VIPTeacher

I started working with VIP kid and I was extremely excited to join. During my application, they send you tons of emails and phone calls to push you to complete the application quickly, which is fair because everything is online and I could see people slacking. However, after I had passed my mock class and submitted all my documents INCLUDING MY SOCIAL SECURITY INFO, VIPkid deactivated my account because they claimed that I hadn’t finished all my documents in time. However, I’m certain I did, because I double checked. I tried to contact them, but you can’t actually respond to the email address they use to spam you, and the only way to reach them is to write them a ticket through your account (which I’m locked out of). So I try reaching out on Instagram and Facebook, but I’m ignored. Then I create another account to try to write a ticket. I got an email that someone responded, which seemed promising at first, except every time I attempt to open it, it shuts me out. When I try to see my tickets, none shows up. I’m also mysteriously no longer allowed to send them tickets in that “category” anymore. So I’m absolutely stunned. I did EVERYTHING they asked me for in a timely manner, and after they got my super confidential info, they essentially block me?? Is this even legal???

I love the fact that i get notifications on my phone about bookings, cancellations, short notices, and 15 minute until class starts reminders. I manage pretty much all of my bookings and slot availability from my phone. The only thing that would make this app a 5 star is if it had the capability to connect or sync with my apple watch. Then i could really manage my schedule and get notifications even when I’m away from my phone. If i was in the middle of teaching, i would get a short notice notification immediately rather than find out until the end of the class.

I know teaching English is at our core but this most recent app update feels like a classic example of a situation where an American might say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." I have been using the VIPKID teacher app for well over a year now and in the past it has served me well. In fact, I really loved the app and used it more often than the online Teacher Portal. However, this update feels like a step backwards - not forward. Ever since it updated on my phone, the app has been buggy with pages not opening right when buttons are clicked. It is not as responsive. The main tab where you could see the booked lessons has been moved and replaced with a less useful workshop page that now uses prime screen-real estate. I have noticed a substantial increase in battery drain even just having this app just running in the background since the last update. I much preferred the orange-color branding on the old app layout. It felt more like classic "VIPKID" whereas this new white app design feels less brand-like to me. In my personal opinion, it somehow disconnects me from the very company I am proud to work with. I want to see Orange again- not white. I liked the old appearance and layout better. I would much prefer to see the previous app make a comeback. I only wrote this review because the change was just made and I suspect others may feel similarly. I want only the best for VIPKID.