Azerbaijani English Teachers Gather for U.S.-Backed Conference

On June 28, 2024, over 400 secondary school English teachers from Azerbaijan will convene at ADA University for a two-day workshop and conference supported by the U.S. Embassy, ADA University, and North Carolina State University. The event marks the culmination of an intensive 18-week online Master’s-level English Language Teaching Certificate Program, now in its fourth year, facilitated by North Carolina State University and funded by the U.S. Department of State.

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Hugo Guevara will deliver the opening remarks, underscoring the program’s significance in enhancing English language teaching capabilities across Azerbaijan. Teachers participating in the conference hail from various Azerbaijani regions including Baku, Ganja, Nakhchivan, and Mingachevir, among others. The gathering aims to foster pedagogical excellence and establish a robust network among peer educators.

Since its launch in 2020, the virtual training initiative has graduated 350 Azerbaijani teachers, equipping them with advanced teaching methodologies at the Master’s degree level. The program’s ongoing success underscores its role in advancing English language proficiency nationwide.

The U.S. Embassy and North Carolina State University plan to sustain this collaborative effort in the coming years with the Ministry of Science and Education and the Institute of Education of Azerbaijan. This partnership has significantly bolstered English language education in Azerbaijan, fostering closer ties between the two nations and supporting Azerbaijan’s broader educational objectives.

Several program graduates have garnered recognition in international conferences and exchange programs, further highlighting the initiative's impact on professional development and international engagement within Azerbaijan’s educational community.