Jane Maria Harding da Rosa is a CELTA tutor at IH Newcastle in the UK
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I’ve been teaching for around 25 years, and started presenting sessions and doing teacher training quite early on in my career. Officially, I became a teacher trainer for IHCYL 15 years ago and have been a CELTA tutor since 2014.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
I originally trained in ballet and performing arts and worked as a dancer on cruise ships and for various production companies, travelling around the world and gaining experience in life.
One of the reasons I became an English Teacher was to continue living Portugal.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
Having ‘fallen’ into this job, but made it a career, I always want my trainees to do the same, and get as much out of teaching as I have.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
I have a firm belief that the best teacher trainers are ones who also teach. At IH Newcastle, most of the trainers will have periods of full time teaching, so they are very much in touch with what materials are available, and how these can be used productively. As a teacher I incorporate learning strategies into every lesson and show students how they can take responsibility for their own learning process. Making lessons motivating and relevant are essential for learners to be successful.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
The course is intense, but it is thoroughly worthwhile and brings a huge sense of satisfaction. The work load is immense, so being organised is key. Even if they decide that teaching is not the career for them, they can develop many transferable skills.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
Keep in touch with what is going on in the industry in terms of conferences, blogs and webinars etc. Take ideas and experiment and always find time for reflection.
