, we’ll examine this company to determine if it’s among the best options for your online teaching career.
What Is Magic Ears?
Magic Ears is an online English class provider specializing in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to Chinese children. Founded in 2016 by three Chinese parents who were dissatisfied with existing market options for their children’s English education, they decided to create their own solution. Magic Ears believes all children should access the benefits of learning English as a second language to compete more effectively in the global economy.
Is Magic Ears Legit?
Despite being a newer addition to the online ESL market, Magic Ears is a legitimate company. The company recently merged with VIPThink, aiming to expand both platforms and improve access to online Math and English education.
From kid-friendly branding to an active teacher support group on Facebook, Magic Ears cultivates a family-like culture and remains committed to developing both its students and teachers.
How Do Magic Ears Work?
Magic Ears maintains a 4:1 ratio for all classes to ensure optimal value and successful outcomes for both students and teachers. Classes run for 25 minutes, with the company’s primary focus on children aged 4 to 12.
All Magic Ears classes are conducted via video conferencing software with engaging interactive features like songs, games, videos, awards, and slideshows. Magic Ears provides the curriculum, slides, and teaching materials their staff needs, so teachers only need to prep for class, teach, and complete student evaluations. Each class accommodates up to four students, with numbers varying based on demand.
What Is Required to Be an Online ESL Teacher?
Education and qualification requirements for teaching with Magic Ears vary among agencies. Companies typically prefer hiring teachers from native English-speaking countries like the United States and Canada.
They believe children benefit most from learning English with native speakers. Additionally, specialized teaching certification such as TESOL or TEFL is typically required and recognized by employers worldwide.
You’ll also need a reliable computer with a recent Windows or Mac operating system, a high-quality webcam and microphone, a strong internet connection, and a quiet workspace for the online teaching platform.
Other Qualifications: Do I Need a Degree for Magic Ears?
Magic Ears requires applicants to possess a Bachelor’s degree (in any subject) or an official college transcript showing progress toward a Bachelor’s degree. Beyond the BA degree, you’ll need ESL certification. However, Magic Ears offers a convenient online 120-hour TESOL course if you lack certification. This course can be completed for just $20.
Like other online English teaching platforms, native English-speaking applicants receive priority, and applicants must be from the U.S. or Canada. Previous ESL teaching experience is strongly preferred but not required!
Please Note: Currently, Magic Ears has paused hiring California teachers due to recently enacted state self-employment laws.
Magic Ears Application Process
The Magic Ears application process typically takes 3-5 business days.
Step 1: Apply – The hiring process begins with a quick and easy online application that takes just minutes to complete. This application requests your name, location, education, and English language teaching background. After completion, you should receive an interview invitation within two business days. If you don’t qualify, you’ll receive a message at the end of your application.
Step 2: Interview Demo – Next, you’ll complete an interview demo, also called the mini demo. You can choose between a live 5-8 minute interview or a recorded 3-5 minute interview. If you select the live interview, you’ll “teach” a Magic Ears team member as if they were your student. Applicants choosing the recorded option will act as though teaching an invisible student.
Step 3: Teaching Demo – After passing the interview process, you’ll advance to a full trial demo lasting 10-15 minutes. This is your moment to shine! For the demo, you’ll teach an actual student while trainers evaluate your lesson. If you don’t pass this section, you may receive a second opportunity with feedback.
Step 4: Background Check – The final step before approval and teaching is a background check. This should be completed within 1-2 business days.
Step 5: Sign Your Contract – Upon successfully completing the entire hiring process and being selected to join the platform, you’ll receive an official offer from Magic Ears. You’ll begin with a 6-month minimum commitment, reviewed every six months for contract renewal.
Passing the Magic Ears Trial Class
Magic Ears provides extensive training and teaching materials to applicants before this step, making passing your trial class manageable. (You can even join the Magic Ears Q&A Facebook Group and request a mentor for additional help!) Here are interview tips to help ensure you get hired:
Show Passion – Veteran teachers successfully signed to the platform suggest the company values energy and enthusiasm in applicants. For your best chance at getting hired as an online English teacher, amplify your energy levels and inject as much passion as possible into your live interview and teaching demos!
Use Props – Magic Ears recommends using at least two props per class. Bring props to your interview or demo lesson to impress evaluators during the hiring process.
Sing (or Dance) Along – During interactive portions of the class, teachers often help young children stay engaged by singing or dancing along to music. Your interviewer or evaluator will likely look for consistent engagement throughout.
Be Professional – Treat your interview process and trial class like a genuine teaching experience. Don’t eat or drink during the course, talk to others off-camera, or do anything you wouldn’t do in a typical class or meeting. Be mindful of background noise, your surroundings, and other video elements.
Be Yourself – Watching Magic Ears teacher videos can be intimidating when you see their energy and enthusiasm levels. It’s essential to be authentic in your interview and trial class, letting your unique teaching style shine through. While they value passionate teachers, Magic Ears ultimately wants you to be genuine. You must demonstrate that you can teach students while helping them have fun, as Magic Ears prides itself on making learning enjoyable.
Decorate – Magic Ears loves seeing teachers fully engage with their teaching experience. If you like, decorate the space behind you like a classroom with colorful posters or wear a bright name tag. Your evaluator will likely appreciate that you went the extra mile to engage with your “students.”
Practice – To appear confident and knowledgeable during your interview and demo class, practice with a friend or family member. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the Magic Ears teaching platform will make your class experience smoother. Demonstrating proper working knowledge of all platform tools will help you pass your trial class.
Finally, ensure you have a reliable internet connection and quality laptop before beginning to teach.
How Much Money Can You Make With Magic Ears?
The crucial question every teacher wants answered is: how much does Magic Ears pay? This is especially important when weighing options and comparing different companies in the online ESL industry.
The good news is that Magic Ears’ pay rate is highly competitive, and some teachers find they can earn more on this platform than with other popular online ESL companies like VIPKid. Beyond a base pay rate of up to $26 per hour, teachers can earn bonus payments for teaching during peak hours or arriving to class early.
The more completed class slots you accumulate, the higher your base pay rate becomes.
For additional income, Magic Ears offers an affiliate program where you can earn money for approved teachers who sign up using your referral link.
The average part-time income earned by Magic Ears teachers appears to be around $1,500 per month. This will vary depending on your chosen working hours.
How Do I Get Paid on Magic Ears?
Each month, you receive payments for the previous month’s classes. These payments begin processing by the 3rd of the month, and you must sign and submit your payslip by the 8th to receive compensation by the 10th.
You need at least $50 in earnings to receive payment. Payments of $50 or less will be combined with next month’s wages, and amounts between $51-100 can only be accepted on PayPal or combined with the following month.
As an independent contractor rather than an employee, you’ll handle all your taxes and benefits.
Magic Ears Hours
Magic Ears operates a dynamic scheduling system based on when their Chinese students are most active. There’s a 12-hour difference between EST and Beijing time.
Available teaching hours for teachers include:
- Weekdays: 5am – 9am EST (5pm – 9pm BJT)
- Weekends: 9pm – 9am EST (9am – 9pm BJT)
- Holidays: 9pm – 4:30am EST (9am – 4:30pm BJT)
You can choose your schedule and set your availability time slots. Magic Ears recommends teachers work at least 10 hours per week but doesn’t set minimum hourly requirements. Your base booking rate varies depending on the hours you book.
Magic Ears pays teachers higher rates for working during peak hours. During summer breaks and holidays, you can secure more class slots.
Magic Ears vs. VIPKid and Other Teaching Companies
While many options exist for online teaching and tutoring jobs, Magic Ears is becoming increasingly popular in the ESL teaching community. Benefits of working for Magic Ears include flexible scheduling, instant booking creation, working from home, abundant training resources for teachers, and a lenient cancellation policy. Additionally, you don’t prepare teaching materials for online classes as the curriculum team handles this.
Getting approved for Magic Ears can be easier than VIPKid and other teaching companies requiring prior classroom teaching experience. Unlike those platforms, Magic Ears doesn’t require relevant work experience and places greater emphasis on certification, a Bachelor’s degree, teaching skills, and your live teaching evaluation.
Magic Ears’ requirements are reasonable, making it easy for new teachers to start. Consequently, many teachers have transitioned from VIPKid and other platforms to Magic Ears to replace or supplement their teaching income.
Magic Ears Pros and Cons
A quick search reveals blog posts and video reviews by dozens of satisfied Magic Ears teachers and a few individuals who have moved to other platforms.
Here are common pros and cons mentioned in Magic Ears reviews:
Pro: All-Inclusive – The Magic Ears teaching platform and curriculum stand out as one of the most convenient, easy, and enjoyable ways to teach English to kids online. With everything included, teachers require much less planning and preparation outside of class.
Pro: No Booking Minimum – Many teachers appreciate that Magic Ears has NO booking minimum. You can teach as little or as much as desired, and your schedule can vary each week or month. You can even take extended time off during your contract with at least 14 days’ notice.
Pro: Generous Pay – With base booking rates up to $26 per hour, Magic Ears pay is competitive and often higher than other popular teaching platforms, especially when bonus pay is included. Teachers earn more for attending class early, teaching during peak hours, and receiving top evaluations.
Pro: Teacher Support – As mentioned in this review, Magic Ears strongly supports its teachers. The company strives to make success and growth on the platform as easy as possible for current and potential teachers. Online training videos, 1-on-1 mentorship, dedicated managers, and two different Facebook groups for prospective and active teachers all contribute to the community feeling Magic Ears teachers enjoy. Support staff is always available via email or Magic Ears’ internal messaging system for questions, concerns, or tech issues.
Pro: Cancellation Policy – Magic Ears teachers also praise the company’s generous cancellation policy, among the industry’s best. As a Magic Ears teacher, you can cancel classes anytime without consequence or financial penalty. Additionally, if your student cancels, you’ll still get paid if you wait in the classroom for them.
Con: No Consistency – While most Magic Ears teachers enjoy the platform’s flexibility, some may dislike that class assignments are random, meaning you likely won’t teach the same students in subsequent classes. For teachers who enjoy online teaching for the individual bonds they can form with students, Magic Ears doesn’t provide opportunities for meaningful connections.
Con: Teaching Style – Magic Ears classes are highly energetic and often require extensive call-and-response and TPR-style teaching (involving frequent gestures and facial expressions). This teaching style, while enjoyable, isn’t suitable for everyone.
Final Thoughts: Magic Ears
If you’re an online ESL teacher seeking the next great opportunity to advance your career, Magic Ears would be worth trying.
If you possess the education, are a native English speaker, have teaching certification, and maintain the vibrant personality needed to navigate their screening process, Magic Ears offers a fun and straightforward way to earn decent money teaching English online. Even those who have found success on teaching platforms like VIPKid may benefit from trying Magic Ears.
Have you worked for Magic Ears? Share your experience in the comments section below!
