Zhanziya Sundetova is a CELTA tutor with IH Almaty
How long were you an EFL teacher, and how long have you been a teacher trainer?
I have been an internationally-qualified EFL teacher since August 2014, and a teacher trainer since July 2015.
Did you have a different career before EFL?
Yes, I did. I worked as a back-office specialist in a financial organization as well as a private equity manager prior to pursuing teaching.
What are your hopes/aspirations for your trainees?
The trainees that take part in my courses are highly motivated to gain international certificates (TKT, TKT: CLIL), hone their practical skills (Short Refresher Courses), and develop further as teachers (IH CAM). The majority of my trainees are quite successful in achieving their professional goals and I am happy to help them with their development. My aspiration for my trainees is to be successful in their professional lives and seeing their career growth.
When you were an EFL teacher what did you like most, and how do you bring that into the classroom for your trainees?
When I was an EFL teacher applying inductive methods and raising awareness were the areas that I really enjoyed in class. Today, I use similar methods and approaches to help my trainees gain valuable and practical experience which then could be used in their own classrooms.
What advice would you give your trainees for successfully completing the course?
Time management is very important when you study. It is crucial to organize time and space around you, so that there are no distractions. Another valuable advice that I once received from my mentor is not to be afraid to ask questions when something is unclear.
What advice would you give your trainees for an interesting and rewarding career?
The advice for an interesting and rewarding career is to never stop being curious. It is not only about using new methods and fun activities in class, but also getting to know the learners and cater for their interests and goals, so that the learning and teaching processes are mutually enjoyable and fruitful.