Trainer Corps Frequently Asked Questions

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Where are the Core Education Program (CEP) workshops delivered?
CEP workshops are offered at the NAFSA annual conference, regional conferences, and On-Demand workshops.
What is the Trainer Corps term?
The term lasts three years. Terms begin June 1 the year the applicant is accepted and has completed the Trainer Corps preparation program. It ends three years later on June 30. A sample timeline is: Apply December 2011 Accepted March 2012 Completes Trainer Corps preparation program April – May 2012 Term begins June 1, 2012 Term ends June 30, 2015 If you reapply and are accepted, your term continues with no break between terms.
What does the Trainer Corps preparation program consist of?
The Trainer Corps preparation consists of: Homework assignments to complete at each phase of the program One orientation webinar The Trainer Corps introductory workshop, offered annually at the NAFSA conference To continue your skills development, Trainer Corps members also have the opportunity to participate in: The Trainer Corps colloquium, offered annually at the NAFSA annual conference. This program is open to all Trainer Corps members regardless of level. The Intermediate Trainer Corps workshop, offered annually at the NAFSA annual conference. This workshop should be completed sometime during your first three-year term with Trainer Corps.
I only have three years experience, but I feel quite knowledgeable in my content area. May I apply?
Please do. Applications, along with your resume, are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
I applied before but I was not accepted. May I apply again?
Please do. It may be that we received more applications than we could accept for the primary workshop that you identified on your original application, or that the Training Coordination Subcommittee member who reviewed your application felt you needed more work experience.
If I am reapplying to be part of Trainer Corps, do I need to repeat the preparation program?
You are encouraged to participate. The Trainer Corps preparation program has been completely redesigned. This redesign is based on extensive feedback gathered from new and current Trainer Corps members, as well as regional and knowledge community leadership. The program now integrates the consideration of adult learning and learning styles with the Core Education Program workshop curriculum Trainer Corps members deliver. It also aims to demystify Trainer Corps structures and expectations and provide more concrete guidance on working with training teams. With the addition of one orientation webinars, the introductory workshop is now a day rather than a day and a half and is offered twice at the annual conference.
How many workshops will I train each year?
Trainer Corps members may be asked to train at up to two workshops each year. At a minimum, you are expected to be on at least one training team during your three-year term.
When I am accepted as a Trainer Corps member, will I automatically be assigned to a workshop team?
There is no automatic assignment to workshop training teams. Lead Trainers are appointed by the regional leadership or the Training Coordination Subcommittee. Lead Trainers recruit training teams from lists of available Trainer Corps members. Opportunities are also broadcast to Trainer Corps members who have indicated they have the appropriate content background for the workshop in question.
Who decides who will be accepted into Trainer Corps?
The Training Coordination Subcommittee (TCS). The TCS renders the final decisions. The TCS recruits application reviewers from the Knowledge Communities, Trainer Corps, and regions.
What is the time commitment for the average workshop trainer?
It depends on the event. Preparation time for an annual conference workshop is often over a longer period than regional conference or on-demand, for example. Trainers are expected to participate in conference calls with their team, spend time studying the materials and preparing their presentation, and debriefing with their team. Please read the Trainer Corps member position description for more information.
What kind of materials do Trainer Corps members use to deliver CEPs and how are they developed?
Each CEP curriculum includes trainer guide, participant manual, and PowerPoint presentation. Many CEPs now also have an accompanying Web resources page that is updated frequently to provide participants with resources to learn more after the delivery of the workshop. CEP curriculum materials are developed in a comprehensive process by a team of member-leaders who work closely with NAFSA's Professional Learning Services department to identify key objectives, design a delivery method to achieve each learning objective, and design the print materials for each course. After each delivery of the curriculum, training teams are asked for their feedback. This feedback is shared with the CEP workshop's dean who reviews and revises the materials twice annually.
Should I apply for Trainer Corps if I am in a NAFSA leadership position?
You are welcome to apply. You are encouraged to prioritize your leadership position over any training opportunities. At the annual conference, NAFSA member-leaders on national teams, committees, subcommittees, and regional teams have meetings during the preconference period. In order to focus fully on their leadership responsibilities and to be most respectful of their fellow member-leaders, those who hold leadership roles are strongly encouraged not to plan to be part of a workshop team. In addition, workshop participants invest both money and time in this special learning opportunity and expect to benefit from access to the whole workshop team for the duration of the workshop. Please note: Workshop lead trainers and trainers are limited to participation in one annual conference preconference workshop.
How are available trainer corps positions determined?
Recruitment for specific workshop trainer openings is determined by analyzing the general workshop demand nationally, by region and by state.