Interview With Nick In Prague, Part 2

Continue here to find out how Nick in Prague found his job, his insight into local management strategies, and his feelings on the CELTA.

How he got the job:
At the end of his CELTA, the school where Nick did the training gave the low-down on which schools in town they knew of, which they knew to be good, and which they had heard of but knew little about…and the school he ended up working for was one that his training school just didn’t know much about. Ironically, he got the job because a CELTA classmate took it and then backed out, feeling he wan’t prepared for the level of independence it involved. (Nick hasn’t found the independence an issue at all and seems to be generating plenty of ideas as well as satisfied students.)

School management style:
Having worked in a couple of former socialist countries myself, I was curious to find out if Nick experienced any management techniques reminiscent of this era.

In general…no, which is a good thing! The management at his school is comprised of Brits and Czechs and there is quite a laid-back atmosphere. He finds the management to be accommodating and receptive to teacher concerns and ideas – not closed off at all.

Finally, a brief comment on the CELTA:
Nick admits to choosing it without a strong inclination why (why the CELTA instead of another TEFL training course); a few friends who had done it though served as inspiration, so to speak, though. He sees it as worthwhile as well as a serious investment of time and energy; now he feels it has helped him in ways he didn’t realize at the time.

If you missed Part 1…have a look now to find out more about Nick’s students and schedule. If this interview has raised your interest in Prague, you can find the Spotlight On The Czech Republic right here at the TEFL Logue.