Course Description

The CELTA Trainer-in-Training Programme at Britishey Training Centre is a rigorous, structured professional development pathway designed exclusively for Britishey staff who have been officially approved by Cambridge English to begin training as CELTA course tutors. This programme represents the first formal step toward qualifying as a CELTA Assistant Course Tutor, and all training is conducted to Cambridge’s global standards, with full external moderation where required.

Grounded in the procedures and competencies outlined in the CELTA Trainer-in-Training Handbook (Version 6), the programme prepares experienced teachers and emerging teacher-educators to deliver high-quality CELTA input, observe and assess teaching, guide candidates’ development, and uphold the academic and administrative standards of the world’s leading initial teacher-training qualification.


Programme Structure and Training Routes


Depending on the trainer-in-training’s background, Cambridge English assigns one of two official training routes:


Route One: Training & Development Programme


Designed for applicants with limited teacher-training experience or those whose previous training background differs from CELTA. This route includes:

  • 8–10 hours of pre-course preparation

  • Observation of 80% of a CELTA course, including input, TP, and feedback

  • Delivery of a minimum of four input sessions, observed by an approved tutor

  • Supervised TP feedback delivery

  • Assignment standardisation and shadow marking

  • A comprehensive post-course reflective assignment (1,500–2,000 words)

  • Compilation of a CELTA Trainer e-Portfolio, which may be reviewed by Cambridge English


Route Two: Induction Programme


For applicants with substantial pre-service training experience on courses similar to CELTA (e.g., Trinity CertTESOL). This intensive induction includes:

  • 12–16 hours of structured pre-course learning

  • 2–3 days of guided course observation

  • Post-observation tasks and administrative familiarisation

  • Development of a trainer e-portfolio for internal and external review


Programme Content and Development Tasks


Throughout their training, participants engage in a wide range of professional tasks designed by Cambridge English to build trainer expertise. These include:

  • Analysing the CELTA Syllabus and Assessment Guidelines

  • Studying and applying the CELTA Administration Handbook

  • Observing candidate interviews and selection processes

  • Reviewing candidate applications and pre-course tasks

  • Monitoring candidate progress, including evaluation of CELTA 5 records

  • Designing, delivering, and evaluating input sessions

  • Shadowing teaching practice and co-conducting TP feedback

  • Standardising assignment marking and understanding CELTA assessment criteria

  • Supporting course administration, moderation processes, and assessor visits

  • Completing a structured reflective development plan with scheduled review meetings


Supervision and Support


Each trainer-in-training is paired with a Cambridge-approved Trainer-in-Training Supervisor, who:

  • Designs an individualised training programme

  • Provides ongoing guidance, observation, and detailed feedback

  • Ensures task completion and quality of the trainer e-portfolio

  • Liaises with course tutors to ensure consistent support

  • Prepares the trainee for assessor moderation (where required)

  • Writes the official Supervisor Moderation Report submitted to Cambridge English


External Assessment by Cambridge English


As Britishey Training Centre operates under Cambridge’s external Trainer-in-Training scheme, all trainees are formally assessed by a Cambridge English CELTA Assessor. The assessor:

  • Observes the trainee delivering input and supervising TP

  • Reviews the complete trainer e-portfolio

  • Discusses progress with both trainee and supervisor

  • Recommends approval, extension of training, or further development

Final verification is issued by Cambridge English Nominations, ensuring full compliance with global CELTA standards.

What will I learn?

  • The trainee is ready to work on CELTA courses and continue development toward the Main Course Tutor role.

Requirements

  • Candidates must have been formally approved by Cambridge English (Nominations Team) to begin training as a CELTA tutor. No trainee may start the programme without written approval issued by Cambridge.
  • Trainees must demonstrate: A minimum of a CELTA plus substantial post-qualification teaching experience, normally five years or more. A DELTA (all modules) or an equivalent qualification at Level 7 demonstrating advanced ELT knowledge and methodology. A strong record of effective classroom teaching across levels and learner profiles.
  • Candidates must show clear evidence of: Strong communication and interpersonal skills The ability to give constructive feedback Professional maturity, reliability, and reflective practice Experience mentoring, supporting, or guiding teachers (formal or informal)
  • Because this programme is offered only to internal staff, trainees must: Be current members of Britishey’s academic team Be recommended by the Course Director or Senior Training Team Agree to Britishey’s expectations regarding professionalism, confidentiality, and trainer responsibilities
  • Trainees must commit to completing all Cambridge-required training components, including: Observing input sessions, TP, and feedback Delivering supervised input Co-tutoring TP feedback sessions Completing standardisation activities and administrative tasks Attending all meetings with their assigned supervisor Producing a complete Trainer e-Portfolio
  • Trainees must be available to participate in a full CELTA course cycle: Route One: approximately 67–86 hours Route Two: approximately 25–36 hours The exact pathway is assigned by Cambridge.
  • Trainees must: Uphold Cambridge English’s standards of professionalism Maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and ethical practice Interact respectfully with CELTA candidates, tutors, assessors, and Britishey staff Complete tasks within the deadlines set by the supervisor and assessor
  • For face-to-face and online courses, trainees must be able to: Use Google Classroom, Zoom/Meet, CELTA 5, and other training tools Manage documents, portfolios, and assessment files accurately Follow CELTA administrative procedures as outlined in the handbook
  • Trainees must have native-level or near-native proficiency in spoken and written English, enabling them to: Model accurate language Clarify form, meaning, and pronunciation Assess candidate language appropriately
  • Trainees must agree to participate in a Cambridge Assessor Visit, which includes: Observation of their training performance Review of their e-portfolio Professional discussion with the assessor Compliance with assessor recommendations is mandatory.

Frequently-asked Questions

This programme is available exclusively to Britishey Training Centre staff who have been formally approved by Cambridge English to begin training as CELTA tutors. Approval must be granted by Cambridge before a trainee can begin.

Yes. All CELTA trainer-in-training pathways at Britishey are externally assessed by a Cambridge English Assessor, who reviews your training, observes your practice, and verifies whether you meet the standards required to become a CELTA Assistant Course Tutor.

Cambridge does not assign a fixed hour requirement, but based on the official handbook: Route One: approximately 67–86 hours Route Two: approximately 25–36 hours Your assigned route depends on your previous teacher-training experience and Cambridge’s decision.

Route One is a full Training & Development Programme designed for trainers with limited CELTA-style training experience. Route Two is a shorter Induction Programme for experienced teacher trainers who already meet most requirements. Your route is determined by Cambridge English Nominations.

The training includes: Observing CELTA input sessions, TPs, and feedback Delivering input sessions under supervision Participating in TP feedback meetings Marking standardisation tasks Reviewing CELTA assignments and candidate records Learning course administration procedures Completing a trainer e-portfolio and reflective tasks

Yes. Cambridge requires every trainer-in-training to compile a CELTA Trainer e-Portfolio, which documents your tasks, observations, reflections, and assessed components. This may be reviewed internally and externally.

You will not teach candidates, but you will: Deliver some input sessions, and Co-lead TP feedback under supervision Your role is to train and support CELTA candidates, not to act as a teacher.

If successful, Cambridge may award you approval as a CELTA Assistant Course Tutor, allowing you to work on CELTA courses (face-to-face and/or online). This is the first stage toward becoming a Main Course Tutor.

Yes. Cambridge may issue: Approval (successful completion) Extended training required Not verified (trainee did not meet requirements) All outcomes are based on the Cambridge assessor’s evaluation and supervisor reports.

Most trainees complete their requirements during one full CELTA course cycle, but the timeline depends on: The assigned training route The trainee’s availability Cambridge assessor scheduling Supervisor recommendations

Yes. Trainees may train on online CELTA courses, face-to-face courses, or a combination. Cambridge approves both modes for trainer training.

Each trainee is assigned a Cambridge-approved Trainer-in-Training Supervisor at Britishey who: Observes your development Gives feedback Guides your tasks Prepares your moderation documentation Your supervisor works in coordination with the course tutor team and the external assessor.

Typically trainees must have: A DELTA (or equivalent) Extensive post-CELTA teaching experience Strong professional awareness Approval must come directly from Cambridge, not from the centre.

Cours Admin
7 Lessons

Pre-course Tasks
3 Lessons

Shady Abuyusuf

Lead Teacher Trainer

In my professional journey, I've had the privilege of founding and leading Britishey Training Centre as its CEO, named Shady. My involvement in English Language Teaching began humbly in 2001, right after graduating from Damietta University. Since then, I've remained dedicated to learning and growth in this field.Expanding my horizons, I pursued a Foundation Certificate in Translation from the American University of Cairo in 2010, which laid the groundwork for my commitment to excellence in language studies. Subsequently, I furthered my expertise with a Diploma in English Language Teaching for Adults, the prestigious Cambridge DELTA, through English Language Assessment, which is part of Cambridge University.Fuelled by a genuine passion for empowering educators, I engaged in rigorous Teacher Educator Training with the esteemed TESOL International Association in 2015. This led me to a transformative journey in Barcelona, Spain, where I received training on how to become a CertTESOL tutor.In 2016, I took a significant step forward by establishing a CELTA center at Future University in Egypt, aiming to elevate the standard of ELT training. Concurrently, I refined my skills as a CELTA tutor through Cambridge University's trainer-in-training program.My pursuit of mastery also led me to obtain a certificate of proficiency in Received Pronunciation from the renowned dialect coach, Paul Meier, in 2016. This milestone reinforced my dedication to fostering linguistic excellence.Attaining the status of a certified CELTA tutor from Cambridge Assessment English in 2017 solidified my reputation as a proficient ELT educator. This dedication to academic excellence culminated in my graduation from the University of Leicester's MA in TESOL & Applied Linguistics program in 2018, underscoring my unwavering commitment to scholarly pursuits.The year 2022 marked a pivotal milestone as Britishey Training Centre received accreditation as a course-validated provider by Trinity College London, opening doors for me to serve as an assessor for the Trinity Certificate for Practising Teachers (CertPT).In 2023, I achieved a significant milestone by establishing Britishey Training Centre as a distinguished CELTA and CertTESOL center, offering top-notch training both online and at our premier facilities in Cairo and Damietta, Egypt. Furthermore, I spearheaded the establishment of Britishey Training Centre as the first international TQUK center in Africa and the Middle East, pioneering a new era of educational excellence.Throughout my career, I've had the honour of imparting knowledge and expertise through a diverse array of seminars for educators across the globe. From the United Arab Emirates to South Africa, and from France to Egypt, my journey underscores the profound impact of education in shaping lives and futures.

Input Sessions

10

Course Level

Level 7

Expiry Date

6 Months

Certificate

Yes

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