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| 1 |  What¡¯s the difference between CELTA and TESOL? |
This is the most frequently asked FAQ! Quite simply, TESOL is the subject and CELTA is a qualification in that subject – a Certificate in TESOL, in fact. A more general term is ELT – English Language Teaching, which is a name for the industry as a whole. Other acronyms you may come across are TEFL and TESL. The first is Teaching English as a Foreign Language; the second is Teaching English as a Second Language and is commonly applied to the teaching of immigrants. TEAL, Teaching English as an Alternative Language, is another name for this. All of these, however, can be included under the umbrella term TESOL, or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
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| 2 | What areas of teaching does the CELTA course cover? |
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The syllabus covers five main areas:
¡Ü Learners and teachers and the teaching and learning context ¡Ü Language analysis and awareness ¡Ü Language skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing ¡Ü Planning and resources for different contexts ¡Ü Developing teaching skills and professionalism
For a more detailed syllabus please go to the Cambridge ESOL website at http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/celta/
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| 3 | How will I be assessed on the course? |
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Assessment is continuous, throughout the course with no final examination. There are two components to the assessment:
¡Ü Teaching practice. You will teach for a total of six hours, working with classes at two levels of ability. Assessment is based on your overall performance by the end of the course. ¡Ü Written assignments. You will complete four short written assignments: one focusing on language systems, one on language skills, one on the individual learner and one on classroom teaching.
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| 4 | What if I¡¯m teaching Young Learners? Is the CELTA relevant to my teaching situation? |
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The techniques and approaches learned on the CELTA course can certainly be adapted or used directly with teenage learners. But for pre-teens not all of the methodology will be relevant. Once you have the CELTA though, you can take a 2-week YL CELTA extension course to provide you with the necessary skills in teaching children and young teenagers. For details of Centres which offer these courses please go to the Cambridge ESOL website at http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-qualifications/celta/
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| 5 | What¡¯s the average pass rate for the course? |
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Globally, according to Cambridge, an average of 92% of participants successfully complete the course, around 5% withdraw for various reasons and just 3% actually fail.
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| 6 | What if English is not my first language? Can I still do the course? |
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Yes. The Cambridge regulations are simply that you should have an awareness of language and a competence in English, both written and spoken, that will enable you to follow the course. In examination terms this translates roughly to at least 7 on the IELTS plus an oral interview. A pass on the Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency examinations would also be acceptable.
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| 7 | Exactly what qualification will I get when I complete the course? |
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You will get a signed and numbered Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (Certificate in TESOL) from the University of Cambridge, together with a signed, individual course report from the tutors which can be used as a reference for future employers.
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| 8 | Who recognizes the CELTA? |
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All organizations throughout the world that employ English language teachers. The CELTA qualification is an EFL industry standard and many schools demand it before even considering an application from a prospective teacher.
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| 9 | How can I be sure about the quality of the course? |
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¡Ü All our teacher trainers have extensive EFL classroom experience teaching a variety of levels, age groups and specialist areas in a number of countries throughout the world. They have higher degrees, the CELTA (or equivalent) as well as the DELTA (or equivalent) and have been trained and officially approved as CELTA trainers by the University of Cambridge.
¡Ü Also, each course is moderated by a Cambridge-appointed Assessor, who checks that the Centre is maintaining standards in terms of syllabus requirements, course provision and assessment.
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| 10 | What do previous participants think of the course? |
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¡¤ Sunghyun Baek (Franko) [Korea] – January 2024 Thank you for having us in this helpful class. You have widened my knowledge of English Education. Franko. ¡¤ Matt Crawford [Canada] – January 2024 Thanks for letting me know about the winter intensive session at IGSE. It's been a rewarding experience. Best, Matt ¡¤ Eun-Hyeong Hwang (Hannah) [Korea] – January 2024 James Huge thanks to you for opening this course. You have such a delightful and jolly presence and deliver difficult subjects so wonderfully - we were able to absorb things and stay contentious. It is also rewarding to know that it is possible to teach with such passion and earn respect from colleagues and the younger generation just like you. It was an honor getting to learn from you. I now understand that lessons are learnt through doing the task - live the lesson and understanding follows as a result. I think I am going to miss your inspiring classes - you always made us laugh and think critically. I will be forever grateful for this experience. I wish the best for you. With love and respect, Hannah ¡¤ Ye-Seong Kim (Amy) [Korea] – January 2024 Hello James! Thank you for being an amazing teacher. Your input is really interesting. I always had fun in your class. There is no better lesson Thank you very much. Amy ¡¤ Poo Reun Noh (Luna) [Korea] – January 2024 Dear James, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the wonderful learning experience in your class. Your teaching style made the lessons both enjoyable and informative, which I greatly appreciated. As a non-native speaker, I initially faced challenges with confidence in pronunciation. However, your guidance and encouragement have motivated me to dive deeper into this area. I am excited to continue my journey, applying the knowledge gained at IGSE and further developing the skills I acquired during the CELTA course. Thank you once again for your inspiring lessons and support. Warm regards Luna ¡¤ Seon-yeong Ahn [Korea] – Spring 2023 Hello James, I'm absolutely delighted to hear the news of my grade. I truly appreciate your message and all your guidance throughout the CELTA course. You've made a tremendous difference to my learning experience, and for that, I am immensely grateful. I hope that you continue to be blessed with happiness and satisfaction in your teaching journey. Once again, a heartfelt thank you for your invaluable mentorship. Best Regards, Seon-yeong ¡¤ Sophie Fung [Malaysia] – Spring 2023 Hi James, Many thanks again for your's and Chris's guidance throughout the course! So excited about what lies ahead now :) Thanks and keep in touch! Sophie ¡¤ Pearl Kang [Philippines/Korea] – Spring 2023 Thank you James. You've been a great guide from the beginning to the end! And the course has been an immense help to my development as an instructor. Thank you for such an enriching time. I wish you all the best and hope to meet you one day in person. Best, Pearl ¡¤ Shannon Rae Curington [Korea] – Spring 2011 (below email received 10 January 2023) Hello James! I was in your CELTA course in Seoul at IGSE in 2011. To this day, I tell people it was the best time and money I have ever spent and that my only regret is not taking the course sooner. You are an amazing instructor and I am glad I got to be your student. You have been on my mind lately. After CELTA, I did CELTYL and got my masters in TESOL. I currently work at 3 different campuses teaching ESL here in San Diego, CA and at each school, my reputation is stellar. Students tell me that mine is the first class where they felt they can understand English; other teachers use my ppts (sometimes directly! But sometimes as a model) for their classes; I meet with numerous colleagues at one school regularly b/c teachers have questions and I am the teacher they've heard about (that is at the private ESL schools, like the 'hagwons' in Seoul) and they hire anyone w/a degree, no experience required, hence so many teachers w/questions). I was reflecting on all this b/c although I am glad so many ppl like my work, I wondered how I am special, b/c others have the same education as me but are not as sought after. I concluded that it's b/c I have had such amazing teachers and mentors that helped me to become as good as I am. I credit that to you. Thank you so much for your guidance; thank you for being such amazing teachers. I have plenty of complaints about plenty of things in life, but it is no exaggeration to say I am happy when I step into the classroom every single day, b/c I love this work, and I thank you for teaching me how to teach. ~Sha ¡¤ Seongeun Jin [Korea] – Autumn 2022 Hi James, I am happy with the result and look forward to the Certificate! Thank you again for your good teaching during the course. I wish you a Happy New Year! Best, Essi ¡¤ Chassie Lee-Irem [Turkey] – Autumn 2022 Thank you so much James. Also thank you for all of your teachings and your patience! Chassie ¡¤ Miji Ryu [Korea] – Autumn 2022 Hi, James. Thanks for your email on the course grade. Without your help and support, I couldn't have got a 'Pass'. Thanks again and I also hope you're having a good Christmas break and wish you have a Happy New Year!! - Jamie ¡¤ Kyuri Kim [Korea] – Jan-Feb 2022
Thanks James, I'm really grateful to have been taught by you. Thank you so much regards Q ¡¤ Martin Fan [UK] – Spring 2022
Hi James, I'd just like to say a massive thanks to you for all of the help and feedback over the course. It's been a great help for my future endeavours and I'm really happy I ended up doing the course. Hope this finds you well, Martyn ¡¤ Isobel Holley [UK] – Spring 2022
Hi James, I just wanted to say a proper thank you for all the support, advice, and feedback that you've given me throughout the course. I really enjoyed doing it and that was very much down to you and Chris. So thank you very much :) Best wishes, Izzy ¡¤ Nayul Kim [Korea] – Spring 2022
Hi James, I am so happy to hear the Pass result from you! I am grateful that it's all due to your sensible and caring teaching. The course broadened and gave me new experiences in my teaching that will help me a lot later on too. Sincerely, Olivia ¡¤ Jennifer Mi [Taiwan/UK] – Spring 2022
Hi James, I just want to let you know that I¡¯ve enjoyed the course immensely, it was a hard yet very rewarding course and I¡¯ve learnt a lot. Thank you!! Best regards, Jennifer ¡¤ Marie Park [Korea] – Spring 2022
Dear James, Thank you so much for everything throughout the course. I couldn't have been able to complete it if it weren't for you and Chris. It's been such a busy 3 months for me with so many unplanned things happening at the same time, but you were patient enough to wait for me and push me forward. I have positive thoughts about continuing into the Delta course with time, so I hope to see you again soon. Thank you once again, and have a great summer! Kind regards, Marie ¡¤ Amanda Mattle [US] – Jan-Feb 2022
Hello Chris and James, I'm back in the US, and my new job starts tomorrow. I'll be teaching ESL to refugees as well as assisting them in other, social-workey ways. I had a relatively short time to wrap things up in Korea, which delayed this email, but I just wanted to say thanks and that I got the job. I really appreciated the CELTA course and wish you well in the future. Kind regrards, Amanda ¡¤ Jenny Cho [Hong Kong/Korea] – Autumn 2020
Dear James, Hello! I just wanted to thank you again for the email and, more importantly, my time at IGSE. I wish you all the best in the coming year and I hope you stay safe and healthy during these times! Yours sincerely, Jenny Cho
¡¤ Lauren Faircloth [USA] – Autumn 2020
Dear James,
Thank you so much! I learned a lot on the course, and I was really happy to be given a Pass B.
Lauren Faircloth ¡¤ Ashley Boswell [US] – January 2020
James, Thank you so much for your and the other
tutors' guidance and feedback during the course - it was truly an invaluable
experience.
Ashley
¡¤ Young-sun Doh [Korea] – January 2020
Dear James, Thank you very much for helping me through
this certification process. It was a big challenge for me. I was so confused
and puzzled throughout the course, but I was really happy and honored that I
could once again attend your class. It's been a really big learning process. Sincerely, Young-sun
¡¤ Zachary Gore [US] – January 2020 [Message to the
Tutors and his classmates]
I want to say
that it has been a lot of fun in class, and that I wish you all good luck with
everything you do and I hope you all do well with whatever you do. Hope to see you
all in the future
Zach
¡¤ Yeji Yvonne Ham [Canada] – January 2020
Dear James , Thank you so
much for everything -- I really appreciate having had you as our tutor and
teacher. The last three weeks have definitely been a growing experience for me.
Thank you for making the journey memorable. I hope you're
having a great Lunar New Year holiday :)
Best Regards, Yeji Yvonne Ham
¡¤ Robert Hudson [UK] – January 2020
Good morning, James. Thank you for
everything during the course. I certainly learned a great deal from you all and
I just wished I could¡¯ve given a bit more effort than I did, but sometimes life
just throws some obstacles in your way at times. However, I
thoroughly enjoyed the course and I¡¯ll be sure to recommend your program to my
friends who are thinking about it. Safe trip back
home.
Warm regards Robert
¡¤ Hansoo Jang [Korea] – January 2020
Dear James Thank you so
much for your guidance and help throughout the Celta course! Without you I
don¡¯t think I would've passed this very intensive course! Thank you again
James! Hope you enjoy the rest of your winter break :) Warm regards Hansoo
Jang
¡¤ Kyunghee Won [Korea] – Spring 2019 Dear James, It's been a while since I saw you last.
How've you been these days? I hope you're well in this extreme hot weather :-) Earlier today, I got a copy of the
Certificate. While reading it, I was reminded of how strongly you supported me
during the course. Thank you for giving me the chance to learn how to teach in a
student-centered way. Thank you enormously. Without you, the Celta course would've been
out of reach to me. Thanks again!! Best wishes, Kyunghee ¡¤ Kevin Chapman [US] – January 2019 Hi James Thank you so much for an amazing experience. Kevin Chapman ¡¤ Julia Kwon [Korea] – January 2019 Hi James, I learned a
lot through this course. I think I will make many changes in my teaching in the
future. I really
appreciate the support you gave me. It was such a great course! I believe
it will definitely help my future career. Sincerely,
Julia Kwon ¡¤ Lee Unwin [UK] – January 2019 Hello
James, Just a
quick email to thank you personally for all your hard work, expertise and
advice during the CELTA course. It was an extremely rewarding experience and
I'm sure I'll become more and more aware of how valuable it was as as I
continue teaching. You have supported me a lot and opened my mind up to new
ideas and fields that I'm eager to jump into, and you have given me countless
little pieces of useful advice that I can put into action immediately. Thank
you so much for everything. I hope you
can enjoy a very well deserved break this weekend, and I hope we can stay in
touch. Thanks
Again, Lee ¡¤ Jedney Lee [Philippines] – January 2019 Thanks James! 😊
I've already recovered from the course, and even am
surprised about missing every bit of the CELTA! I miss you and everyone so much. I will never forget a
very good tutor like you. Thank you so much for always being kind.
Stay healthy and blessed. ¡¤ Hyunjin Kim [Korea] – July 2018 Dear James, I am back to school after spending the month of August traveling around. I wanted to express my gratitude to you for everything I learned from you during the CELTA course. I also thank Veronica and Jerry for their coaching and guidance. It was an exceptional experience for me and I believe that the methodologies and techniques that I learned in the course will help me greatly with any projects and tasks either in teaching or in the business field. The course gave me a chance to reflect on myself being in a new field and made me think about it more deeply. My interest is in creating student-centred curriculums and lessons for business students by merging my proficiency in the business field and teaching English. If it's possible, I would like to have a chance to talk more about it with you. Thank you again for the CELTA course. Sincerely yours, Hyunjin Kim ¡¤ Lila Kang [Korea] – July 2018 Dear James, I learned a lot during the course and really enjoyed the afternoon classes. Thank you for your dedication to teaching and being so understanding and kind. I hope to one day be as good a teacher as you! Warmest regards, Lila ¡¤ Hyesun Ahn [Korea] – July 2018 Dear Professor Forrest, I've got my report and I really appreciate your congratulations on getting my Celta It was really meaningful for me because I knew without your guidance it would be impossible for me to pass the course. You are my role model as a perfect teacher and I will try my best to be the best teacher like you. Again thank you so much, and hope you have a nice vacation. Sincerely, Hyesun ¡¤ Grace Cho [Korea] – July 2018 Dear James, I hope that you had a great holiday. I'm also having a relaxing time nowadays, It was a great honor for me to learn the CELTA course with you. Now I am really happy to hear that I got a good result - I didn't expect that actually. I think that this course gave me lots of inspiration to be a better teacher. I also enjoyed the learning and teaching though I felt exhausted with lots of assignment and TPs sometimes. It is strange that I feel empty after this course. (Do I miss TP?? ^^;) I really appreciated your advice and instructions. I won't forget those and I may miss those. (Did I use the modal verb, 'may' correctly here?^^**) I hope that I can keep trying out the lessons I've learnt, and not lose the spirit of this summer CELTA course. I wish you a good & relaxing time during the rest of the summer vacation. Take care in this hot weather. Best, Grace ¡¤ Joesph Hester [UK] – July 2018 Hi James, I hope you're enjoying your summer break - I bet it's lovely down there in Brighton now. I got the results through yesterday. Thank you so much for all your guidance and support throughout the course; it was an intense few weeks but I certainly learnt a lot. Looking forward to applying it in the classroom now! I've had a crazy few weeks with interviews at various places and finally heard back from the British Council today - I'll let you know how it all progresses. Thanks again and have a great holiday. Joe ¡¤ Michael Nelson [USA] – July 2018 Dear James, Thank you to you, Veronica, and Jerry for such a wonderful class. It was difficult, but I did enjoy the entire learning process. My parents are currently in the UK and they also experienced some hot weather, though recently it has become more pleasant. I hope you enjoy your vacation as well. Take care. Sincerely, Michael Nelson ¡¤ Corey Shin [USA] – July 2018 Hello James, I actually received my certificate just few days ago, much sooner than I had expected. I want to thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise, as well as being supportive throughout the course. You made the learning experience more enjoyable. I hope you're enjoying a cooler weather back in the UK. -Corey ¡¤ Zach Davis [USA] – January 2018 Just wanted to say thank you so much for helping me become a better teacher. I learned a great deal from you and Veronica in such a very short time. Thank you. It really was an honor to be involved in the course and to have the quality of instruction and support you provided. Take care, Best Regards, Zach ¡¤ Benjamin Dowling [USA] – January 2018 Hello James, Thank you for all the helpful feedback and information given during the course. I am really looking forward to going back to class and implementing all the things I have taken away from the course. Thanks again. Sincerely, Benjamin Dowling ¡¤ Bilal Duranni [USA] – January 2018 Hi James, Cheers for all the hard work and time you spent in explaining everything. The course felt a lot smoother and less daunting with your guidance. Thanks again, Bilal ¡¤ Jiwon Rhee [Singapore resident] – January 2018 Dear James, Thank you very much. I look forward to receiving the report and the certificate. Thank you once again for your great inputs, feedback and advice during the course. Best wishes from Singapore, Jiwon ¡¤ Sean Kang [UK] – January 2018 Hi James
Thank you for making our 4 weeks unforgettable. You and Veronica make a great team. After the CELTA I¡¯ve been sleeping more, and I'm feeling normal again. I will be waiting for the Report and Certificate at home.
Thank you again!
Sean ¡¤ Lawrence Pamphilon [UK] – January 2018
Dear James,
Thank you once again for all your help on the CELTA course, I was able to see a great teacher in practice through doing the course with you!
Kind regards, Lawrence Pamphilon ¡¤ Katie Jinyoung Seo [Korea] – July 2017 Dear James, Thank you for letting me know the result. The four weeks were the best, and I learned a lot! It was pretty challenging, though. Now I feel like I can teach adults with confidence. Thank you very much for everything you did for us. I hope you enjoy your time in Italy and see you next semester in class. All the best, Sincerely, Katie ¡¤ Mark Barnett [UK] – January 2017 Hi James, Thank you for letting me know and thanks for all your hard work. I really learnt a lot and despite the workload I enjoyed myself. I've had a look at the Cambridge young learners program you mentioned and it is definitely something i'd be interested in. If an opportunity comes up to join the course please let me know. Thanks again Mark ¡¤ Kakyung Kim [Korea] – January 2017 Hello James, Thank you for all your support and patience over the course. It was definitely intensive and highly enjoyable learning experience. I gainedhands-on experience and invaluable insights from you. I really appreciate you for encouraging us and being a great role model for us all the time. I'm looking forward to seeing you again at IGSE. With great respect, Kayla ¡¤ Brad Cox [UK] – July 2016 Hi James, I was pleased to find out that I got a Pass ¡®B¡¯. I would just also like to thank you and Ray for all the invaluable input and guidance you gave over the course, which I believe will put me in good stead for future teaching experiences. Best, Brad ¡¤ RJ Kim [USA/Korea] – July 2016 Hello James. I wanted to say a big thank you, sir. I really learnt a lot from you that will make a huge impact on my future teachings, both in class and also for teachers I am responsible for. Yours truly, RJ Kim ¡¤ SoYeong Kim [Korea] – July 2016 Hi James, Thank you for everything over the course and the course report. It has been the most intense and exhilarating learning experience. I was absolutely thrilled to find out that I got an 'A' - it was a really lovely surprise! Hope you are enjoying your holiday. All the best SoYeong ¡¤ Eunjoo Lee [Korea] – July 2016 Hi James, A Pass ¡®B¡¯ is a great result for me. I am so happy. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of taking the course, and for the excellent input lessons, and the support and encouragement. I learned a lot from the course. Best Eunjoo ¡¤ Lowell Usedo [USA] – July 2016 Hi James Thanks for all of your help and instruction. It was definitely intensive, as you said it would be in my interview, but it was well worth it and I gained a lot of valuable experience and insight. I¡¯m on the job hunt now so I hope to land something good soon. Wish me luck, and thanks again! Lowell ¡¤ Kevin Flynn [US] – January 2016 To James Forrest Thank you. It's been a great experience. All the best, Kevin ¡¤ Christopher Holmström [Sweden] – January 2016 Hi James, I'm glad to hear I passed the course! It's been a crazy four weeks, but very valuable in terms of what has been absorbed. Best regards, Chris~ ¡¤ Daniel Peters [US] – January 2016 Hello James, Thank you for all your help and patience over the past 4 weeks. I enjoyed learning from you. You have an excellent teaching style that I plan to emulate as far as I am able. I still have so much work to do on the technical side of the language, but the tools you have provided me are quite valuable to me as a teacher. Thank you, and take care, Daniel ¡¤ Alisher Sattarov [Uzbekistan] – January 2016 Hello Mr. James, Thank you very much! For great sessions and powerful feedbacks!!! You must have heard it millions of times, but anyway, let me tell you also: "You are the most talented teacher I've ever seen!" I sincerely wish you strong health and that you carry on "bestowing knowledge :)" to many, many ... more students!!! Best regards, Alisher Sattarov ¡¤ Iris Su Ya Yeh [Taiwan] – January 2016 Hi James, Thank you for the email. I arrived in Taiwan last night. I just wanted to say I was really glad to do the Celta at IGSE and have the opportunity to learn from you. Although the course was really tough for me, I enjoyed it a lot and am very inspired from your teaching! Thank you very much for all your help and guidance during the CELTA course. I will never forget the things I've learned from CELTA and I'll definitely make good use of them! Thank you again and Happy Chinese New Year!! All the best, Iris ¡¤ Marge Paderes [The Philippines] – July 2015 Hi James, Thank you very much for all your help and support during the Celta course. It was incredibly tough enough for someone who doesn't have real classroom teaching experience like me but I received so much support from you and Ray. I've learned so much from Celta. I hope to learn more and looking forward to seeing you again. Thank you so much!!! Marge ¡¤ So-Young Sohn [Korea] – July 2015 Dear James, Thank you once more for CELTA and the previous two years [on the MA course] at IGSE During the CELTA I realized how much I'd learned from you over those last two years. I promise I'll make good use of what I've learned. :) Have a wonderful summer!! With much respect, So-young ¡¤ Shaun Connelly [Australia] – January 2015 Dear James, I received my report in the mail a few days ago, and wish to thank you for the very nice account you gave. "The nicest thing anyone's ever said about me," is how I've been foreshadowing it, when passing on photocopies to employers, both present and prospective. Thanks again! It was a highly worthwhile experience, the CELTA course, and one I've been recommending, and going over with friends, at every opportunity. I believe I'll be seeing you in six months' time when as many from this past group can get together to make the trip back to collect our files. Take care until then! Shaun ¡¤ Wijong Jo [Korea] – January 2015 Hello James, I hope you are having a great time back in England. I have attached my reflection on this CELTA course. I hope you can use it. I have taught English for about eight years, and I always thought I could be better. I knew the CELTA certificate is the most prestigious and practical one worldwide. I also wanted to challenge myself and improve, so I took the CELTA course. Even though I knew in advance that it was going to be a tough experience - I felt the pressure from the first day of the course. Learning how to teach English as explicit knowledge wasn’t the difficult part, since I had already prepared by reading the recommended course books, but the real challenge was to incorporate all the elements into my lesson plans, and also in my teaching in front of my peers! There were lots of useful input-session materials, so that I could know exactly what to teach and how to teach, recognizing what the students' needs were. Observing my peers' teaching was very helpful. I have learned a lot by seeing their strengths and weaknesses. The trainers?comments were also beneficial. Having to learn how to get students to find out what the lesson was going to be about, what they know already, and what they need to know was a great discovery. Also, setting the tasks so that students do the work and improve their English in doing so was an earth-shattering experience as a Korean English teacher. The details of how to do these things according to the specific lesson aim is an area that I still need to work on by reviewing the materials that I have been given. Having now done the CELTA, I recommend that all English teachers in Korea try this course to improve as professionals, and I think this will, in turn, be of benefit to their students - especially those who have only been learning English through the GTM method so far. All the best Wijong ¡¤ Sunghae Moon [Korea] – January 2015 Dear James, Thank you for your email. I really appreciate that I had an opportunity to meet you as a teacher, and be a trainee of this CELTA course. Now, it feels a bit awkward that I don't have to wake up in the early morning to go to school and plan my lessons. It was intensive indeed, but it was truly worth it. Thank you so much for all your help and guidance during the course. It was a whole new experience for me, but I really loved and enjoyed what I learned and studied through all the input and TP sessions, which made me want to study more, and work in the field in the near future. Anyways, thank you so much for inspiring and encouraging us all the time, and being a great role model for all of us! I will never forget what I've learned and gained from the last month. Best, Sunghae ¡¤ Edward Nye [USA] – January 2015 Hi James, I received the CELTA "pass" letter last week. Thank you for the kind recommendation. I appreciate the extra effort on your part. I have tried some of the techniques we learned in the CELTA course with a few of my classes at one of the elementary schools and they worked wonderfully. My Korean co-teacher seemed a bit uncomfortable giving the students more control over the class, but she was happy to back off and let the students run with the material in the later classes. I was less exhausted at the end of the day and the students were happier at the end of the class. I am enjoying working smarter and not harder. Thanks again, Edward ¡¤ Alex Woods [UK] – January 2015 Thank you so much, James. I had such a great experience on CELTA and this is just the icing on the cake (all those sleepless nights were worth it!). I am so grateful to you and Malcolm for giving me the opportunity to better myself and meet so many good people in the process. Best regards Alex ¡¤ Marge Paderes [ThePhilippines] – July 2015 Hi James, Thank you very much for all your help and support during the Celta course. It was incredibly tough enough for someone who doesn't have real classroom teaching experience like me but I received so much support from you and Ray. I've learned so much from Celta. I hope to learn more and looking forward to seeing you again. Thank you so much!!! Marge ¡¤ So-Young Sohn [Korea] – July 2015 Dear James, Thank you once more for CELTA and the previous two years [on the MA course] at IGSE. During the CELTA I realized how much I'd learned from you over those last two years. I promise I'll make good use of what I've learned. :) Have a wonderful summer!! With much respect, So-young ¡¤ Shaun Connelly [Australia] – January 2015 Dear James, I received my report in the mail a few days ago, and wish to thank you for the very nice account you gave. "The nicest thing anyone's ever said about me," is how I've been foreshadowing it, when passing on photocopies to employers, both present and prospective. Thanks again! It was a highly worthwhile experience, the CELTA course, and one I've been recommending, and going over with friends, at every opportunity. I believe I'll be seeing you in six months' time when as many from this past group can get together to make the trip back to collect our files. Take care until then! Shaun ¡¤ Wijong Jo [Korea] – January 2015 Hello James, I hope you are having a great time back in England. I have attached my reflection on this CELTA course. I hope you can use it. I have taught English for about eight years, and I always thought I could be better. I knew the CELTA certificate is the most prestigious and practical one worldwide. I also wanted to challenge myself and improve, so I took the CELTA course. Even though I knew in advance that it was going to be a tough experience - I felt the pressure from the first day of the course. Learning how to teach English as explicit knowledge wasn’t the difficult part, since I had already prepared by reading the recommended course books, but the real challenge was to incorporate all the elements into my lesson plans, and also in my teaching in front of my peers! There were lots of useful input-session materials, so that I could know exactly what to teach and how to teach, recognizing what the students' needs were. Observing my peers' teaching was very helpful. I have learned a lot by seeing their strengths and weaknesses. The trainers?comments were also beneficial. Having to learn how to get students to find out what the lesson was going to be about, what they know already, and what they need to know was a great discovery. Also, setting the tasks so that students do the work and improve their English in doing so was an earth-shattering experience as a Korean English teacher. The details of how to do these things according to the specific lesson aim is an area that I still need to work on by reviewing the materials that I have been given. Having now done the CELTA, I recommend that all English teachers in Korea try this course to improve as professionals, and I think this will, in turn, be of benefit to their students - especially those who have only been learning English through the GTM method so far. All the best Wijong ¡¤ Sunghae Moon [Korea] – January 2015 Dear James, Thank you for your email. I really appreciate that I had an opportunity to meet you as a teacher, and be a trainee of this CELTA course. Now, It feels a bit awkward that I don't have to wake up in the early morning to go to school and plan my lessons. It was intensive indeed, but it was truly worth it. Thank you so much for all your help and guidance during the course. It was a whole new experience for me, but I really loved and enjoyed what I learned and studied through all the input and TP sessions, which made me want to study more, and work in the field in the near future. Anyways, thank you so much for inspiring and encouraging us all the time, and being a great role model for all of us! I will never forget what I've learned and gained from the last month. Best, Sunghae ¡¤ Edward Nye [USA] – January 2015 Hi James, I received the CELTA "pass" letter last week. Thank you for the kind recommendation. I appreciate the extra effort on your part. I have tried some of the techniques we learned in the CELTA course with a few of my classes at one of the elementary schools and they worked wonderfully. My Korean co-teacher seemed a bit uncomfortable giving the students more control over the class, but she was happy to back off and let the students run with the material in the later classes. I was less exhausted at the end of the day and the students were happier at the end of the class. I am enjoying working smarter and not harder. Thanks again, Edward ¡¤ Alex Woods[UK] – January 2015 Thank you so much, James. I had such a great experience on CELTA and this is just the icing on the cake (all those sleepless nights were worth it!). I am so grateful to you and Malcolm for giving me the opportunity to better myself and meet so many good people in the process. Best regards Alex ¡¤ Won Hee Yee [Korea] – July 2014 Dear James, This is Won Hee, one of the students on the June-to-July CELTA training. Hope everything is okay with you. Three months after the completion of the training, the same period after the start of my PhD course at the university, I have found that what you had taught throughout the training is just as important in almost every aspect of English Language Teaching. Such significance is confirmed again as often as possible in the pedagogical areas within my research scope. I thank you again for sharing your experience and the insights I gained into teaching language. Wishing you all the best, Won Hee Yee ¡¤ Seonah Im [Korea] – January 2014 Hi James, I'm so happy to know that I passed. It was all thanks to you and Martin. I really appreciate the unforgettable joy of learning you two gave me. I hope you have a good rest until the new semester begins. Best regards Seonah ¡¤ James Copeland [UK] – January 2012 Hi James, I'm delighted with that result, I thought I'd missed out on a B. Anyway regardless of grade I felt the CELTA has been the most worthwhile education I have ever completed and has completely changed by perspective on teaching and my career. Thank you again for all of your hard work and excellent teaching, it was much appreciated by all of us. I hope to see you again. All the best, Jamie ¡¤ Joe Klunder [USA] – January 2012 Hi Guys, Thanks for all the help with CELTA. I really appreciate all the support. I could not have gotten by without all of you. I hope we can all keep in touch (easier said than done, I know). Joe ¡¤ Jure Majnaric [Croatia] – January 2012 Dear James, Thank you for teaching me and providing all the helpful feedback and guidance! This was the first time I have ever been evaluated as a teacher, and the first time I ever received any feedback and guidance in regards to my teaching. Well, it was a whole lot more than just feedback and guidance - the class pretty much changed my idea of teaching. As a result, I think I'll be able to make a bigger difference in the way my students learn English. This course was the most challenging class I've ever completed. Also, I don't think I've ever been as motivated to succeed, and learn as much as I did from this class. I'm still extremely motivated and plan on continuing my education, though I still haven't decided on a route - MBA or MA TESOL. I hope we get a chance to run into each other sometime again in the near future. Take care, and thank you again! Sincerely, Jure Majnaric ¡¤ Lee Mordell [USA] – January 2012 Hi James, Thanks for letting me know my grade. It was honestly a great experience. I think I'm going to be a lot better teacher because of the CELTA. Best of luck to you in the future and I hope we cross paths again someday. Take care, Lee ¡¤ Luke Viano [USA] – January 2012 Hi James, Thanks for the congratulatory note. I hope I don't sound melodramatic when I say that I certainly could not have done it without your guidance and instruction along the way. Best wishes, Luke Viano ¡¤ Sha Curington [USA] – Spring 2011 Hi James Things are so much better in my classroom and I'm so thankful to CELTA for it. My only regret is that I didn't take the CELTA course sooner. I had been teaching in Korea for over 4 years and I almost want to apologize to all my former students because I know I am a much stronger teacher now. I learned about how ESL students may think/perceive things, how to make a proper and effective lesson plan, and the support I got from the CELTA tutors was really fantastic. The CELTA course was a lot of work but it was worth it. Sha ¡¤ Amanda Dow [USA] – Spring 2011 Hi James and Glenn. I owe you both a huge thank you. Thanks for all the support these past couple of months, even when it was hard to endure. I also am very grateful for this morning. You could have not allowed me to teach this morning because I wasn't prepared, but instead, all you did was comfort me and assure me that the "show must go on." This motivation helped me to get through the lesson and I'm glad I did. Glenn, thank you for coaching me and being honest with me about my lesson faults. Thank you for coming into the lounge this morning and telling me that you knew my lesson would be kickass. Also, I talked to Sha on the way home and she mentioned how you, James sent her an encouraging email and even spoke with her over the phone. I was blessed to hear this for I know Sha's had a difficult run these past few months. What you said made her return and decide to finish...really touching. Blessings to you both, AP ¡¤ Martin Craig [UK] – January 2011 Sorry it's been so long between finishing the course and sending this email. I've thought about you both often, but have been busy making up with my wife and daughter after a January in which I was quite absent in almost every sense - I'm sure you understand. I am writing, of course, to say thank you. I have spent the last week teaching after waiting eagerly to get back into my classroom and practice that which I have learnt with you and I'm enjoying the fresh energy and confidence that comes from a greater certainty that I'm on the right path. I found I have almost too many new techniques and changes to apply but am working on taking what was yours and making it mine as best I can. I don't quite know how to explain my gratitude other than to say I am hugely indebted, and it was an altogether worthwhile and humbling experience meeting you both. Thanks again, Martin Craig. PS: I'm doing my Masters in TESOL right now, (I'm in my last semester) but am paying a hefty fee to do so. And you're exactly right - my classroom practice has been changed more by one month of CELTA than by nigh-on 2 years of MA, absolutely no doubt about it. So thanks again. Take care, me. ¡¤ James Gardiner [UK] – January 2011 Hi James, Thank you for all your help and guidance during the course. I think I enjoyed it. I will certainly take away a lot of good things from it. I've already recommended the course to people I know and will continue to do so. Best wishes, James ¡¤ Linda Soonike [South Africa] – January 2011 Dear James, Hello, I hope you are very well. I think you get a few emails or comments saying that students actually miss CELTA once it’s done!? Well, I certainly do. I've never learnt so much in such a short space of time! Thank You James, and I will recommend CELTA and IGSE to many of my peers. Warm Regards, Linda ¡¤ Veronika Ten [Uzbekistan] - January 2011 Hello, Professor Forrest I enjoyed the course very much though it was not easy. I feel that the course was really USEFUL for me. Now I know what professional teaching looks like and I intend to apply the knowledge I gained due to CELTA to my teaching practice. Thank you very much for your professional and enthusiastic teaching. With my greatest respects, Veronika ¡¤ Peter Jenkins [UK] – Autumn 2010 Hello James, I completed a part time CELTA course with you at the end of 2010. There were about eight of us in the group, Titus, Michelle (who are getting married!) and others and we studied Monday - Wednesday from September - December. This course was absolutely fantastic for me and I still look through the notes from time to time and can imagine your voice telling me to cut down my TTT when I feel the students are not talking enough or i feel i am rambling a little!! Seriously, I have on a number of occasions meant to contact you to tell you how grateful I am. I gained a position at Catholic University about a year later and am still here. Hope all is good there at IGSE and look forward to hearing from you, Regards, Peter Jenkins ¡¤ Kim Bradley [USA] – July 2010 Dear Mr Forrest, Hello! I hope you remember me. I took the CELTA course in JULY 2010. I learned so much from the CELTA course. In addition to developing my teaching skills I was able to become a more motivated and organized person in general. I still think about you and Glenn when I am teaching willing me to Elicit responses, ask CCQs and Feedback to error!!!!!! I have been able to apply many of the techniques I learned from the CELTA course to my teaching. The CELTA course kind of stripped me down and built me back up into a better teacher. It also aided me in becoming a more professional employee in general. I always recommend this course to any teachers that I meet in Korea seeking basic professional development. Anyway, I just wanted to e-mail you and say Hi! How are you? I hope to hear back from you! Thank you! Sincerely, Kim Bradley ¡¤ David Miller [USA] – January 2010 I'm really excited that I got a Pass B. Really proud! Thanks for all your hard work getting us through the course. I have started using my CELTA skills already and can see it paying dividends. I would absolutely recommend the course to anyone interested in being a better teacher. Take care. Dave. ¡¤ Mark O¡¯Connor [Canada] + (wife) Chloe Ye [China] – January 2010 Good morning James, Well, I started teaching a camp early Monday morning, so I guess there's no rest for the wicked... business-as-usual unfortunately... I'm sure some day I'll achieve that infamous "sleep" thing. :) Thanks to you for your effort on the course; it was certainly evident. Both Chloe and I talk highly of the program you run and we'll be sure to keep promoting it whenever we talk to people looking to upgrade their teaching abilities. Take care, and I'm sure we'll bump into you at some point, Sincerely, Mark ¡¤ Park Sung-min [Korea] – January 2010 Dear James Forrest, I just can't believe that January has gone this fast. I should have talked to you to express my gratitude for your immense practical help and advice, but I had to leave early for my work. I'm sorry. Honestly, before I took the CELTA course, I had not been quite confident of myself as a language instructor. It is because I probably didn't know what to teach and how to teach. Though it may take a long time to get completely used to using all the methods and strategies that I learned from the course, I strongly believe that I will be more aware, responsible, and professional when I get back to my job. Again, I do greatly appreciate all your help and advice. I should tell you that you are THE BEST professor I have ever met. I really enjoyed all the input sessions, which were methodologically pragmatic and theoretically meaningful. I wish all my best luck on you! Thank you. With all my gratitude and respect, Sung-min ¡¤ Fadi Tannouri [Canada] – Autumn 2009 Hi James, I just wanted to say thank you again for your time and energy during the CELTA session last fall. I really learned a lot from you and Peter, not only from the perspective of a student but also from that of a teacher, and I consider the course to be an important part of my professional development. At times, the class dynamic created some challenges, but you always made the classes beneficial. The input sessions were relevant to my needs, and your feedback during the teaching practicum really brought clarity and focus to my lesson planning. I've definitely improved my teaching methodology because of your help. I've received the Certificate and the course report, and I can't thank you enough for your kind words. I'm looking forward to adding both documents to my portfolio. Good luck with your semester. Thanks again. Best regards, Fadi ¡¤ Mack Moyer [USA] – Spring 2009 Hello: I am sure you haven't forgotten me already but just in case I was in the part time course this spring. Anyway, I just wanted to drop you guys a line and let you know what I have been doing since completing the course. I left Korea in July to travel a bit through Europe. I finished my travels in turkey where I planned on staying and getting a teaching job. Once I arrived and did a few interviews I quickly realized that I wasn't going to be able to make enough money to pay my bills back home as well as support myself in turkey. Thus, I’m starting looking at jobs in the middle east. To make a long story short, I was offered a job in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. After a few phone interviews and some online research I decided to accept the offer. The visa process took longer than a month and was very difficult. However, I arrived last week and start teaching in a few days. The facilities are top notch (new building, interactive whiteboards, etc...) and the management is fantastic. We use both cutting edge and interchange textbooks. I will be teaching adult males at a private school named ADEX. i am very excited to start teaching again. I was talking to my boss yesterday and he mentioned that "the best thing I have done for my career was to take the CELTA". This one comment alone made all the hard work worth it. Thanks again for all the help and guidance that I received during the course. I trust things are still going well for both you in Korea. Keep in touch please. I am a huge supporter of the CELTA program. Sincerely, Mack Moyer ¡¤ Adam Bertrand [USA] – January 2009 James, Thank you very much for all your hard work! It was a great course and I really enjoyed enjoyed myself. I will strongly recommend others to take your CELTA course at the IGSE. Again, thank you. Adam Bertrand ¡¤ Laura Huffman [USA] – January 2009 Hey James, Thank you so much for all your help and professionalism. I really enjoyed the course and feel very confident beginning my year with Sungshin Women's University. Thanks again! Best regards, Laura ¡¤ Kathryn Shaw [USA] – January 2009 Hello James! It has been 15 days since the CELTA course finished and it almost seems like it never happened. It was a whirlwind four weeks, that's for sure. Ji-Young told me earlier this week that it all feels like a dream. I was really thrilled with the whole experience and gained so much from it. Have a fantastic Valentine's Day weekend! Kathryn ¡¤ Vladan Kajgo [Serbia / Canada] – Autumn 2008 Hi James CELTA has definitely improved my teaching skills. Now I know what I am doing and what I want to achieve with each lesson. Before taking the CELTA course, I thought that I was a very good teacher. However, after only a few CELTA lessons I realized how much of my teaching approach I needed to “undo?and adopt new and better teaching techniques. Now, I feel more confident in the classroom, my lesson flow is smooth, I know what my lesson aims are, my job is easier and most importantly my students get more out of my classes. I¡¯ll tell people that CELTA is not a holiday. In the process, you will lose some weight, learn some great skills and meet some great people. But don¡¯t hesitate. It¡¯s worth every penny. If you are still not convinced then do it for your students. Best, Vladan ¡¤ Kim Jai-hong - [Korea] – Autumn 2008 Hi! James. Thanks to you, I've been enjoying my life here at Daewon International Middle School. I learned so much from the CELTA course. Thank you for everything that you have done for me, James. I learned from you a whole lot more than from anyone else in my entire life. Hope you've been doing well, and thanks! ^^ Sincerely, Jay ¡¤ Lee Hyo-Sun [Korea] – July 2008 Hi James, After the course, I got married and settled down in Seoul. Now I am working for e-future publisher writing ELT books and working on the process of publication. Didn't have any experience on this area before, so I am still learning a lot. The work is demanding but exciting. Often realise how much the CELTA course is helpful to the work. Thank you for your big help and good instruction, James. Sunny :) ¡¤ Bradley L. MacDonald [USA] – July 2008 Dear James, How are you? I've recently begun teaching adults again for the first time since completing the CELTA last summer. I'm enjoying my job much more and I believe my work is enjoyable and effective for students as attendance is high. Foreign teachers in Korea often feel their work is meaningless but mine isn't and neither is yours. Thanks for your contribution. Sincerely, Bradley L. MacDonald ¡¤ Melissa Goldman [USA] – January 2008 Hi James, I know it's been a while since CELTA, but I'm actually leaving for America on Friday night. I wanted to thank you both so much for teaching me all about CELTA techniques and I know I improved my teaching during my spring and summer reading/discussions class!!! I keep on spreading the word that, yes it is an intense class, but it's SO worth it!!! Next summer, I plan on getting into the European summer camp job-hunt, and really using my CELTA qualifications to hopefully find a great job during the summers! Thank you. Melissa ¡¤ Chae Jin Gyun (Jean) [Korea] – January 2008 Dear James 2008 was really meaningful for me. I started the year with the intensive CELTA, which was unforgettable, and a great experience in my life. I was transferred to the prestigious Daewon High School at the same time, where I was able to make good use of what I'd learned on the course. Teaching these elites was a challenge for me. To be sure, I learned a lot from teaching them. I transferred back to Daewon International Middle School this March, as chief teacher in charge of the International Education Department. The school has been recruiting new English teachers, and there was Jay!! We felt a strong bond immediately. We'll make you feel proud of us, CELTA students, your students^^. I'll keep in touch with you. Best regards, Jean ¡¤ David Gudlaugson [Canada] – Spring 2008 I undertook the Cambridge Celta with the IGSE in Songpa, Seoul, in the spring of 2008. I can state, without qualification, that it is one of the best decisions I have ever made with reference to my EFL teaching education. As a long term resident and teacher in Korea, I have been acquainted with Mr James Forrest, the head of the IGSE Celta program for many years. As an EFL instructor, Mr Forrest more than lived up to my expectations. My biggest regret is not undertaking the Celta course with Mr Forrest, years earlier. Mr Forrest was ably assisted by the assistant Celta instructor, Mr Peter Ryan and the backup Cambridge team. The IGSE facility in Songpa, Seoul was an excellent venue for the Celta course. The staff were friendly and very helpful, the facilities, excellent. The Korean students for the Input sessions were outstanding. The Cambridge Celta helped me to secure my new EFL teaching position in Libya with a major oil contractor. Without this diploma I do not think I would have landed this position. I am now preparing to take the Cambridge Delta course. I would strongly recommend that any teacher of EFL in Korea give this course and Mr James Forrest the most serious consideration. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me by email at: davidgud@yahoo.com Very truly yours, David Gudlaugson / Tripoli, Libya ¡¤ Euna Lhee [Korea / USA] – July 2007 Hello James, Andrew, and Daniel, Thank you so much for all your help and guidance during the CELTA course. I truly learned a lot, and I couldn't have done it without your support. Again, thank you so much, and take care. Sincerely, Euna Lhee ¡¤ Zoë Dixon [New Zealand] – Spring 2007 Hi James, Just enjoying the first Tuesday for a while where I haven't had to get up early and come to CELTA, it's a bit of a relief that it’s finished up now! Thanks again - I really enjoyed the course and hopefully feel as though my teaching has improved already as a result! Best Wishes Zoë Comments from earlier courses: ¡¤ Jin Young-hoon [Korea] Dear James, It was a great course and I certainly learned a lot from it and from you all. It gave me a new insight about what teaching is. I am very happy that I took this course and I am eager to apply some of the techniques and methodologies that I learned from this course and from you to the lesson which starts in about a week. Best wishes, Young-hoon ¡¤ Kim Sun Ae [Korea] Hello James I definitely learnt a lot through the course. Especially, because the program was very well arranged, as the only Korean I could survive. I think all the participants got the idea what the real teaching is about through the course. For this reason, I will definitely recommend this course to those who really want to dedicate themselves to teaching. Take care Sun Ae ¡¤ Henry Dziardziel [USA] Subject: CELTA Appreciation Dear James, Please accept this very heartfelt thank-you for the most rewarding, and stimulating learning experience I have ever had. I don't know how I survived the four weeks! The challenge was beyond all expectations. But the tutoring, help and guidance were superb -- making it all possible and very deeply appreciated. You and all the CELTA staff were extraordinary. There is just no other way to put it. And on a personal level, all, no matter the time or question, made me feel I was always welcome and part of the family. I am proud to have become a CELTA teacher. Thank you very much indeed. Best regards, Henry ¡¤ Olan Walsh [Ireland] Dear James, I'd like to thank you again (and the other tutors) for your help on the course. It has motivated me to become a better teacher and totally reformed my image of what being a teacher actually means. I feel that it has given me a valuable benchmark for the quality of education that I want to bring to my students and also to myself. All the best, Olan ¡¤ Alma Villarreal [Mexico] Subject: Thanks so much!! James: I know that this is long overdue, but THANK YOU!!!!!! You taught me so much about being a better teacher and you really gave us a lot of your energy and enthusiasm. Also, you were there for me when I needed help in securing a university job...the administrators were impressed with my teaching presentation ?good CELTA training I say! Thanks again for being such a great teaching mentor. Whenever I think of teachers I wish to emulate, I think of my CELTA trainers. Cheers!! Alma Villarreal
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