Prospective language teachers complete the online application form, which is then checked by the Cactus Director of Studies and the HR Department.

Interviews are offered to applicants who satisfy the following criteria:

• native speaker (or native speaker level)
• specialist language teaching certificate/qualification or other teaching certificate/qualification with significant language teaching experience
• at least 12 months classroom teaching experience
• the necessary work papers to work in the country in question

In exceptional circumstances, interviews are offered to applicants who satisfy only two of the above, for example where the applicant has a wide range of experience but no formal qualification.

Interviews are conducted over the phone, Skype, or face-to-face, and include questions on methodology, approach and specific techniques: based wherever possible on a pre-interview task and example lesson plan. Interview notes are added to the teacher’s online record.

Once a teacher has been interviewed, references are followed up. When satisfactory references have been received, teachers are then placed on the Approved Cactus Trainer Database.

Offers of work are then made to teachers when a suitable class becomes available.

Cactus Teaching Quality Standards Charter

1. Cactus teachers are selected on the basis of their qualifications, their experience and their suitability for the special nature of Cactus language courses.
2. Cactus teachers are part of a teaching team consisting of hundreds of language teaching professionals, supported by an Academic Director and two Directors of Studies.
3. Cactus teachers have access to guidance, resources and administrative back up in their virtual Teachers Zone.
4. Cactus teaching standards are high and courses are designed to lead to effective learning.
5. Cactus teaching methods and techniques are appropriate and effective for the course participants.
6. Cactus teachers are expected to be punctual, presentable and professional at all times.
7. Classroom rapport between teacher and students is dynamic, respectful and facilitative.
8. Learning aims of lessons and the courses are clear, communicative, relevant and shared with students.
9. Cactus courses are structured into standardised levels which can be identified according to the Common European Framework of Reference for language learning.
10. Over the course there will be a balanced syllabus of work, covering different skills and content, which will be aimed at achieving the course learning aims at all times.
11. Course materials are chosen on the basis of their suitability for the communicative needs of the participants and the objectives of the classes.
12. Activities are designed to be challenging, varied, interactive and participative whenever possible and appropriate. They introduce and practise language that can be applied meaningfully and independently by students.
13. Students are encouraged to participate actively in their own learning process, both in and out of the classroom.
14. Lessons are managed to ensure all students are involved, levels of interest are high and students are aware of their progress.
15. Any issues with regard to level and ability will be dealt with quickly and appropriately.
16. Students will be clear about what they have learnt in each lesson and how it links to other language they have encountered before or will encounter later.
17. Course participants are invited to give feedback on their course experience twice during the course, and are welcome to contact Cactus with questions and concerns at any time
18. Course participants receive a certificate of attendance at the end of each course if required.
19. Cactus teachers are observed teaching regularly and receive feedback to assist their development as language teachers
20. Cactus teachers will seek and be open to feedback, and are able to make adjustments to course design and delivery, as appropriate.

Equal Opportunity Policy

Cactus Worldwide Ltd. confirms its commitment to a comprehensive policy of Equal Opportunities in recruitment in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities. The aim of this policy is to ensure that no job applicant should receive less favourable treatment on any grounds not relevant to good recruitment practice.

We aim to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the basis of gender including transgender, marital status or civil partnerships, sexual identity, religion and belief, political opinion, race, colour, nationality or ethnic origin, work pattern, age, disability or HIV/AIDS status, socio-economic background, spent convictions, trade union activity or membership on the basis of having or not having dependents, or any other irrelevant grounds.