The English Speaking Nation: Summer Excellence Training (ESN: ESET) is a component of the English Speaking Nation program, a nationwide initiative to strengthen Uzbekistan’s English teachers’ classroom English language competency and teaching skills. This program provided comprehensive English language support and practice to 420 secondary school teachers of English in seven diverse regions of Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Andijan, Namangan, Termez, Bukhara, Qarshi, and Urgench from August 1 – 22 at local public schools and in-service requalification centers.
Forty-five school teachers of English from Surkhandarya attended 108-hour English language training. The training focused on building confidence in using general English in everyday activities and classroom instruction and communication with students. Some of the most experienced English Teacher Experts – Kenneth Myers, Paige Dabney, Armen Kassabian, Christopher Cowan, delivered the training in Termez, where they emphasized reflective practice, public presentation, and peer review, further strengthening the local teachers' learning process.
Christopher Cowan, who was not only an English Teacher Expert for the ESET program but also is a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Uzbekistan, highlighted: “As a teacher, the ESET program was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed working with local teachers. It was clear that participating in the training assisted them with their skills in their professional techniques, and their confidence. I hope that the participants in this program go on to share what they learned with their other local colleagues, and I hope to see the program continue next summer!”
One of the participants Dilnoza Sadullayeva from school #16 in Termez, shares her impression about the training: “This program was more impressive than I expected. I learned to inspire children and give clear directions to pupils. The teachers and the activities taught during the program were very interesting and unique. I hope the teachers from the remote area will have more opportunities to participate in such an effective program later.
Dilafruz Umarkhonova, who works at school #24 as an English teacher, also stated: “The training was very productive. I especially developed my communication skills and feel more confident in speaking. I had an opportunity to exchange my experience and share opinions with my colleagues. I express my great gratitude to our trainers from the US, especially our lovely trainer Miss Paige Dabney.”
ESN: ESET is funded by the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan and implemented by American Councils for International Education in close cooperation with the Ministry of Public Education in Uzbekistan.