I just completed the VIPKID interview process. Because I am not an ESL teacher, this interview process was definitely challenging. First, you apply online. You must have a bachelor degree and teaching experience to be considered. I am elementary teacher so this was easy for me. Next, they schedule you for a demo. The demo, which consist of you giving a 10 minute class, is based on slides which VIPKID provides, questions about your educational and teaching background, and then feedback on how well you did on your demo. The process takes about 30 minutes. While I did well on being energetic (I am a kindergarten teacher so this is natural for me), I sucked on Total Physical Response (TPR) and time management. Although I had watch a lot of YouTube videos on how to pass the demo which include TPR, I still had not grasped it yet. However the interviewer must have saw something in me because I passed to the next stage. The next stage is called the MOCK 1 stage, You have six days to schedule and complete this stage but before you can do the MOCK 1, you have to read some literature, watch several videos and then take an online quiz on the material. This will take approximately six hours but they give you two days to complete this part. After completing this, you are now ready for the Mock 1. Mock 1 is a 25 minute presentation broken down into two parts. It will take an hour to complete because it includes the presentation and feedback from your mentor. VIPKID will provide the slides for the class. Now, I am back to watching more YouTube videos and practicing. Unfortunately, my initial MOCK 1 had to be reschedule because I was using wireless internet and the connection was poor. So, I ended up buying a cable to plug directly into the modem. My next MOCK 1, the connection was much better however while I had improved on TPR, I was still not proficient and again, time management was an issue. There were also other things that I needed to improve upon. Nevertheless, I was told that I could go onto MOCK 2 (final chance to get it right). Again, the slides are provided for you. Same format, it is a 25 minute presentation with feedback. I think that I had 3 days to schedule the MOCK 2 and complete it. So, I am back to watching more videos and practicing. However, Mock 2 was definitely fun for me. By now, I had become more proficient in TPR and my mentor was wonderful in helping me to relax. However, time management was still an issue for me. As a kindergarten teacher, I tend to explain and really elaborate on everything and this hurt me because in MOCK 2, the mentor was acting like a student that had certain amount of proficiency in English. But, my TPR had improved.:-) And again, there were some things that I needed to improve upon. So after completing this stage, I waited for approximately 1 1/2 days to find out if I would be hired or not. VIPKID hired me! Now, what I learned from this experience:
1. Be energetic and enthusiastic.
2. Know TPR.
3. Manage your time.
4. Be engaging and interactive with the student. Always encourage them to speak English.
5. Watch many, many YouTube videos by VIPKID teachers about how to successful pass the demo and the mocks
6. Make sure that you have a "great" internet connection, good sound capability, and good lighting
8. Don't take the process lightly...study and pay attention to the feedback provided.
9. Give it your BEST!
Finally, I have read some reviews where it was mentioned that VIPKID was selective in regards to race. I definitely did not find this an issue. I am an older minority female and my interviewer and mock mentors were all very pleasant and professional towards me. Overall, it was a great learning experience. The interview process challenged me, which I liked. Now, I am excitedly looking forward to meeting and teaching my new students!
