Rosie Elsman-Contreras is a CELTA tutor at the IH Mexico schools
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I have been an EFL teacher for 20 years and I started being a teacher trainer in 2008.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
I was an administrative assistant at an International Cement Company: HOLCIM Group in the North of Mexico.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
I hope they see language teaching as an opportunity to help people broaden their horizons; from increasing their potential to find better jobs to the ability to become globally oriented.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
As a teacher I enjoyed witnessing the progress on my students. When they started as true beginners and feeling insecure and as a result of my instruction they slowly immersed in the magic of discovering language learning. I want to share with my trainees the conviction that by applying creative teaching tools and techniques you can reach learners positively and make learning happen.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
A CELTA trainee needs to be organized and have sound time management skills. As the course progresses the demands are higher and if the time allotted to write lesson plans, write assignments and read is tight, it will take a toll on energy levels. Focus on the progress you are experimenting, and be receptive and open to feedback, our main goal as tutors is to guide you to be successful.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
Language learning has always been in high demand everywhere in the world, but generational changes affect the way people learn and their needs to communicate evolve as well. CELTA is the first step into a teaching career, but you must always be open to learn and adapt new techniques and methodologies. Reflecting on your everyday practice should help you become better and better, this cyclical process never ends!