QQ English (QQE) is an online English teaching company based in the Philippines. It provides English language lessons to students across Asia via video chat.
QQE hires native English speakers as online teachers. It has received mixed reviews from current and former teachers. Here is an in-depth look at QQE teacher reviews, including the pros, cons, complaints, salaries, interview questions, and more.
Overview of QQE
QQ English was founded in 2008 in Beijing, China. It later opened offices in Manila, Philippines to provide online English classes to students in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and other Asian countries.
The company hires teachers to deliver 25 minute one-on-one video chat lessons to students of all ages and ability levels. Teachers use QQE’s proprietary curriculum and technology platform.
QQE offers full-time and part-time teacher positions. Teachers typically work 6 days per week on rotating morning, afternoon, and evening schedules.
QQE Teacher Reviews: Pros
Here are some of the most commonly cited pros of working as a teacher for QQ English, according to employee reviews:
Competitive Salary
QQE teachers can earn $1000 – $2000 USD per month, depending on experience and performance. This is considered an above average salary for online English teaching positions in the Philippines.
The base pay starts at around $1000 per month. Teachers can earn pay raises and bonuses based on favorable student ratings, high attendance rates, and other performance metrics.
Bonuses and Incentives
In addition to their regular salary, QQE teachers are eligible for various monetary incentives and bonuses. Some of the most notable include:
- Monthly attendance bonus
- Quarterly and annual performance bonuses
- First lesson bonus when starting with new students
- Overtime pay
- Free meals on certain days
These bonuses can add up to significant extra income on top of the base salary.
Training and Development
QQE provides extensive training to help teachers develop their skills. New hires complete a thorough onboarding program covering topics like lesson planning, classroom management, phonics, and more.
Ongoing professional development courses are also available on teaching methods, English grammar, pronunciation, company policies, and technology tools. This training is valuable for building teaching skills.
International Exposure
Teachers gain exposure to students from several different countries in Asia. This provides useful insight into various cultures. It also looks good on a resume for future English teaching positions.
QQE Teacher Reviews: Cons
While QQE does have some advantages as an online teaching employer, there are also considerable downsides cited in reviews:
High Deductions for Absences
QQE has strict attendance policies. Teachers receive heavy salary deductions for any missed shifts, even if they provide a valid medical certificate. For some, these deductions can outweigh bonuses earned for perfect attendance.
Schedule Changes
Work schedules change frequently based on student demand. Teachers may be assigned different start times every few months with little notice. Adapting to these shifting schedules can be difficult.
Long Working Hours
Most positions require working at least 6 days per week. Teachers often complain about only having 1 day off and the long hours spent in front of a computer.
MIC Issues
Some teachers report issues with the mandatory monthly progress evaluations known as “MICs.” Teachers are scored on criteria like student feedback, compliance with policies, lesson delivery, etc. Low scores can result in deductions or termination. Teachers claim MIC standards are unclear and arbitrary.
Lack of Advancement
There are limited opportunities for taking on more responsibility or moving into managerial roles. Career progression is minimal for teachers.
QQE Teacher Salaries
As mentioned, QQE teachers can earn $1000 – $2000 per month. Here’s a more detailed look at QQE salary information:
- Starting pay – Around $1000 per month
- Average pay – $1200 – $1500 per month
- High pay – $1800+ per month (for teachers with high ratings and many hours taught)
- Pay raises – $50-150 raises for strong performance reviews; higher basic pay when renewing contracts
- Bonuses – $100 – $300 monthly bonuses achievable
Salaries are competitive compared to other online English teaching jobs in the Philippines. But pay is still quite low compared to career teacher salaries in western countries.
QQE Teacher Requirements
To qualify for a teacher position with QQE, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Native English speaker
- Bachelor’s degree
- TEFL/TESOL certification
- Teaching experience preferred but not required
- High speed, stable internet connection
- Computer/laptop with webcam
- Located in the Philippines
- Availability for early morning, afternoon, and evening shifts
During the hiring process, candidates complete an online application, video interview, mock demo lesson, and background check.
QQE Interview Questions for Teachers
Here are some of the most common teacher interview questions asked by QQE recruiters:
- Why do you want to teach English online?
- What is your experience studying or teaching English?
- How would you handle a student who is struggling with pronunciation?
- How would you make your classes interactive and engaging?
- How do you motivate students to practice English outside of class?
- Tell us about your lesson planning process.
- What classroom management skills do you have?
- How do you handle technical issues during online lessons?
- What is your teaching style? What methods do you find most effective?
- How do you continue improving your own English fluency and teaching methods?
Candidates should demonstrate passion for teaching, strong communication skills, creativity, and cultural sensitivity when responding. Practicing responses to these common questions is helpful.
QQE Teacher Complaints
QQE teachers have made various complaints about their working conditions and treatment by management. Here are the most prominent issues that have sparked criticism and controversy:
Strict Attendance Policies
As mentioned, QQE draws heavy deductions from teacher pay for any absences. Even with a doctor’s note, they still penalize teachers by taking away attendance bonuses and incentives. Teachers say these policies are unfair and inflexible.
Delayed Government Mandated Benefits
Some teachers claim QQE delays payment of legally mandated benefits like SSS, PhilHealth, and PagIBIG contributions. This violates Philippine labor regulations.
High Teacher Turnover
Critics point to the high teacher turnover rate as a sign of underlying problems at QQE. Many teachers quit shortly after finishing training, indicating issues with management, pay, and working conditions.
Lack of Tenure
Teachers are typically only given 6 month contracts. There is little job security. Long-term teachers are not prioritized over new hires.
Communication Issues
Some teachers feel the company has poor communication between management and teachers. A lack of transparency about policies and expectations contributes to frustration.
Focus on Sales Over Education
There are concerns QQE cares more about revenue and sales targets rather than educational quality or teacher satisfaction. The teaching programme is driven by business growth goals above all else.
By improving in these problem areas highlighted in teacher complaints, QQE could better retain and engage teaching staff. Adding flexibility, enhancing communication, and prioritizing education over sales would lead to better teacher morale and productivity.
QQE Reviews on Glassdoor
On Glassdoor, current and former QQE employees have given the company an overall rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars. Here is a snapshot of QQE’s Glassdoor ratings:
- Overall company rating – 4.1 stars
- Work-life balance rating – 4.1 stars
- Comp & benefits rating – 4.1 stars
- Career opportunities rating – 4.0 stars
- Management rating – 3.8 stars
- Culture and values rating – 4.1 stars
The number of ratings and specific reviews have fluctuated over time as the company has grown and evolved. But the average rating on Glassdoor has remained consistently around 4 out of 5 stars.
Positive Glassdoor reviews mention benefits like high pay, bonuses, and training. Negative reviews cite issues like schedule changes, limited career growth, and attendance policy conflicts.
Comparing QQE to Other Online English Teaching Companies
How does QQE compare overall to other popular online English teaching employers? Here is a quick breakdown:
- Pay – Above average compared to most competitors
- Requirements – Typical and reasonable qualification standards
- Teaching platform – Proprietary system works well overall
- Curriculum – Comprehensive lessons using communicative methods
- Hours – 6 day schedules are more demanding than some companies
- Job security – Short 6 month contracts means lower job stability
- Reviews – Mixed ratings, but competitive among industry peers
For teacher pay and advancement prospects, QQE rates well compared to many online ESL companies. But heavy workloads and contractual issues create discontent.
Top alternatives like VIPKid, Palfish, and Magic Ears offer higher flexibility and job satisfaction for some teachers. Competition for online teachers is growing, so educators have expanding options.
Should You Work for QQE?
Is QQE a good employer for online English teachers? Here are a few key factors to weigh when considering a job with QQE:
The Pros
- Above average salary for industry
- Generous incentive pay opportunities
- Useful training programs
- Chance to gain international teaching experience
The Cons
- Strict policies on attendance and days off
- Changing schedule disruptions
- Limited long-term career trajectory
- Heavy focus on sales and profits over education
The Verdict
QQE can be a solid employer for teachers who prioritize earnings and are comfortable with high demands. But teachers seeking flexibility and work-life balance may find better fits at other online education companies.
Ultimately there are no perfect employers. Each teacher must evaluate if QQE’s positives outweigh the downsides for their individual needs and teaching style.
Conclusion
QQ English provides a legitimate opportunity for native English speakers to teach students abroad without leaving home. But like any company, it receives mixed reviews from teachers on elements like compensation, support, and organizational culture.
Prospective QQE teachers should thoroughly research recent employee reviews, complaints, interview insights, and comparisons to other online teaching jobs during their application process. This will allow them to make an informed decision on whether or not QQE is the right fit for their career goals and preferences as an educator.
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