Career Transformation Journey with Tutor Gonzalo Cañas Guevara

Gonzalo Cañas Guevara, a native of Madrid, combines his expertise in marketing with a passion for education. With a decade of experience as a creative and copywriter in various marketing agencies, he has also dedicated part of his career to teaching, sharing his knowledge and insights along the way.

“After years in marketing, the economic crisis forced me to reinvent my career,” he explains. “I’ve always considered myself a strong communicator and have a passion for public speaking, which led me to realize that teaching was the perfect path for me.”

Gonzalo always found joy in preparing presentations at school. He remarked, “Even in university, when we had to lead our own 30-minute lessons, it felt completely natural to me.”

After completing his training in Madrid, he specialized in teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language. In 2010, he took a bold step and moved to London, where he began his journey as a Spanish teacher.

In our conversation with Gonzalo, he shared his insights on the rewarding world of online tutoring at LingualNeeds. Along with his personal experiences, he offered invaluable advice for aspiring tutors looking to make their mark in this dynamic field.

A life full of change, culture and education

Gonzalo is a talented teacher, writer, and linguist who truly understands the journey of language learning. A native Spanish speaker, he is also fluent in English and French. Throughout his life, he has embraced diverse cultures and seamlessly adjusted to new environments, showcasing his adaptability and passion for communication.

He has an impressive global background, having lived, worked, and studied in six different countries. His international journey began at just five years old when he moved to Egypt, where his father was involved in constructing a hospital. Later, he broadened his horizons as a student in Cyprus through the Erasmus program. His adventures continued in vibrant London, diverse India, and picturesque Luxembourg.

When Gonzalo entered the classroom for the first time more than a decade ago, confidence was not on his side. “I required extensive preparation,” he recalls. “I would spend hours planning my lessons and reviewing exercises in advance.”

After years of teaching experience, Gonzalo has mastered his lesson plans. “I’ve significantly reduced my planning time,” he remarks. With his expertise, he can effortlessly introduce a lesson, capture his students’ attention, and maintain their engagement—even with minimal preparation.

After a few back and forths jumping from marketing to the classroom and back again he started teaching again. 

Only this time – in 2017 – things were a little different.

I had always loved teaching, but online tutoring wasn’t something I considered back in the day, mainly due to the limitations of technology. However, when I returned to the classroom five years ago, I discovered a transformed landscape. The advancements in online education opened up exciting opportunities to blend virtual teaching with my role at a language school.

This change would result in reduced commuting time, shorter breaks between classes, and the opportunity for a higher income.

Evolving as a professional teacher online

The shift to an online classroom brought a unique set of challenges for him. “Prior to joining LingualNeeds, I always taught in traditional language schools, engaging with students face to face,” he explained. He was accustomed to utilizing a diverse range of handouts, videos, and other media to enhance his lessons.

“When I began my journey as an online tutor, I reflected on my classroom experiences and the teaching methods I learned in school. My goal was to recreate that same engaging and dynamic environment for my students in the virtual space.”

Initially, this process proved challenging. “You can locate resources and perhaps share your screen or send the link to the student, but figuring out the most effective method takes time,” he explains.

Since transitioning to online teaching, he has developed comprehensive courses for learners ranging from A1 to B1 levels. “Now, I can deliver a complete lesson using a PowerPoint presentation that includes audio, graphics, videos, and engaging questions to spark conversation,” he shares.

Choosing LingualNeeds as an online tutoring platform

For Gonzalo, choosing LingualNeeds was a no-brainer; it allowed him to focus on teaching without the hassle of marketing his own online classes. “The students are already eager to connect with you,” he noted.

Gonzalo’s journey to a packed schedule wasn’t instantaneous. “Initially, I only had one or two trial lessons, and for four or five months, there wasn’t much progress,” he recalls. “But then, in a surprising turn, my calendar filled up quickly.”

Most of his income now comes through LingualNeeds.  

Why are his students eager to learn Spanish? “Many of my students have already moved to Spain and are keen to master the language,” he explains. “Others are preparing for a move, while some are visiting Madrid and want to connect with locals through their language.”

Online teaching can be a more personal experience

Before starting his online teaching journey, Gonzalo held several misconceptions. “I imagined it would feel very impersonal,” he admits. He feared he might lose the human connection and worried that his students would feel anxious on camera.

Most of his students have surprisingly taken to speaking on camera with ease. He emphasizes the instant connection formed during their very first trial lesson, noting, “You really get to know the student, and I don’t miss out on any human experience.” This virtual setting allows him to meet their pets, relatives, and even catch a glimpse of their homes, making the interaction feel more personal than traditional classroom teaching.

Gonzalo finds a significant perk in online teaching: the opportunity to learn about his students’ diverse cultures. “In one-on-one sessions, I uncover insights that you won’t find in textbooks or learn about unless you experience life in their country. For instance, I recently learned that teachers in private schools in China are required to wear uniforms!”

Gonzalo has experienced some unforgettable moments in his classes. One particularly striking memory is when he was teaching a student from Saudi Arabia. During the lesson, the sound of the Islamic call to prayer resonated from a nearby minaret, evoking powerful memories of his time in Egypt.

He also says that his students get to experience a little Spanish culture too.

During the initial three months of the pandemic lockdown, at 8 PM each night, people across Spain would step onto their balconies to applaud healthcare workers for their bravery and dedication. If I happened to be teaching a class during that time, I would place my laptop outside so my students could join in the appreciation. They were always fascinated by this collective display of gratitude.

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Some advice for first time online tutors

Gonzalo has some advice for first time tutors on LingualNeeds:

1. To excel on LingualNeeds, deliver high-quality lessons that engage your students. Satisfied learners will stay longer, boost your ratings, and attract more paying students.
2. To establish yourself initially, consider offering conversation classes at a lower price point. These classes require less preparation time, making them an efficient choice for new instructors.
3. As you establish your reputation, you can offer more advanced lessons and increase your rates accordingly.

We’d like to say thanks to Gonzalo for the interview and his advice to new tutors! 

Online tutoring could be the next step in your career

Are you considering a fresh start in your career as an educator? Online tutoring could be the perfect fit, just like it was for Gonzalo. Discover the rewarding world of virtual teaching and see if it sparks your passion!

Join the vibrant community of nearly 50,000 tutors on LingualNeeds, who collectively conduct millions of classes every year! Discover how you can start your journey with us and secure an online tutoring job today.