How has the past year of training gone?

Really well!  There’s been a surge of interest this year and a lot of people are signing up to learn how to teach English, which is very good for the industry as a whole.

How are you getting on with studying for your PhD? When are you due to complete it?

The eternal question!  It’s been very busy and this year is no exception!  I’m just starting my second year which is quite full with teaching, seminars and meetings – never mind my actual PhD! I’m aiming to submit my thesis May 2013, which, when I stop to think about it, isn’t a lot of time all things considered! 

What do you hope to do when you have achieved your PhD?

I’d like to go on to teach in higher education, as a lecturer, and continue my research into visible ethnic minorities who are native English speaking teachers.  The issue of race and the hierarchy of English language teachers isn’t an area that is discussed in TEFL and it’s my hope that my PhD will be a contribution to that emerging area of teacher development. 

What is your favourite part of the UK-TEFL course?

The participants and their energy!  It’s very rare that you get to work a whole weekend with a group of highly motivated and enthusiastic individuals who honestly give their all.  As a trainer I’ve been very privileged to meet a lot of lovely people during my time with UK TEFL.

Where are the most unusual destinations your students plan to teach after the course?

I think the most unusual destinations I’ve ever heard were a small village in the middle of Nepal, the island of Samoa in the South Pacific, and someone who planned to teach amongst the Hmong hill tribes of northern Vietnam. My students are always full of surprises, so there is never a dull moment!

Have you any memorable moments from the courses you have taught over the past twelve months?

Ah, too many to mention!  I think one of the more unique moments I’ve had this year was a discussion about disabilities with the group, including having three of the participants share their experiences learning another language while having dyslexia.  It was a good learning moment for me and the group.

Any recent success stories?

I have just heard from an old student who’s been working in Spain during the past 8 months and loving it,  particularly learning Spanish, his 4^th language!

Where do you see yourself in ten years time?

Hopefully with a PhD and a job!  Where, who knows?