is a specialised teacher training and professional development course designed for teachers who wish to work confidently with children and teenagers in the context of teaching English as a foreign language.

The course has been developed by specialists at the IHWO (International House World Organisation) and is accredited by Cambridge Assessment English.

The IHCYLT certificate is therefore an internationally recognised qualification in English language teaching.

Key features of the IHCYLT course:

• a strong practical focus: during the course, participants teach Young Learners (ages 6–12) and Teenagers (ages 12–17).
• the course is based on learning about the developmental, psychological and educational characteristics of children and teens.

Who can become a participant?
The course is for:

• Early-career teachers who wish to specialise in teaching children and teenagers
• Experienced teachers seeking to upgrade their qualifications in accordance with international standards
• Teachers holding a general qualification (e.g. CELTA) who wish either to retrain for teaching younger learners or to broaden their professional expertise
• Secondary school teachers within the frameworks of professional development
• Teachers working at private schools and freelance teachers

Entry requirements:
English language level of С1 (СEFR)

Course format and duration

• Intensive face-to-face (3 weeks)
• Intensive online (3 weeks)
• Part-time face-to-face (1–2 sessions per week, 3–4 months)
• Part-time online (1–2 sessions per week, 3–4 months)

Course content
IHCYLT combines theoretical input sessions with intensive Teaching Practice (TP) in groups of children and teenagers.

Participants explore:

• cognitive and emotional development of children and teenagers (including theories of Krashen, Vygotsky etc.)
• attention span and motivation
• students’ behavior management
• lessons planning and classroom management

Participants develop their ability to:

• design engaging, age-appropriate lessons
• effectively integrate games, songs, storytelling and projects
• plan not an isolated lesson, but a series of them
• teach all language skills in ways that maximise learning impact
• work with different levels groups
• monitor students’ progress
• adapt lessons to meet the needs of a particular class
• adapt teaching materials and resources
• observe peers purposefully, reflect critically, and compile a digital portfolio
• evaluate their own lessons and respond constructively to peer comments and trainers’ feedback

Why does IHCYLT specialisation matter?
A common misconception is that teaching children and teenagers means “simplifying the language”. In reality, effective work with young learners requires specific methodological approaches.

*What is really important while working with children:

• TPR (Total Physical Response) activities, which support language retention through movement, rhythm and physical association while reducing stress
• Gamification and playful modes of presentation
• Visual support and rich, topic-based materials
• Emotional encouragement

*Teenagers need:

• Topics that are relevant and meaningful to their lives
• Opportunities for discussion and personal expression
• Respect for their individuality and growing autonomy

Benefits of the IHCYLT certificate:

• As the qualification is awarded by renowned international organisations — International House World Organisation and Cambridge Assessment English — it is widely recognised and valued internationally.
• The certificate enhances a teacher’s competitiveness and employment prospects.
• Graduates consistently report increased confidence in classroom management, learner motivation and the delivery of engaging lessons.

For educators who are serious about building a career in teaching young learners and teenagers, IHCYLT represents an important and prestigious step forward.