The Biggest Myths About Remote Teaching (and the Truth Behind Them)
There is no doubt remote teaching has been widely criticized and challenged as a viable alternative to the traditional classroom setting. However, remote teaching has transformed education and is quickly becoming a booming industry with lucrative options for teachers looking for a change from oversized classrooms, complacent administrators, safety and behavior concerns, and endless reforms with mounting responsibilities added to their already full plates. And despite all the reasons for leaving the classroom, the negative myths that persist around the viability of remote teaching still exist.
If you're an educator considering a shift to online teaching, you may have encountered skepticism from colleagues or even had your own doubts. But let me reassure you—remote teaching is not just a valid career path; it’s an incredibly rewarding one.
Are you interested in exploring the fulfilling reality of remote teaching and all the perks that come with the freedom of teaching from anywhere? Then, you are on the right page! Read on as I bust some of the biggest myths about remote teaching!
The COVID Effect: A Misleading Introduction to Remote Teaching
If you were teaching in March of 2020, then you will remember the scramble schools had in flipping lessons and training teachers, parents, and students to utilize online learning platforms and resources. For many, the idea of remote teaching is tainted by their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Schools and teachers were thrust into emergency remote instruction with little preparation, leading to frustration for both educators and students. But let’s be clear—what happened during the pandemic was not reflective of high-quality, well-planned remote teaching. That was crisis learning.
In reality, true remote teaching is carefully designed, leveraging engaging technology and instructional strategies tailored for online learners. Remote teaching companies provide training and support for new hires during their onboarding process. When done right, it is not only productive but also lucrative and deeply fulfilling.
Myth #1: Remote Teaching Isn’t Real Teaching
Some believe that teaching outside the traditional classroom means sacrificing real engagement and impact. But think about it—what makes a great teacher? It’s not the four walls of a classroom, but the ability to connect, inspire, and educate.
Online educators use tools like live video sessions, interactive assignments, and multimedia resources to create engaging lessons. Various digital teaching platforms (usually provided by online teaching organizations) enable educators to lead discussions, provide real-time feedback, and foster meaningful relationships with students across the globe. Whether you're helping a student master skills for standardized tests like SAT and AP or guiding a small group of students enrolled in school-based tutoring programs to improve their math and reading skills, the impact is just as profound as it is in a physical classroom.
Many remote teachers find that the virtual setting enhances their ability to tailor lessons to individual students. In fact, many remote teaching opportunities are focused lessons in specific subjects with the same grade level over a period of weeks, a semester, or a school year. For example, I teach an AP Language and Composition course to the same group of students twice a week during the fall and four times a week in the Spring. Without the distractions of a noisy classroom, you can focus on truly personalizing education. And when you see a student’s excitement and aha moment —whether through a webcam or in a chat message—you’ll know you’re making a difference.
Myth #2: Students Don’t Learn as Much Online
There's a common belief that students don’t absorb as much information in an online setting. In reality, many students thrive in remote learning environments and prefer it. So do their parents, who are looking for alternative learning options for their children. Some learners struggle in traditional classrooms due to social anxieties, rigid schedules, or distractions. Online education allows students to engage at their own pace and take more ownership of their learning.
For example, feedback from one of my parents said that they loved seeing how engaged their child was and how he looked forward to logging in for our sessions. The mom noted that his former classroom teachers always complained that he was not engaged and did not participate in class discussions, leaning on this as the reason for his declining grades. My experience was the complete opposite with him, and he shared his opinions and added accurate historical context whenever we discussed the literature we read. The offer of flexibility and personalization of remote learning helps cater to different learning styles, making education more effective rather than less.
Myth #3: Online Learning Lacks Human Connection
A major concern for teachers considering the switch is the loss of personal interaction. But ask any seasoned online educator, and they’ll tell you the opposite is true—remote teaching can actually foster deeper relationships with students.
In a virtual classroom, you’re often meeting students one-on-one or in small, focused groups, allowing for more meaningful conversations. Digital learning platforms offer discussion boards, breakout rooms, and messaging tools to encourage constant engagement. Many virtual classroom tools provide interactive features that mimic—and sometimes even improve upon—face-to-face communication.
When I first transitioned to remote teaching, I was surprised at how deeply I connected with my students. Now, I teach literature and writing to kids from all over the world, discussing SAT questions with students in Panama and analyzing essays with another group in LA. Daily,I am connecting with students from so many unique locations and diverse backgrounds all around the world. The human connection is definitely there!
Myth #4: Remote Teaching Is Easier Than Traditional Teaching
Some assume that teaching online is as simple as uploading a few videos and letting students learn passively. The reality? Effective remote teaching requires just as much (if not more) effort and creativity as traditional teaching.
Remote educators must design engaging digital content, master virtual tools, and find innovative ways to motivate students without the structure of a physical classroom. Many online teachers create high-quality video lessons, interactive exercises, and discussion prompts that require meticulous planning.
But the upside? You have the freedom to create lessons in a way that works best for you. Instead of being confined by school bells and rigid schedules, you can teach from a beach, a cozy RV in the mountains, or your own backyard. Many teachers find that the flexibility and autonomy of remote teaching reignite their passion for education.
Myth #5: Online Teaching Isn’t a Sustainable Career
Many teachers worry that remote education lacks job stability. But in reality, online learning is growing exponentially. Schools, businesses, and independent learning platforms are constantly expanding their virtual offerings, increasing demand for skilled remote educators.
Whether you’re working for an established virtual school, offering private tutoring, or creating your own courses on an e-learning platform, there are countless opportunities to build a thriving teaching career online. Some teachers even find they earn more in remote teaching than in traditional settings, especially those who develop their own courses, offer specialized tutoring, or freelance for multiple companies to maximize opportunities.
The Reality: Remote Teaching Is a Life-Changing Opportunity
Remote teaching isn’t just a career change—it’s a lifestyle change. Imagine waking up and setting your own schedule, teaching students from all over the world, and having the freedom to travel or spend more time with family. Imagine the satisfaction of knowing you’re still making a difference—just without the stress of commutes, rigid school policies, or burnout.
If you’ve been hesitant about transitioning to online teaching, know this: it’s real, it’s rewarding, and it’s absolutely worth exploring. The future of education is digital, and as a passionate, skilled teacher, you have a place in it.
So, are you ready to take the leap? Your next classroom might not have walls, but it will be just as full of possibility, learning, and connection as any other.
