Norman Cain is a CELTA tutor at IH Rome Accademia Britannica and its satellite centres in Italy
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I have been an English teacher since 1979 and a teacher trainer since 1989.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
I was a graphic designer.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
To help them find the teacher inside of them that they want to be. Sounds corny but it’s true.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
I love being with people and helping them to achieve their potential which is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher and trainer. I try to do this by being a good listener, understanding what students or trainees’ goals are and varying what I do in the classroom to accommodate their learning styles.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
Stand back often and see how far you have come, learn from others, and set your own realistic goals.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
Never stop learning, keep a balance between career and life, work for an organisation where you can develop your skills and learn from your relationships with others.