Job Discussion Forums

[quoi_de_neuf?]

Hi,

Whilst I'm not looking at being a teacher trainer immediately (I am, in fact, merely a newbie), I am interested in the job. Would like to hear from teacher trainers (past and present) on how you got your job: qualifications, experience etc. Any other information / experience in this sector that you'd be willing to share would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Quoi

[denise]

This topic has come up a few times recently. If you do a search, you can see what's been said so far.

I am considering making the move to teacher training when I return to the US, but it seems to be one of those jobs where you have to have experience even to be considered (or be in the right place at the right time with the right contacts). But how to get that experience? Well, I lucked into a teacher training class for next semester (due to current teachers leaving and me popping into the director's office just when he was thinking about finding a replacement--yay!). Hopefully that will help. It's a class called "Communicative Language Teaching Development".

d

[Justin Trullinger]

There seem to be three important factors for going into teacher training.

1) The experience. Some (less than reputable) TEFL cert courses use inexperienced teachers as trainers- but to work as a trainer for a good organisation, you need to be an experienced teacher. I've heard a lot of places have a minimum of five years full time experience. I know it was helpful to my application (as a TESOL trainer) that I had been a DOS for a couple of years. I'd already done informal teacher training, so the leap to doing it on an accredited course was easier.

2) The training. Obviously, people who pay for teacher training courses expect their trainers to be highly qualified. In a pinch, some professional development diplomas and a lot of experience may work- but most places are looking for at least a DELTA or equivalent, or even better, an MA. (If I recall, Denise, you have quite a bit of experience and a very well respected MA. You shouldn't have too much trouble finding somebody who wants you as a trainer.

3) Being there in the right place at the right time. It costs money, and effort, to set up teacher training programs of any kind. If you're working (as a teacher) in an organisation that either has one in place, or is considering setting one up, this can really strengthen your position. Because in most cases and most places, admin would prefer to use trainers who they know. (Rather than invest time and money in a program that is going to depend on the commitment of a new hire.)



If you meet two of these three criteria, you'll find it fairly easy to move into teacher training. If you meet all three, you're probably already working as a trainer. If you've only got one, get two work on the other two!

Best,
Justin

[quoi_de_neuf?]

Thanks for those great tips, Justin. So for teacher training you'd favour an MA over a DELTA? I'd be looking to do one or the other later down the line.

[Justin Trullinger]

I believe that Cambridge teacher training (training on the CELTA course) specifically looks for the DELTA.

My opinion, though, is that an MA, which is much longer and contains more, is better preparation for teacher training. (This is my opinion. Bear in mind, though, that so far I hold neither qualification, though an MA is in the works.) Certainly a lot of university programs require a masters, which is one of the reasons I'm in hot pursuit of one.

All the best,
Justin

[dmb]

In order to be a tutor on the DELTA program you need the DELTA yourself. At least that's how it works here in Istanbul. Think about it. You need to know something before you can teach it.

[tedkarma]

CELTA and DELTA seem to be kind of a closed loop - if you want a wider range of possibilities - like university positions in a variety of countries - then an MA is the way to go.

Europe is quite CELTA/DELTA-focused but the rest of the world has no bias. I've been fortunate enough to hold college and univerity positions in four countries since 1993 - and none of those positions would have accepted a DELTA as an appropriate qualification.

DELTA is a specific track - for teacher training and for DOS type positions. But - if you stay in the field a while - you may find you want to branch out - or want a position that is not so demanding on time - or pays better - or allows you time to publish . . . My M.Ed. was fine for the teacher training positions I have had - AND tertiary positions.

The ideal situation might be to get both as those in the CELTA/DELTA loop regard it as mandatory (if you want to be in Europe or Eastern Europe only) - and it is hard to break into that specific circle without their specific training. But, then, you exclude yourself from the more professional positions that an MA would offer you.

[naturegirl321]

I've heard that it's very time consuming to become a trainer on a CELTA course. In-house places might be a better bet. Occasionally you'll find adverts on places like Dave's or TEFL.com

Most places require at least five years experience in at least two countries and prefer you to have a TEFL diploma or an MA.

[dreadnought]

[Justin Trullinger]

[dreadnought]

[ls650]

I've always heard Teacher Trainee used - TT.

[tedkarma]

[Justin Trullinger]

I use teacher-trainee for those who are on the course, training to be teachers.

The acronym Dreadnought and I were laughing at was for people who are training to be trainers of teachers...

On the course itself, I just refer to teachers (the participants who are doing the cert) and students. (The EFL guinea pigs who are there to learn English.)

Best,
Justin

[CoolThailand]