The Teacher Development SIG Pre-Conference Event for IATEFL 2016 is The Teacher’s Voice. On 12 April we invite you to join us for a series of talks and Open Space discussion to celebrate the teacher’s voice. We’re delighted to be joined for the day by Marek Kiczkowiak, Suzanne Antonaros and Pilar Aramayo Prudencio, who will each deliver a short talk and then help us to facilitate whatever discussion ensures.

Click here for a high-quality PDF version of this poster for your collegial spaces. 

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES OF EFFECTIVE LANGUAGE TEACHERS

(Marek Kiczkowiak, University of York)

If we look at ELT job ads, it becomes self-evident that a teacher’s worth has been reduced to being/or not being a Native English Speaker. Yet, being a successful English teacher is so much more than being highly proficient in a language. As a result, this talk will explore what the critical competencies of successful language teachers are and what we can do to develop them.

TEACHER CULTURE AND IDENTITY

(Suzanne Antonaros, TESOL Greece)

Language and culture are inseparable. Yet with the English language, there is no single culture or cultural standard that reflects the language that needs to be taught. Here we intend to acknowledge the dynamic nature of the definitions of culture and identity  in teacher development, and through dialogue, gain a better understanding of the layers that make up the bigger picture.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

(Pilar Aramayo Prudencio, British Council Mexico)

The discourse around teacher performance, teacher accountability and teacher responsibility are becoming increasingly formalised in the world of teacher development today. This is sometimes problematic as teachers are observed irresponsibly and judged irrationally, and sometimes is the only way policy decisions are made. In this section, we intend to problematise the notion of what teaching is and what we think it should be, how policy should dialogue with practice and who really is responsible for what happens in the classroom.

VENUE

Our PCE will take place at the Digital Humanities Hub at the University of Birmingham.

The address is Digital Humanities Hub – ERI Building, University of Birmingham, Pritchatts Road, Edgbaston, United Kingdom B15 2TT

Here is a Google Map of the area to help you plan your arrival:

To join us for this event, register on the IATEFL website

scroll down until you get to ‘Book here as a delegate’

Book before 14 January to get your ticket at earlybird prices! £65 for IATEFL members or £81 for Non-members

We will be posting updates so make sure to check this page to keep up-to-date with all the important information for our PCE. We look forward to seeing you in Birmingham!

NEW: Networking Cocktail Event for PCE delegates

On Monday 11 April, we have scheduled an optional meet-up for all registered PCE delegates only to meet for cocktails at Pennyblacks from 7pm (map). Pennyblacks is a contemporary wine and ale house, serving a wide selection of traditional food and the best in British dishes. During the evening you will get to mix and mingle with other delegates, meet with our workshop leaders, and talk with members of the TDSIG Committee. We will be happy to assist with any questions you might have about the Pre Conference Event or the Annual Conference.

When you know you’re coming

If you’re coming, let us know on Facebook and feel free to post the badge below on your blog or social media platforms. Feel free to resize. We look forward to sharing our day with you!

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