Purpose
To support the delivery of the Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) programme at British Council Teaching Centre Sri Lanka, ensuring high-quality training, assessment, and support for candidates in line with Cambridge Assessment English requirements.
Background
The CELTA programme is an internationally recognised initial teacher training qualification for teaching English as a second or foreign language. It provides candidates with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and reflective practices required to begin a successful career in English language teaching.
At British Council Teaching Centre Sri Lanka, CELTA is delivered under Cambridge Assessment English accreditation. Trainers play a central role in delivering input, observing and giving feedback on teaching practice, assessing written assignments, and maintaining academic and administrative quality standards.
Programme Details
The CELTA course consists of:
- Input sessions covering methodology, language awareness, and teaching practice preparation.
- Assessing and observing TP’s.
- Feedback sessions following each TP.
- Four written assignments marked and moderated according to Cambridge standards.
- Continuous assessment of candidates’ performance across teaching and written components.
- Course administration including records, reports, and candidate documentation required by Cambridge.
Scope of Work for CELTA Consultants
CELTA Consultants are expected to:
- Interviewing & Selection:
Participate in candidate interviews and selection procedures.
Evaluate candidate applications in line with Cambridge criteria.
- Teaching Practice (TP) Observation & Feedback:
Observe candidate teaching practice lessons.
Provide constructive oral and written feedback.
Ensure assessment is accurate and consistent with Cambridge standards.
- Delivering Input:
Plan and deliver input sessions on methodology, language systems, and teaching skills.
Use a variety of interactive and practical approaches.
- Marking Assignments:
Assess written assignments against Cambridge criteria.
Provide timely and constructive feedback to candidates.
Maintain accurate assessment records.
- Administration:
Ensure all documentation is completed (candidate reports, attendance, assessment forms).
Support external moderation and comply with Cambridge requirements.
- Course Delivery:
Work collaboratively with the other consultants
Contribute to standardisation and consistency across courses.
Deliverables
| Activity | Days / Hours (indicative) | Deliverable |
| Interviewing & selection | As required pre-course | Shortlisted candidates with reports |
| Teaching practice observation & feedback | Throughout course (min. 6 hours per candidate observed) | Observation notes & feedback |
| Delivering input sessions | Throughout course (As required once the timetable being finalized) | Input session plans & delivery |
| Marking assignments | As required | Graded assignments with feedback |
| Administration & reporting | Throughout course | Accurate records, reports, and moderation documentation |
Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
CELTA courses must be delivered by accredited trainers. Each centre is required to have at least two accredited trainers, in line with Cambridge English requirements. Trainers are categorised as Main Course Tutors (MCTs) or Assistant Course Tutors (ACTs).
Professional Requirements (for all CELTA trainers)
All CELTa Consultants (MCTs and ACTs) must:
- Have substantial, varied, and current classroom-based ELT experience (preferably in more than one context).
- Have taught a range of levels and class types.
- Hold one of the following qualifications:
- Cambridge English DELTA (all Modules) / Cambridge RSA DTEFLA / Trinity DipTESOL
- Other qualifications may be considered (e.g., MA in ELT with at least 10 hours of assessed teaching practice).
- Demonstrate a high level of English (CEFR C2).
- Provide evidence of professional commitment (e.g., staff development, conference attendance, publications, or related activities).
Main Course Tutors (MCTs)
MCTs take overall responsibility for the planning, delivery, and assessment of CELTA courses. They act as course leaders and ensure compliance with Cambridge English standards.
Additional requirements for MCTs include:
- Prior successful completion of the CELTA trainer-in-training programme.
- Extensive ELT experience (substantial teaching across a variety of contexts, including advanced levels and specialist classes).
- Demonstrated competence in mentoring, observing, and assessing trainees.
- Experience in course design, administration, and reporting.
- Ability to take full responsibility for Cambridge reporting, course moderation, and quality assurance.
Assistant Course Tutors (ACTs)
ACTs support the MCTs in delivering CELTA courses. They take on teaching practice observations, feedback sessions, and input delivery under the supervision of an MCT.
Additional requirements for ACTs include
- Successful completion of the CELTA trainer-in-training programme (but may have less experience than MCTs).
- ELT experience (teaching across levels and contexts but may be more limited in scope than MCTs).
- Ability to provide effective feedback on teaching practice and contribute to trainee development.
- Familiarity with CELTA course structure but not required to take full responsibility for course leadership or Cambridge reporting.
Reporting
Assistant Course Tutors (ACTs) report to Main Course Tutors (MCTs), who oversee course delivery and moderation.
CELTA ACT’s report directly to the Main Course Tutor (MCT). They are responsible for ensuring that all training, assessment, and administrative tasks are carried out in accordance with Cambridge Assessment English regulations and centre policies.
The submission of interest
Applications should include:
- A recent updated CV
- Cover letter summarising your skills and experience tailored to the requirements of this programme.
Note: For those travelling from overseas, the British Council will arrange return air tickets (both arrival and departure), airport transfers, and cover accommodation costs.
Deadline: 10 September 2025
British Council
49 Alfred House Gardens
Colombo 00300
Sri Lanka