How to Create a VIPKid Classroom Background

As an online English teacher, having a nice background for your online classroom isn’t just a way to make your teaching space look nice. With VIPKid, classroom backgrounds are also an important factor in passing your interview and getting more bookings. Students (and just as importantly, their parents) want their online English teacher to look and act professional, and that starts with your classroom’s appearance. In this post, we’ll lay out all the VIPKid classroom background must-haves, share some ideas for setting up your background, and show off some of our favorite virtual classroom background examples from real VIPKid teachers!

VIPKid Background Must-Haves

Flat (or Corner) Surface

The most important part of creating your VIPKid classroom background: the location. VIPKid encourages teachers to remember that your teaching environment should present students (and teachers) with as little distraction as possible. That’s why we ask our teachers to set up their teaching space against a flat or corner wall, with windows, doors, furniture, and ceilings out of frame. This keeps the classroom environment child-friendly and minimizes distractions. 

Name Sign

When you teach English online, it’s always important to have your name displayed in your classroom background. Sharing your name creates an immediate connection with your students, and is even helpful for reinforcing English phonics and spelling. 

For example, introducing yourself by saying “I’m Teacher Ashley!” while pointing to your name sign that reads “Teacher Ashley” allows your student to make connections between the letters and the sounds that they make. 

Here are a couple to get you started:

Colored Pencils Name Sign Download

Rainbow Name Sign Download

Bright Colors

VIPKid’s statistics show that our online English tutors who use a background with bright colors get booked more frequently! It doesn’t have to be a bright rainbow background (though those are pretty awesome).

Good Lighting

You may not realize it, but poor lighting can really harm your virtual classroom’s background. You might have the perfect background, but if it’s too dark or too bright then students and their parents won’t be able to see it. 

How to Create Your VIPKid Classroom Background

When it comes to creating a virtual classroom background, there are a few ways you can go about it. Here are some of our favorites:

Use Household Items

Like everything else when it comes to being an online English teacher, it’s perfectly fine (and encouraged) to use items you already have around the house. When it comes to setting up their virtual classroom, many teachers hang a shower curtain on the wall behind them to create a fun, colorful, and affordable background! You can use an extra one you may have in your home, or purchase a cheap one online.

In addition to shower curtains, use maps and stuffed toys from around the house, free online printables, or whatever else you find that fits in your classroom! There’s no need to break the bank when creating your virtual classroom background. 

Purchase Premade Backgrounds

Don’t have time to craft your own virtual classroom space? There are plenty of premade virtual classroom backgrounds available to buy online. You’ll save time, get a professional-quality background, and support those who create them!

Craft Your Own Classroom Decorations!

Unleash your artistic side! Paint the wall behind you (or just find a clear wall space). Cut out stars or the letters of the alphabet and hang them up. Draw or paint your own classroom art. Express yourself and make your virtual classroom your own! Create a space that you love being in, and your students will love it too. 

In case you need more inspiration on creating your own, watch this short video:

VIPKid Classroom Background Examples

We asked current VIPKid teachers to show us their virtual classroom backgrounds. Check out some of our favorites!

Teacher Lisa’s Ruffled Paper Paradise

VIPKid Teacher Lisa made her classroom her own with her ruffled paper decorations. 

Teacher Autumn’s Joyful Jungle 

We love VIPKid Teacher Autumn’s wooden and jungle vibe she’s put together in her virtual classroom!

Teacher Gretchen’s Lovely Library

Students are probably having too much fun in VIPKid Teacher Gretchen’s classroom to stay quiet!

Teacher Katie’s Classic Classroom

VIPKid Teacher Katie’s dark stained wood, toys, books, and decorations are what virtual classroom dreams are made of.

Teacher Hannah’s Cozy Corner

Students might not be able to bring VIPKid Teacher Hannah an apple a day, but she can still use them to decorate her cozy corner classroom!

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We want to hear from you! What’s unique about your VIPKid classroom background? Reach out to us on Instagram and give us a tour!