While the traditional research in language learning and teaching mainly focuses on individuals' cognitive ability, the psychological factors have been paid increasing attention in recent years. With this unique psychological turn, this paper aims to understand the role that Trait Emotional Intelligence (Trait EI) played in English teacher training. By using both quantitative and qualitative method, it is found that Trait EI plays an important role in pre‐service English teacher training. Individuals with a high Trait EI level are likely to have a better Professional Teaching Competence (PTC).