Celebrating World Teachers' Day and building the future of IELTS: How MTS is empowering the next generation of teachers

As we come to celebrate UNESCO World Teachers' Day on 5 October, at MTS we make a clear commitment: to celebrate EFL teachers and provide them with the tools, recognition, and support they deserve. And we are particularly committed to building a global network of confident, highly trained IELTS instructors through our structured IELTS teacher training courses.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most trusted English language proficiency tests in the world. Recognised by more than 12,500 institutions across 140+ countries, IELTS is recognised by universities, employers, immigration bodies, and governments worldwide. But behind every successful test-taker is a dedicated teacher, and that’s where MTS is reshaping the IELTS landscape.

Beyond testing: MTS as a leader in IELTS teacher development

Alongside managing 19 IELTS test centres across the UK and Ireland (with expansion into Brazil already underway, and long-standing support to IELTS teachers in Vietnam, Turkey and other territories globally), MTS has also become a world leader in IELTS teacher education.

We now offer a fully accredited pathway of IELTS teacher training courses, designed to take English teachers from beginner to expert. These online programmes provide educators with recognised qualifications, practical teaching skills, and the confidence to deliver outstanding results in IELTS classrooms around the world.

A core three-tier accredited IELTS training pathway

MTS has three core courses for IELTS teachers:

1. Beginner Course – Introduction to Teaching IELTS (18 weeks)

Perfect for EFL teachers starting their IELTS journey, this course introduces test formats, assessment criteria, and core strategies for teaching listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It also addresses common challenges faced by both teachers and students.

2. Intermediate Course – Reflective Practice for IELTS Teachers (12 weeks)

For teachers with some IELTS experience, this course focuses on refining teaching techniques through reflective practice. Participants explore classroom applications, nuanced strategies, and methods to help students aim for higher band scores.

3. Advanced Course – Certificate in IELTS Preparation for Practising Teachers (20 weeks)

Validated by Trinity College London (Level 6), this flagship programme develops expertise in resource creation, adaptation, and exam preparation. Designed for experienced instructors, it equips them to lead IELTS programmes and mentor peers, bringing new skills and techniques into the classroom and giving teachers a boost to their CV.

The Beginner and Intermediate courses are accredited by ALAP (Awarding Language Acquisition for Professionals), while the Advanced course provides teachers with a certificate from the prestigious Trinity College London. This unique mix of international accreditation and real-world relevance makes MTS’s training pathway one of a kind.

What’s new for the 2025–26 Academic Year?

In addition to the core three-tier IELTS Teacher Training programme, MTS is also expanding its training offer in the autumn of 2025 with two exciting new courses:

- Bridging the Gap: From low-level EFL to high-level IELTS (18 weeks)

Many EFL teachers have strong classroom skills but may lack the advanced English proficiency needed for IELTS teaching. This programme is designed to:

-Raise teachers’ English levels from B1/B2 to C1/C2.

-Provide twenty 90-minute live lessons with MTS’s expert IELTS trainers, supported by self-study tasks.

-Help teachers build the confidence and skillset needed to prepare students for a high-stakes IELTS exams.

Graduates will receive an MTS-issued certificate.

- AI in Teaching EFL (self-led, 12 modules)

The future of teaching has to move with the times and the technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here to stay, and teachers who embrace this change will position themselves well for the future. Our new AI in Teaching EFL course introduces TEFL teachers to practical, ethical, and safe uses of generative AI in TEFL education:

-12 self-paced modules (1 - 1.5 hours each).

-Includes engaging videos, exercises, and real-world applications.

-Designed for teachers with at least 2 years’ EFL/ESOL experience

Completion leads to an MTS-issued certificate.

Meet the experts behind MTS Training

All MTS programmes are taught and designed by a highly qualified team of English language professionals. Among them are:

1. DELTA-qualified teachers who are now highly experienced teacher trainers

2. Published authors of IELTS materials

3. Curriculum designers and EAP specialists

4. Professional linguists and digital content creators

With experience spanning the UK, Ireland, and beyond, our trainers bring decades of IELTS preparation expertise. They’ve worked across state and private education, developed textbooks for leading publishers, and continue to innovate in teaching methodology.

When you train with MTS, you’re not just gaining knowledge, you’re joining a global network of educators committed to excellence.

Course pricing & accessibility

Live taught courses start at £500 (with instalment payment options available).

The fully self-led AI in Teaching EFL course is priced at £149.

And remember, early booking unlocks lower monthly instalment rates, making professional development more affordable.

Are you ready to start your IELTS teaching Journey?

Explore our full range of IELTS teacher training courses on the MTS website.

Not sure which programme suits you best? Book a free, no-commitment consultation call with our Academic Manager, Emilia Jagnieza, for personalised guidance, or to register interest in our new courses for 2025-2026.

You can also subscribe to our popular monthly email newsletter The IELTS Teacher; packed with insights, resources, and updates for IELTS educators.