How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I’ve been an EFL teacher for 10 years and a teacher trainer for 4 years.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
Yes, I worked in a family business back home in Texas. We operated a paper converting plant which provided recycled material for box manufactures and sign printers.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
I always want my trainees to enjoy the process of the course. It is truly a unique and rare experience to work so closely and intensely on something with a group of motivated individuals. It’s easy to get swept up everything that is going on, so it is important to stop and smell the roses from time to time.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
The people you meet while being an EFL teacher are simply amazing. I think most teachers would say that is something they really enjoy. That said, on personal note, I really love looking for practical ways to apply methodology, approaches and techniques in the classroom. In many ways teaching and training are quite similar, so I continuously look for new and engaging ways to help my trainees learn and be successful.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
Though the course will fly by, remember it is a marathon not a sprint. Don’t worry about grades, rather you should focus on your personal progress at each step of the course. It’s about the end result, not how you got there
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
This will certainly vary for each person, but I would say take care of your professional development. Look for opportunities to do new and different things. EFL offers a huge variety of professional options, so do what you can to access these opportunities.