International House London are very excited to announce our annual Future of Training Conference 2025. This will be a fully face-to-face conference on Saturday, November 8 at IH London. This year’s theme: Community, Collaboration & Connection.

Teaching what matters: Developing teacher education qualifications

Teacher Training / Qualifications

 
This session explores recent developments in teacher education, framed by Shulman’s conceptualisations of teacher knowledge, and shows how these are embedded in the refreshed DipTESOL assessment. By highlighting more practical, reflective, and context-sensitive tasks, the talk invites discussion on how teacher qualifications can better align with real-world practice — offering insights for trainers and educators working in advanced teacher development.
 

About the speaker

Language & TESOL Senior Manager · Trinity College London

 
Martin Oetegenn is the Language and TESOL Manager at Trinity College London, where he oversees digital content to support teaching and learning. An English language teacher since 2004 and a teacher trainer since 2011, he has taught in private schools, universities, and companies worldwide. Martin regularly presents webinars and speaks at ELT conferences, with expertise in online learning, teacher training, and bespoke courses, particularly in Younger Learners and CLIL.

The power of teachers’ stories: human libraries in training and development

Teacher Training / Teacher Stories

 
We all have stories to tell. But how often is story meaningfully used in teacher training? This talk introduces a powerful, bottom-up approach to input that places teachers’ personal narratives at the heart of their professional learning. Drawing on examples from real-life implementation, the session will highlight how these story-based exchanges can foster empathy, reflective practice, and deeper professional connection.

Tuned In, Switched On: Podcasting for TESOL students with ADHD

Teacher Education / Inclusion

 
This talk presents a podcast-based, flipped classroom negotiated syllabus approach to better engage TESOL trainees with ADHD. Sharing my experience designing and teaching a BA TESOL module at UCLan, this talk explores how podcasting supported inclusion, participation, and reflective thinking. Practical insights, challenges, and tips will be shared for teacher educators interested in adopting similar methods in their own contexts.
 

About the speaker

Senior Lecturer in TESOL · University of Central Lancashire

 
Neil Walker is a Senior Lecturer in TESOL at the University of Central Lancashire, where he teaches on the BA TESOL (with embedded Trinity CertTESOL) and MA TESOL (with embedded Trinity Diploma TESOL). His research interests include teacher training and education pedagogy, the distributed practice effect under incidental learning conditions, and the challenges faced by novice language teachers.

Supporting trainees to teach students with SEN

Teacher Training / Inclusion

 
This session explores how working with Carme, a blind volunteer student on our CELTA and DipTESOL courses, has helped trainees develop more inclusive teaching practices. I’ll share the practical strategies our training team has introduced, reflect on the trainees’ experiences, and consider whether teacher training should place greater emphasis on working with students with special needs.
 

About the speaker

Trinity DipTESOL Course Director · Oxford TEFL Barcelona

 
Andréia Zakime is a teacher trainer based in Barcelona. She started her career as a teacher in São Paulo, Brazil, and has since worked in teaching, teacher education, materials writing, and assessment. She is an experienced CELTA and Trinity Diploma trainer and holds an MA in Publishing with a focus on digital learning technologies. Andréia is currently the DipTESOL Course Director at Oxford TEFL Barcelona.

Embracing the Shift from Teacher to Trainer

Teacher Training / Careers

 
After a decade of teaching ESOL, I felt ready for a new challenge: becoming a CELTA trainer. My own CELTA experience was transformative, and it sparked a strong desire to support aspiring teachers in their journey. However, when I first considered making the transition, I was unsure of where to begin and what the route to becoming a trainer would look like.

This session gathers the key insights I wish I’d known at the start. It will explore:
– The process of becoming a CELTA trainer
– The biggest challenges in moving from teacher to trainer
– The differences between teaching and training, and how to prepare for the shift in practice.

Exploring the potential of Dogme within CELTA

Teacher Training

 
This session explores how Dogme principles can be meaningfully introduced in CELTA courses without disrupting course requirements. Drawing on sociocultural theory and SLA research, it considers the value of spontaneity, emergent language, and reflection in initial teacher education. Participants will leave with practical ideas and reflective prompts to support more responsive, learner-led teaching in training contexts.

Rethinking the T-in-T Journey: Observations, Reflection, and Scaffolding in CELTA Courses

Teacher Training / Careers

 
This session examines the evolving role of Trainers-in-Training (T-in-Ts) on CELTA courses, exploring observation strategies, reflective practices, and scaffolding feedback responsibilities. It also considers what makes a good training plan and the supervisor’s role. Participants will gain practical insights into structuring supportive, staged T-in-T experiences that foster transferable skills and sustainable trainer development within Cambridge CELTA frameworks.

Teaching YL offline after an online CELTA (How useful?)

Teacher Training

 
We are going to look into a case study of how a group of Pakistani English teachers transferred their skills and knowledge acquired in an online CELTA course to their Young Learners offline classes; from adapting online activities for adults to offline lessons with kids and teens, to even increasing student talking time and using guided discovery with YL effectively.
 

About the speaker

CELTA ACT · Freelancer

 
Daniel Saraiva San Pedro has been teaching ESL for about 14 years — 5 in Brazil and 9 in Russia. He has worked as an ADoS and DoS and has been a CELTA tutor since 2022. He is also an IH CYLT tutor. Currently, Daniel works as a freelancer while pursuing his Master’s in TESOL at Queen’s University Belfast.

Narrative self-observation: A new tool for teacher professional development

CPD / Observation

 
This workshop will introduce participants to narrative self-observation (NSO), an innovative, reflective, self-observation procedure for teacher-led CPD, supported by a collaborator. I will outline the theoretical background of NSO and present findings from research on its use. Participants will receive free guidelines, examples, and the tools to carry out NSO in their own teaching contexts. Discussion opportunities guaranteed!
 

About the speaker

Associate Professor · University of Warwick

 
Jason Anderson is a teacher educator, author, and associate professor at the University of Warwick with experience working in education systems around the world, particularly in the global South. He researches and writes on topics including language teaching methodology, multilingual policy and practice, teacher expertise, and teacher reflection. Jason is the author of ten books, numerous research papers, articles, and reports, for which he has won several awards. Learn more at www.jasonanderson.org.uk.

Helping your teachers make exam prep more meaningful

CPD

 
Many learners enter exam preparation courses focused on whether they got the answer right or wrong, without the tools to plan, monitor, or reflect on their learning. This session explores how academic leaders can help teachers embed self-regulated learning strategies across three key phases: forethought, performance, and reflection. Join for practical ideas to boost learner autonomy and exam success.
 

About the speaker

Global PTE & PEIC Teacher Training Manager · Pearson

 
Magda Woodham is a teacher educator at Pearson, where she supports the professional development of teachers globally in preparing learners for Pearson English language tests. She holds both a DELTA and an MA in TESOL and has many years of international experience in a wide range of ELT roles.

Facilitation skills for teachers

CPD / Skills

 
Two teachers teaching the same lesson with the same techniques do not have the same result, because content and method are not the only variables in teaching. The missing skill is that of facilitation, which has been assumed rather than included in teacher training. What is facilitation, and how can we develop it?
 

About the speaker

Trainer · Oxford University, International House London, Bell Cambridge

 
Adrian Underhill is a teacher trainer, writer, and series editor of *Macmillan Books for Teachers*. He has been a trustee of International House London, President of IATEFL, Director of International House Hastings, and a facilitator for the Cabinet Office on a ten-year leadership programme for civil servants. His current interests include spontaneity and improvisation in classroom learning, facilitative approaches to teaching, and developing learner self-expression. Adrian also plays in a small jazz band that performs in bars and restaurants.

Seen, Heard, Supported: Rethinking Observations to Empower Teachers

CPD / Observation

 
While observations are a useful tool, they are often linked to additional stress for teachers and fail to help them become more involved in their professional growth. This talk aims to shift the observation framework by empowering teachers and creating a more collaborative approach. This session will give you practical strategies you will be able to apply to your school.
 

About the speaker

Teacher Trainer · Easy School of Languages Malta

 
Aurore Trouvé holds the Cambridge DELTA and is a teacher trainer with experience teaching both English and French. She has worked across a wide range of contexts and age groups and has held roles such as French Coordinator and English Head Teacher in Peru and Academic Manager in Malta, teaching both face-to-face and online. Aurore specialises in teacher wellbeing and helps educators create engaging, tech-enhanced lessons that motivate students while supporting their professional growth.

Investing in Growth: The Importance of Paid In-House CPD for EFL Schools

CPD

 
This talk emphasizes the importance of tailored, paid in-house CPD programs for ELT teachers. It will discuss how to implement these programs within existing school frameworks, argue for fair compensation for teachers’ participation, and demonstrate how motivated, well-trained staff can significantly enhance both educational outcomes and the financial health of schools.
 

About the speaker

Director of Studies · Easy School of Languages

 
Adrian Webb has been working in the TEFL industry for almost 20 years as a teacher, teacher trainer, and academic manager. He has worked in the UK, Malta, and the MENA region and is currently Director of Studies at Easy School of Languages in Malta, where he also leads the teacher training course *Methodology for the Contemporary English Classroom*. Adrian has spoken at international conferences in both Malta and the UK.

Unseen Insight: Teacher Reflection with AI Mentoring

CPD / Observation / AI

 
Frameworks like ‘unseen observation’ and ‘narrative self-reflection’ rely on collaboration. When no collaborator is available, can ChatGPT fill the role? For one semester I used AI to reflect on my teaching. ‘Working with’ ChatGPT through audio recordings and AI-generated narratives, I examined if prompts can guide meaningful self-reflection. If so, how might this create a different framework for self-observation?
 

About the speaker

OTTI Manager & Digital Innovation Advisor · International House World

 
Shaun Wilden is the manager for online courses for the International House World Organisation, as well as serving as their digital innovation advisor. In addition, he works for the University of Oxford’s Department for Lifelong Learning, where he teaches a range of literacies including academic, AI, and digital literacies. Outside of ELT, you’re most likely to find him playing a board game.

Let me think

CPD / Skills

 
What are the key drivers of growth? Reflection, collaboration, an open mindset? How can we promote deeper learning? In this session, we will discuss how establishing a thinking culture and creating thinking spaces support professional development, from teacher observations to inclusive practices; from training to collaborative projects or any other areas we wish to explore. Hands-on thinking included!
 

About the speaker

Languages Coordinator, Teacher, Trainer, Mentor · IHWO, City Lit Adult College, Freelance

 
Although Estelle Hélouin’s interest in languages dates back to secondary school, she became a language teacher by chance when a friend recommended a French CLTA course at International House London — where she discovered an even bigger passion for teaching and learning. This led her to become a teacher trainer and then a mentor, supporting teachers and Directors of Studies to enhance their practice and, most importantly, their students’ learning through class visits, training, collaborative projects, and professional discussions. Estelle has never stopped learning and teaching languages, as she finds it incredibly useful to experience teaching and learning from all angles. She has also worked with teachers and coordinators of diverse subjects, from singing to pottery, maths, and comedy writing, which helps her stay curious and keeps her wondering.

Teaching smarter: How no-code automation can transform your English classroom, training, and academic management

Management

 
Discover how no-code automation tools like n8n can streamline everyday tasks in ELT. From managing student feedback and lesson scheduling to simplifying admin and resource creation, learn how to boost efficiency and focus on what truly matters — teaching. Whether you’re a DOS or a freelancer, this session offers practical workflows to enhance your impact and save time.
 

About the speaker

Academic and Research Director · Independent

 
Anna Lipina, PhD, is an academic and research director, linguist, and teacher trainer with over 15 years of experience in English language education. DELTA certified, she has led international research on digital transformation in education and directed a university language department serving over 1,000 students annually with a team of 39 associates. Her expertise spans linguistics, ESP, and digital learning.

Managing Change? Don’t wait. Do Something!

Management

 
Managing change or ‘transformation’ in ELT is hard, daunting, and sometimes even paralysing — but necessary. We need a starting point. This presentation focuses on how you can achieve success through action: the “do something principle”.
Our second focus is your starting point — the mindset shift (personal and individual) coming before culture and structure (external and organisational). Reflections, discussion, and questions follow.
 

About the speaker

Principal Consultant · Liam Brown Training

 
Liam Brown has spent his entire career in learning and development in ELT, working as a teacher, manager, trainer, speaker, writer, and consultant focused on achieving excellence in communication, collaborative learning, and people-friendly management.
After a distinguished career with the British Council, most recently as Learning and Development Manager, Liam is now based in Portugal and works with ELT institutions worldwide to foster pride in achieving high quality through collegiality and teamwork.

Your First 30 Days as a New ELT Manager

Management / Careers

 
Have you recently become an ELT manager and you’re thinking “I have no idea what I’m supposed to be doing”? In this workshop, we will identify the transferable skills you acquired from previous roles in ELT and explore simple techniques and tasks which will help you build trust, connection, and rapport with your new team.
 

About the speaker

Principal, Teacher Trainer · Kaplan International Languages

 
Georgia K. Papamichailidou is an award-winning international education leader with a diverse background in teaching and teacher training. As a public speaker, Georgia specialises in practical approaches to teaching and coaching managers to thrive in ELT. She is also a Trustee and the Chair of the Digital Committee at IATEFL, where she leads the monthly *IATEFL Live!* shows and oversees the planning, organisation, and execution of the annual IATEFL Themes conference.

How to develop a volunteer community of teachers through team-teaching

Community / Mentoring

 
Mentoring volunteer teachers without ELT training can be challenging yet rewarding. This talk shares practical insights from a Brazilian NGO, highlighting how team-teaching fosters teacher development and community. Learn how feedback, critical incident reflection, and collaborative tools like WhatsApp and Google spreadsheets can support growth. Hear what volunteer teachers themselves have to say about team-teaching and leave with ideas to try in your own context.
 

About the speaker

Teacher Trainer

 
Marília Lemos is a teacher and teacher trainer from Brazil. She mentors volunteer EFL teachers at the education NGO *Cidadão Pro Mundo*, which promotes social inclusion for young people in Brazilian state schools through free English lessons. Marília recently completed a Master’s in TESOL at the University of Exeter as a Hornby-Trust scholar. Her current interests include AI for language learning, assessment, and teacher development.

Hostile to hospitable: creating connection through collaborative, community events in TESOL higher education

Community / Inclusion

 
This session shares community-based initiatives connecting teacher trainees at university with local language learners through events like film screenings, exhibitions, and social gatherings. It explores the challenges of power dynamics, logistics, and institutional barriers, while highlighting achievements in social justice education, learner empowerment, and community-building. Attendees will gain practical ideas for fostering inclusive, collaborative partnerships specifically within higher education language education.
 

About the speaker

TESOL Lecturer · University of Central Lancashire

 
Laura Walker is a teacher trainer working on undergraduate and postgraduate TESOL degree programmes and a current postgraduate research student investigating highly skilled sanctuary seekers’ professional identity development in higher education and work contexts at the University of Central Lancashire, Preston. Her work focuses on supporting sanctuary seekers into higher education and meaningful employment, and on building partnership links between the university and local community groups to promote collaboration, opportunity, and inclusion.