Job Discussion Forums

[r.moody]

Hello!

Just after some information about the number of years experience that's required to become a TEFL teacher trainer...as well as any qualifications - is it necessary to have a diploma?

Thanks,

Ruth.

[tedkarma]

I guess there are not that many teacher trainers on this board?

I think it varies widely by the reputation of the course provider.

The first time I was hired as a teacher trainer, I had about 12 years experience teaching overseas (in three countries), two masters degrees, a PGCE, and had published four EFL textbooks.

Once, however, one of my students with no real teaching experience whatsoever, was offered a teacher training job by an upstart company that was just getting going - right after he recieved his certification! A VERY good reason for checking out where you get your training and the experience and history of your trainer - and course provider.

So, the right time at the right place . . . ?

Anyway, I would hope that a reputable provider would want you to have a minimum of 5-8 years experience in a least a couple countries along with a minimum of a TEFL Cert of some sort - and preferably some real education in education (B.Ed. or M.Ed. or ?). Many people will STRONGLY disagree about the education part - but I feel that my graduate education in educational psychology has had a very strong (and invaluable) influence in how I perceive and adapt to learning/teaching situations.

Hope that helps.

[Guy Courchesne]

At one point, we had a job ad up for a TEFL trainer. They were asking minimum 5 years experience in ESL and some time abroad, or 5 years completely abroad. A degree was required, but they didn't specify as to what degree. I doubt agriculture would have sufficed.

When I got my job as a TEFL trainer, I was quite inexperienced.

[laconic]

I agree with tedkarma.

As someone with a Master's in Education who had several years of EFL teaching experience behind me before I ever became a TEFL Trainer, I can't imagine ever doing it without both.

IMHO, the Trainer makes the program, regardless of the title of the program.

Professional Trainers are more likely to produce professional EFL teachers.

The reverse is also true.

[Justin Trullinger]

I've mentioned in other threads that this is a good way to evaluate a training program. A good one should offer information about their trainers. And, in my opinion, the trainers should have multiple years experience in EFL, preferably in a wide variety of situations and countries. Probably should have been teaching for more than five years, and should have teacher training past degree/TESOL cert standard. (I'm thinking diploma, MAsters, or some kind of EFL specific post grad certification here.)

As someone who's in process of trying to qualify as a trainer, I have a BA, Trinity Cert, am starting a Masters even as we speak, and have been teaching for between 6 and 7 years, the last two with in house training, mentoring, and supervisory responsibilities. Any offers?

Justin