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 English teaching skills.
The 25 English Teacher Experts conducted seven concurrent 108-hour English language trainings in Andijan, Namangan, Samarkand, Termez, Qarshi, Bukhara, and Urgench from August 1 – 22 at local public schools and in-service requalification centers. The 420 secondary school teachers of English focused on building confidence in using general English in everyday activities as well classroom instruction and communication with students. The ESN: ESET program emphasized reflective practice, public presentation, and peer review, further strengthening the local teachers' learning process and equipped them with tools they can use in their classrooms in the future.
Some of the most experienced English Teacher Trainers – Wendy Coulson, Edward Baluyut, Emily Rodriguez, Jared Rodriguez, Tim Thomson, Jorge Catalan, Loren Lee Chiesi delivered the training in Namangan to 75 secondary school teachers of English. They had an opportunity to increase their proficiency, specifically in speaking and listening skills, reflective practice, public presentation, and peer review.
One of the participants Dilorom Matmusayeva from school #5 in Namangan, shares her impression about the training: "I am very proud to be a part of ESN: ESET as it is successful and very productive. The program was beneficial for teachers. It helped to overcome the language barrier in the first place. It became a huge impetus to self-development and motivated us. I hope to continue the program because it will be useful in developing the English language and raising the professional level of English teachers in Uzbekistan. I want to express my deep gratitude to the founders of this great program. The idea of the program is unique and was not in vain."
Dilorom’s colleague - Nargiza Ikramova, who also works at the same school as the English Teacher, stated: “Without a doubt, I can say that this summer training course of ESN program is fascinating. I am so happy that I was selected to be a member of this team. This training course also boosted my speaking ability in English. Every Friday, we did microteaching and then received feedback from our mentor to observe and give us suggestions and advice. Management in front of many people was my biggest challenge. With the help of interactive activities, I managed to overcome it and learned how to create a friendly atmosphere in class or handle problematic situations among students. Through my own experience from this training course, I have a worthy purpose such as to be the best Teacher and never stop working on myself.”
One of the trainers, Tim Thomson, highlighted that he was impressed with the overall English level of the participants. Tim is an English teacher trainer and editor with over twenty years of experience in the field. He affirmed: “We can communicate freely, and we can cover a lot more than simply EFL training. Their professional development and cultural awareness were also being upgraded. I expected them to work hard, and they have done just that. I am very pleased with the participants!”
ESN program 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.