Is Trainer Corps Right for You?
Do you have an interest in learning more about adult learning styles and instructional approaches? And implementing those skills by delivering training programs to NAFSAns? Consider applying for Trainer Corps if you:
- Are a NAFSA member (if you are not a member now, you may join upon your acceptance to Trainer Corps)
- Have at least five years' experience working in international education
- Have content expertise and experience in the workshop(s) you apply for
- Are available to train workshops at either the annual conference, regional conferences, or the occasional On-Demand workshop in your state or region
- Have some presentation experience and/or enjoy presenting in a professional atmosphere
- Are committed to helping NAFSA continue delivery of quality professional development to members!
Learn more about the benefits and opportunities of the Trainer Corps program below to see if the program is right for you!
What Are the Benefits/Professional Development Opportunities Available?
In order to prepare you to successfully fulfill your Trainer Corps duties, NAFSA provides an extensive preparation program. New members attend two orientation webinars to provide them with a foundational knowledge of Trainer Corps structure, policies, and resources. Following the orientations, new members attend the Introductory Trainer Corps workshop at the annual conference.
In addition, we offer a half-day intermediate Trainer Corps workshop annually at the annual conference. This workshop assumes a basic knowledge of training principles and NAFSA Trainer Corps procedures.
All Trainer Corps members are invited to attend the Trainer Corps colloquium each year at the annual conference as well. Colloquium topics change year to year and address various advanced training challenges and strategies. The colloquium provides an opportunity for Trainer Corps members to meet and trade training tips and tricks.
Training Opportunities
Trainer Corps members may be asked to be part of training teams at the annual conference, at regional conferences, or at On-Demand workshops. As a Trainer Corps member, it is expected that you will be available for at least one, if not two, workshops per year. For details on how workshop trainers and lead trainers are selected, please see the role descriptions. If you are recruited to lead or be part of a training team, plan to allow sufficient time to prepare for the workshop delivery. Preparation involves studying the curriculum materials and participating in team planning calls and meetings. Participants expect to benefit from your expertise on the subject. In addition, they expect their training team to be prepared, familiar with the material, and work cohesively together to guide them through a valuable learning experience.
Trainer Corps Preparation Program
As a newly accepted Trainer Corps member, your status is not fully active until you complete the required Trainer Corps preparation program. The program consists of one orientation webinar, homework, and an introductory Trainer Corps workshop. During the orientation webinar, participants will gain an overview of the basics of Trainer Corps, roles, structure, and expectations, and will get a brief overview of what to expect in the Introductory Workshop, as well as an explanation of how to complete their homework. The Introductory Trainer Corps workshop reviews principles of adult learning, provides an overview of NAFSA CEP curriculum materials, and provides tools for preparing to deliver a workshop with a team. Trainers will have the opportunity to practice with samples of selected CEP curriculum. This workshop is offered at the annual conference during the preconference period. Trainer Corps members are not charged a fee to attend this workshop and it is by invitation only.
The goal of the Trainer Corps preparation program is NOT to teach the contents of the individual CEP workshops. Accepted Trainer Corps members are expected to have the content expertise to deliver the material. Before you complete your application, please read the descriptions of the CEP workshop and their learning objectives carefully to decide which workshops you would feel comfortable delivering.
Learn more about the Preparation Program.
