Miguel Sainz is a CELTA tutor with IH Monterrey
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I’ve been a teacher of English for more than fourteen years and a teacher trainer for more than five.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
No, I knew I wanted to be an EFL teacher before going to university. That’s why I have a BA in TEFL and I’m doing an MA in Language Education.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
I want them to be inspired and understand that the profession they are choosing can be very meaningful and rewarding, both for them and their learners.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
I’m still teaching English and I love doing it! I teach adults and YLs (young learners) in a variety of levels and contexts.
My favourite thing about teaching English is how dynamic and changing it can be. You get new learners and different experiences with every course you teach, and you can make real and meaningful connections with a lot of people.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
Be open to feedback, don’t take it personal. Your peers and trainers only mean to help. So, implement the feedback and work on your action points.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
Never stop learning. The more you learn about English and teaching it, the better your lessons will be. When you see the results of your hard work, you’ll just want to keep doing it more and more!