CELTA Advice from Stuart Gale

Stuart Gale is a CELTA Lead Trainer at IH Torquay in the UK


How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?

I work as an EFL teacher and Teacher Trainer at IH Torquay. I first qualified with CELTA in 1983 and I have been a Teacher Trainer for over 20 years. I have a PGCE in TESOL and a Masters in Education.  

Did you have a different career before EFL?

I have always worked in EFL as a teacher, Teacher Trainer, materials writer and ELT manager. 

What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?

To fulfil their potential as educators in a changing world wherever they might find themselves.

When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?

I feel that as a Teacher Trainer or manager in EFL you have to continue teaching in order to appreciate the needs of both students and trainees. I still enjoy teaching a range of classes from primary to adults. 

What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?

Before the course I would advise trainees to complete an online Language Awareness course as well as the Cambridge pre-course task as this will give them a head start. During the course they need to pace themselves and plan ahead with the different tasks. They should not be too grade orientated and understand that to pass the course is an achievement in itself. 

What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?

To focus first on a place where you will be happy to live. There are teaching opportunities everywhere so the world is your oyster!