Diana England is Head of Teacher Training at IH Lisbon in Portugal
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I taught for four years before I started training to be a teacher trainer. I was a CELTA and DELTA trainer for 10 years, then took up a position as a Director of Studies. I have continued teacher training, both on CELTA and Young Learner course, and also working with local state school teachers.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
No. I left university, spent a couple of years travelling around the Middle East and then did my initial training course in Cairo.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
I want them to develop a joy and enthusiasm for teaching and learning and a pride in their efforts in helping their students progress.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
I still teach – in fact, I think it’s vital that trainers should still regularly teach. I love teaching all types of students: children, teenagers, adults, exams classes, business English, 1:1 classes. I love the buzz that I can bring to my lessons, and that my students can get from me. It’s worth remembering that teaching in a language school is a very different experience from many students’ experiences in their current or previous mainstream school. I love helping my students to have genuine fun communicating with each other in English using lively discussions, roleplays, rather than listening to the teacher, copying from the board or doing rote exercises the whole time. In a similar way, I love the way my trainees learn from each other, and enjoy input and teaching sessions.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
There’s no getting away from it – the course is intense and demanding, but you will be fully supported throughout. Work through the pre-course tasks so you have had a chance to think about different aspects of English grammar and vocabulary. When you’re on the course, make sure you pace yourself sensibly so you can keep up with the work. Work with your fellow trainees when preparing your lessons, so you can learn and benefit from each other. And sleep, eat and drink well. And allow yourself time for YOU at the weekends to recharge your batteries!
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
Spend some time preparing your CV and cover letter. Remember, you need to make your CV and cover letter stand out from the many others that employers receive. Prepare thoroughly for job interviews – think about your competencies, your potential as a language teacher. Join a local or national or international teacher’s association, such as APPI or IATEFL so you can keep up to date with the latest developments in English language teaching. Be prepared to teach different ages and levels of students and types of courses; many institutes will be looking for a teacher who has a proven track record with a variety of types of teaching.