Abstracts​

 Dr. Charlie Browne

Title: Humanism & Mentorship for Teacher Development

What do great teacher do? This is the first and most important question I ask at the beginning of our EFL teacher training program. I believe the answer to this question is related to core principles of humanistic learning and that these principles can be fostered through mentorship. In this short workshop-style presentation I will explain some of the basic principles of humanism in the English language learning classroom, use breakout rooms for 1-2 activities which raise awareness of these principles and brief touch upon Bandura’s model of “Self-Efficacy” which influenced my own approach to running our EFL teacher training program.​

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Dorothy Zemach

Title: Should you teach English if you're not fluent?

​In recent years, we’ve seen increasing efforts towards ending discrimination against so-called “non-native speakers”; many people prefer the term “fluent English speaker” instead of “native English speaker.” But what if your English is not fluent? Should you still teach? How good is “good enough”? And—if you do think you should improve your English, how can you do that if you are no longer in school? I’ll first examine these questions and then recommend some free or low-cost resources for English teachers who wish to improve their English skills.

Ania Kolbuszewska

Title:

The 1990s with their “Lunch is for wimps” approach to well-being are thankfully long gone. Lunch is no longer for wimps, and staff well-being is an established concept in all industries. In education, we have also come to understand that without staff well-being, student well-being is endangered. However, research clearly shows that unless our students, as well as all staff and managers, have mastered the skill of emotional regulation, well-being risks remaining only a short-term goal or a short-lived solution. In this practical talk, I will focus on how students’ level of achievement as well as a sense of well-being can be enhanced by integrating emotional regulation into the teaching/learning process. We will also examine how to involve and support teachers in this process.

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George Kokolas

Title: Crafting Character through Language LEARNING

The speaker highlights the shift from traditional curriculum coverage to holistic character development. Drawing on the Seligman and Peterson framework, the session emphasizes how educators can cultivate resilience and personal growth in students by recognizing and nurturing their character strengths. The talk advocates for self-reflection among teachers and creating a supportive classroom environment, underscoring that transformative change in education begins with educators themselves and their commitment to fostering a positive educational culture.

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Tatschi Tanto de Carvalho

Title: Diverse Classrooms, One Goal: Unlocking Learning for All

In today’s diverse classrooms, the goal is clear: ensure every student has access to meaningful learning experiences. This webinar will explore how to break down barriers in teaching English by designing lessons that are inclusive, engaging, and adaptable to all learners. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, we'll share practical strategies to help every student, regardless of their background or learning style, unlock their full potential. Join us to discover how you can make learning accessible for all, fostering success in any classroom!  

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Robert Howard

Title: Reimagining Teacher Development with EdYOUfest.

EdYOUfest is transforming teacher development by putting you, the educator, at the center. Through our monthly interactive webinars, we offer flexible, ongoing professional learning that fits your schedule. Our vibrant EdYOUfest magazine and blog posts provide cutting-edge ideas and resources, keeping you inspired. The annual EdYOUfest Online Marathon connects you with a global community of teachers, offering dynamic sessions from leading experts. Plus, our face-to-face live events bring the festival experience to key cities around the world, ensuring you can engage with peers and mentors in person. With EdYOUfest, your growth is not just supported—it’s celebrated, anytime, anywhere.

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Ekaterina Matveeva

Title: Language Alter Ego and its Building Blocks

This livestream explores the concept of Language Alter Ego (LAE), a dynamic framework for understanding how individuals develop a personality (alter ego) within a new language and cultural environment. LAE involves the integration of multiple building blocks, including cognitive, communicative, emotional, social, and other dimensions. Each block plays a critical role in the gradual assimilation of linguistic and cultural elements, enabling learners to embody the target language and culture at increasingly sophisticated levels.

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​Martin Thomas

Title:  intELEcast news: The podcast that takes you into the world of English language education

Join me for a look intELEcast news and how it explores the latest trends being discussed in the world of English language education. Hear what some of the leading experts in the industry have to say about a range of topics and learn how you can be part of the latest news in English language education.

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