Mohamed Ali Khalaf is a CELTA tutor with IH Cairo
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I have been teaching English as a foreign language since 2008. Seven years later, I started my training career as a TEFL trainer. Then I was verified as a CELTA tutor by Cambridge Assessment English. I was the CELTA center manager and the recruitment panel coordinator at Future University in Egypt in 2018/2019.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
I worked as an English-speaking tour guide for a few years before I changed my career to follow my real passion, teaching and training.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
As a member of many recruitment panels for English language teachers around the world, I truly care about the future of my trainees in the work arena. Helping them become efficient teachers is the core of my job, but since I started my career, this has never been enough for me. I always evaluate their teaching as an interviewer, not just as a tutor. Please do not expect to receive only the typical academic help. I do my very best to equip you with what you need to ace the interview and shine during the demo. Knowing that you got a job after doing your CELTA with me is my optimum goal as a tutor.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
Starting off as a tour guide made me see teaching as a very enjoyable journey. Each lesson is a trip, each class is a group of tourists who must enjoy their time with me. Learning while having fun is a possible equation.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
These are my top five pieces of advice
- Be honest in the interview
- Learn how to manage your time effectively
- Learn when you need to read for gist, specific information and detail
- Learn how to be a team player
- Treasure your tutors’ feedback.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
CELTA is a great achievement! However, professional development is a non-stop process; and if you make it a lifestyle, you will definitely outshine those who don’t. Devote at least one hour a day to your career.