E.S.L. Narasimhan inaugurates teacher's conference in Hyderabad

The conference, which focuses on the quality of English language teaching and teacher education, will be held at the Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Novotel, near Hi-tech City, Hyderabad. 

 

The conference is supported by the English Language Teachers' Association of India (ELTAI) and the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL). Other sponsors and supporters of TEC 15 include British Council Aptis, British Council IELTS, Cambridge University Press, Collins, Oxford University Press, the Regional English Language Office (RELO), TESS India, Brainfeed and Education World.

 

Each year the conference focuses on a certain theme. This year the theme is 'Ensuring Quality in English Language Teacher Education' in the belief that quality in teachers' learning leads to better learning outcomes for learners. 

 

The theme will allow a wide-ranging exploration of teacher education in India and beyond, with a focus on quality in both pre-service education and in-service training. TEC 15 provides a platform that offers a networking opportunity for English language educators from India and across the globe to get together and discuss opportunities for professional development. The aim is to bring about innovation, share best practices and build a sustainable community of English language educators.

 

The conference was inaugurated by E.S.L. Narasimhan, Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. 

 

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Andrew McAllister, British Deputy High Commissioner, Hyderabad, Sunaina Singh, Vice-Chancellor English and Foreign Languages University (EFL-U), Chris Brandwood, Director English – South Asia, British Council, George Pickering, Trustee, International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) among others. 

 

On the opening day, the keynote address was delivered by Rod Bolitho, Academic Director of Norwich Institute for Language Education (NILE) on 'The ingredients of quality in teacher education'.

 

Over 1,100 teacher educators, ministerial officials, heads of universities and colleges, representatives of the vocational sector, senior academic staff, directors of NGOs and policymakers from over 30 countries across the globe are assembled in Hyderabad till March 1 to attend the conference.

 

Says Chris Brandwood, Director, English, British Council South Asia: "The theme for this year's conference is timely from a national and global perspective. Internationally, the most recent Global Monitoring Report on the six Education for All goals highlighted quality as its central concern. Key initiatives in India such as the Teacher Education Mission (2013), the National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (2009-10) and the Planning Commission of India's 12th Five Year Plan highlight issues of quality as fundamental to professional development of teachers."

 

Says Mei-kwei Barker, Director, British Council South India:  "We are delighted to partner with EFL-U and other partners for the fifth year of the international teacher educator conference (TEC 15). Registrations for the conference have continued to grow over the years and we are pleased to see this year's conference reach a record number of participants and expect more to follow the conference online through social media and the live streaming of our web-casts. TEC 15 will continue to provide a world-class experience for our delegates and speakers and generate debate and discussion, with a wide variety of high quality plenaries, panel discussions, talks and workshops."

 

Says, Prof S Mohanraj, Dean, School of English language education, English and Foreign Languages University (EFL-U): "TEC has been a blessing to all the practicing teachers of English in the country. It has helped them grow professionally and motivated them to become better teachers."

 

Over 100 experts and renowned scholars from the UK, India and other countries will speak at the conference, including practicing teacher educators from India and the region.