We previously heard in broad strokes from Operations Director Brenda Keanly what clients can expect from our teacher operations. Today we get into the nuts and bolts of global online teacher management and operations with one of our Online Service Managers (OSM), Nicole Whiting.
Nicole is just one of our OSM's, who each head up a full complement teacher team consisting of various levels of support team members all looking after our teachers. Our OSM's are responsible for making sure our clients' operational KPI's and benchmarks are met, that teachers are motivated and inspired, and that their students are effectively learning and achieving their desired outcomes.
Dive in to learn more about how our daily initiatives, interventions and established structures create a supportive environment where teachers thrive!
Q1: Tell us a bit more about yourself and where you are based.
"I completed my Masters in Polymer Science and began my career as a freelance editor, specializing in editing scientific articles for publication in journals. This role sharpened my English grammar skills, which led me to explore new opportunities.
A friend referred me to online teaching, and I joined The Really Great Teacher Company as an online teacher in 2017. Since then, I've steadily worked my way up from teacher to team leader, supervisor, and now manager!
I currently live in the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town, but I'm originally from Springbok in the Northern Cape, an area famous for its stunning wildflowers. I am also a mom to a very sassy 5-year-old!"
Q2: What is your career history and experience?
"I began my teaching journey at university, where I tutored the first-year Chemistry program for several years. This experience laid a solid foundation in education and led me to tutor privately, which I still do in my free time.
My first exposure to online teaching came when I joined The Really Great Teacher Company as an online teacher for a client based in Asia, where I gained valuable insights into delivering effective lessons in a virtual environment. This combination of in-person and online teaching has allowed me to develop a versatile skill set in education."
Q3: Tell us more about your team's teachers - what is their make up, where are they based, what makes them unique?

"Our team is a diverse blend of cultures and backgrounds, which gives us a unique perspective and strength. While there is no time zone difference for the management team, our shifts are structured to support clients and teachers across multiple time zones, ensuring seamless service.
Our teachers come from many different cultures and locations worldwide, such as the Middle East, South America, Africa, Asia and Europe, enriching the team's dynamic and allowing us to connect with students from diverse backgrounds effectively. This diversity enhances our adaptability and creativity in delivering high-quality education."
Q4: What are the main objectives for your team? How do you ensure you meet your client benchmarks?
"We have two main objectives that we focus on - schedule delivery and meeting the client’s key performance benchmarks.
For schedule delivery, we work to ensure that all sessions scheduled for the month are completed, while actively reducing lost hours due to teacher technical issues or emergencies. This involves finding quick replacements or alternative solutions to ensure students still receive high-quality lessons.
We also prioritize meeting each client’s unique performance drivers, which can include things like student ratings, schedule changes, or booking rates. To achieve this, we closely monitor these metrics, address issues proactively, and continuously engage with teachers to align their performance with the client’s goals. Regular communication and reporting also help us stay on track and quickly adjust to any challenges."
Q5: If you notice a teacher struggling, what is your process for performance management and support?
"If we notice a teacher struggling, our first step is to meet with them to understand if there are any personal challenges affecting their performance. If necessary, we can assist by adjusting their schedule or ensuring they get some time off.
If personal factors are not the issue, we initiate a performance improvement plan. Through close guidance from team management, we review what is working well in their classes and areas for improvement. We provide access to resources such as our Inspire Academy, client-specific training, and peer mentorship with high-performing teachers to help them improve."
Q6: How do you ensure teachers stay motivated to grow and develop their students?

"Creating a supportive and engaging environment is key. We develop targeted courses tailored to specific skills and teaching techniques, providing opportunities for continuous learning. Team engagement is key, so we encourage collaboration through daily meet-ups where teachers can share experiences, challenges, and successes. This consistent communication fosters a sense of community and drives motivation to keep growing and delivering the best for their students."
Q7: How do you stay connected with online teachers around the world?
"We stay connected with online teachers around the world through daily meetings and regular client-specific meetings. These frequent check-ins allow us to maintain open communication, address any challenges, and provide ongoing support. Our management team's schedule is structured to ensure 24/7 availability, so teachers always have someone to turn to, regardless of time zone."
Q8: Do you find that effective performance management can be done virtually, globally?
"We definitely believe that effective performance management can be done virtually, as our system of continuous support, clear communication, and structured oversight allows us to stay engaged with teachers and help them meet performance expectations."
Q9: How often do you review progress throughout a month to ensure you are on track to meet or exceed client benchmarks?

"We review progress weekly to ensure we stay on track to meet or exceed client benchmarks. This frequent monitoring allows us to quickly identify any areas that need attention and take immediate action to address them, ensuring we consistently deliver the results our clients expect."
Q10: What do you love most about your job?
"What I love most about my job is that no two days are ever the same! It constantly challenges me to think creatively and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of online education. I also have a passion for statistics and numbers, so tracking the team’s performance and setting new goals keeps me motivated and energized."
