Representatives from the U.S. Embassy, Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ADA University, and North Carolina State University convened on June 16, 2023, to inaugurate a two-day workshop and conference for over 500 Azerbaijani secondary school English teachers. The event, titled "Strategies and Innovation in English-Language Teaching," marked the culmination of the third edition of the 14-week online Masters-level English Language Training Certificate Program. Administered by North Carolina State University and funded by the U.S. Department of State, this program aimed to enhance the skills of Azerbaijani English teachers.
The conference provided an opportunity for teachers from various regions of Azerbaijan to learn about effective pedagogical practices, foster a professional network of educators, and explore topics such as communicative instructional methods, technology integration in the classroom, and curriculum development.
Over the course of three years, approximately 200 Azerbaijani English teachers completed the program from 2020 to 2022, and an additional 100 finished the program in the current year. Numerous English teachers from secondary schools across Azerbaijan, who had previously benefited from other U.S. Embassy English language initiatives, also participated in the conference. The U.S. Embassy expressed its satisfaction in supporting English language programming in Azerbaijan, which contributes to strengthening the bilateral relationship and people-to-people ties between the two nations. The embassy also highlighted the teachers' enthusiasm for professional development opportunities.
During the opening remarks, Cultural Affairs Officer Salman Haji praised the graduates of the program and commended the participants for their efforts to enhance English language instruction in Azerbaijani schools. He emphasized the significance of English language proficiency as an essential skill for the future generation of Azerbaijan on the global stage. Haji also recognized the exceptional achievement of completing a Masters-level course from an American university.
Rufat Azizov, Director of the Institute of Education, emphasized the importance of updating English language textbooks in Azerbaijan's general education system and integrating international expertise. He stressed the necessity of equipping teachers with the required skills to effectively deliver the new content. Azizov expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts that had been made over the past three years to enhance the professional competencies of Azerbaijani English language teachers.
Vafa Kazdal, Vice Rector of Academic Affairs at ADA University, expressed delight in hosting the Second English Language Training conference and acknowledged the significant impact the enhanced language knowledge, methodology, and research skills of the teachers would have on thousands of students in their classrooms.
Michael Bustle, Associate Vice Provost of Global Education and Engagement at NC State, extended gratitude to the Azerbaijani teachers for their dedication, creativity, and tireless energy in educating the next generation. Bustle emphasized the transformative power of English language proficiency in broadening opportunities for young people, expressing gratitude for the chance to contribute to the teachers' efforts in making a positive impact on society.
The U.S. Embassy in Azerbaijan and North Carolina State University, with the support of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, plan to continue this successful project for its fourth iteration from 2023 to 2024. This partnership has made significant strides in improving English language teaching throughout Azerbaijan and aligns with the country's objective of increasing English-language fluency across the education sector. Graduates of this program, along with other English-language programs supported by the U.S. Embassy, successfully participated in international conferences, exchange programs and achieved notable success.
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