Amalia Pecsi is a CELTA trainer with IH Budapest in Hungary
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I taught English for 20 years before becoming a trainer. I started training 5 years ago.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
No. I did take some time off ESL to have a go at marketing, but it wasn't for me.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
I'd like them to see beyond the workload of CELTA and enjoy their course: being in an international environment, learning from each other, getting to know students, and enjoying the - many- fun elements of the course.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
I loved the diversity of the job: that no two groups are the same, and the flexibility the work gives in moving around the world or simply changing between teaching kids, adults, business, one-to-one, groups, and the list goes on. I think this diversity is definitely reflected the CELTA course.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
Clear your schedule for the duration of the course, take it seriously, put in the time, get to grips with admin. Get whatever it is you need to do done as soon as you can, then take some time off and do fun things in the city you're in.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
I'd recommend that you start off in a school that offers lots of support and a fun and motivating staffroom full of interesting people. Then go off and try out all sorts of teaching environments to see what suits you most.