Application and work messages
Email templates for online teachers
Five starting points for applying, following up and asking clear questions about your work. Replace every bracketed field with your own details and remove any sentence that does not fit.
Select the template text to copy it. Check the recipient, dates, attachments and any commitments before sending.
1. Apply for a teaching role
Use the application channel listed by the employer. If they accept applications by email, describe the experience that matches this particular role.
Subject: Application for [role title] — [your name] Hello [name or recruitment team], I would like to apply for the [role title] position listed on [source]. My relevant experience is [brief, accurate description]. I hold [qualification requested for the role, if applicable] and am available [days, times and time zone]. I have attached [documents requested]. Please let me know if you need anything further to consider my application. Thank you, [your name]
2. Follow up on an application
Check the employer's stated timeline and follow-up instructions first. Keep the original role title and application date in the message.
Subject: Follow-up on [role title] application Hello [name or recruitment team], I applied for the [role title] position on [date] through [application channel]. I am still interested in the role. Could you let me know whether my application is still under consideration, or if you need any further information from me? Thank you for your time, [your name]
3. Clarify the pay before accepting
Use this when a listing or offer leaves the payment basis unclear. Keep the questions that apply to the offer you received.
Subject: Pay details for [role title] Hello [name], Thank you for the information about [role title]. Before I decide, could you confirm: • The base rate, currency and whether it is paid per lesson or per hour. • The lesson length and whether preparation, reports, trials and cancellations are paid. • Any conditions attached to bonuses or the advertised maximum rate. • The payment schedule, available payment methods and any deductions or fees. A written breakdown would help me understand the offer. Thank you, [your name]
4. Request a schedule change
Check how schedule changes are handled by your employer or platform. State your proposed availability without promising hours you cannot cover.
Subject: Availability change from [date] Hello [name], I would like to request a change to my availability from [date]. Current availability: [days and times, with time zone]. Proposed availability: [days and times, with time zone]. For lessons already booked, I can [describe what you can offer under the agreed scheduling process]. Could you confirm whether this change is possible and what I need to do next? Thank you, [your name]
5. Ask about a missing payment
Check the agreed payment date and your transaction history. Include the period, amount and reference from your own records.
Subject: Payment query — [payment period or reference] Hello [name or payment team], I am checking the payment for [period or invoice reference]. My records show [amount and currency] was due on [date], but I have not received it. I have attached [relevant invoice or payment record]. Could you confirm the payment status and expected arrival date? If it has already been sent, please share the transaction reference so I can check with my payment provider. Thank you for your help, [your name]
Make the message yours
Keep one clear request, include the details needed to answer it and use the employer's preferred contact channel. These drafts help you structure a message; the reply and outcome depend on the recipient and your circumstances.