English Language Teacher Preparation and Social-Emotional Learning

This initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of State, focuses on enriching English language teacher preparation programs at pedagogical universities and other higher education institutions through exploration of English language teaching (ELT) methodologies, teacher observation and feedback, and integration of social and emotional learning.

This project brings 30 ELT faculty members from across Ukraine together in dialogue, reflection, and professional growth within a facilitated community of practice. This community of practice seeks to provide critical support for the faculty members during the war while also building their professional networks and enriching their professional practice.

Workshops & Exchange

A group of Ukrainian educators and CE International staff members standing in a hallway with the New York City skyline out the window behind themCPL partnered with the Regional English Language Office of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine, Dr. Laura Baecher of Hunter College/City University of New York, and TESOL colleagues and affiliates across the U.S. and around the world to offer biweekly workshops and asynchronous learning activities in the spring of 2023 for 30 Ukrainian faculty members.

As part of the project, 15 of the participating faculty members engaged in a virtual exchange, and 15 of the faculty members traveled to New York City for a three-week in-person exchange.

In the summer of 2023, the faculty members decided on a group name, TESOL Faculty United for Ukraine, to describe their work and identity. They have used this name in the creation of Facebook and LinkedIn groups to provide a platform for sharing resources and supporting the broader community of English Language professionals throughout Ukraine and the world.

Group of Ukrainian educators standing outside a building, holding certificates of completion Ukrainian educators standing outside a library in New York City Group of Ukrainian educators standing by the water and a bridge in New York City

Webinar Series

In October 2023, the faculty developed and hosted a webinar series demonstrating their learning and focus in English Language Teaching (ELT) methodologies, integration of social and emotional learning (SEL) practices, and teacher observation and feedback.

In addition to building U.S.-Ukrainian relationships and supporting Ukrainian faculty well-being and connection in this time of crisis, this project also seeks to develop competencies to deliver engaging and locally relevant curriculum that is current and practice-focused, and that advances local teachers’ capacity to teach English effectively.

Recordings of the webinars are below.

Technology & Holistic Learning in ELT

with Violetta Panchenko, Natalia Dmitrenko, Viktoriia Smelianska, Ostap Bodyk & Tetiana Konovalenko

SEL Integration in ELT Classrooms

with Nataliya Prokopchuk, Olena Hladka, Olha Bilyk, Antonina Devitska, Iryna Shkola, and Bohdana Saliuk

Well-being in ELT Teacher Prep Programs: Observation, Feedback, & Soft Skills Development

with Tetiana Kondratieva and Tetiana Korol

Content & Language Integrated Learning (CLIL)

with Nadiia Grytsyk, Inesa Melnyk, and Nina Khrystych

Critical Thinking & Interactive Teaching for Professional Training of Pre-Service English Teachers

with Nataliia Safonova and Hanna Podosynnikova

Professional Development Courses for Early Childhood Educators in Ukraine

CE International is also facilitating another initiative in Ukraine that creates opportunities for early childhood educators, primary school teachers, and practical psychologists in Ukraine to better support children in their classrooms and learning programs through trauma-informed approaches to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), as well as social and emotional learning (SEL).

Learn more and access free courses

To learn more about this initiative, contact Julie Kasper at jkasper@ceinternational1892.org or join our mailing list for updates.