TRAINER INTERVIEW

Claire Samuels

Location of Training: Edinburgh

Your background: I’ve been teaching ESOL since 2005 and I’ve been an ESOL examiner since 2007. I taught for over 4 years in Italy in a variety of settings (private language schools, primary, secondary and nursery schools, private businesses etc). I am based in Edinburgh now and I teach in a private language school as well as working freelance for various businesses and individuals.

Why did you become a TEFL trainer? Teaching was something that interested me greatly as did travelling. I am also passionate about learning languages so this was a natural progression.

Where have you taught before? I have taught in Italy, and now I’m back teaching in the UK

If you could go and work anywhere in the world, where would it be? I am happy teaching in the UK at the moment, but I wouldn’t rule out teaching abroad again in the future.

Are you looking forward to teaching your next UK-TEFL course in March? Yes, I have taught UK-TEFL courses in the past, but it has been a year or so since my last one so I am very much looking forward to teaching again.

What is your favourite part of the UK-TEFL course? I enjoy the whole course, and seeing the students’ progress in such a short space of time as well as being able to share ideas with them is very rewarding.

Do you have a favourite age group to work with? If so, why? No I don’t have a particular age group that I prefer. I like variety and you can enjoy classes with all ages at all levels.

What are your future plans? I would like to further my career in teacher training as well as broaden my experience as a teacher.

Any websites you can recommend for job hunters? Tefl.com, eslcafe.com, guardianjobs.co.uk

Thanks Claire! Good luck with your upcoming course!

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