Since June 2024, I have had the privilege of working as a trainer with the British Council Ukraine, delivering numerous courses designed to enhance English language teaching and professional development opportunities for educators across the country. This role has allowed me to engage with a diverse community of teachers from different regions of Ukraine, each bringing unique perspectives, challenges, and aspirations to the learning process. My work has been primarily focused on three key courses: Train the TAG Facilitator Course within the SWITLO project, ENCOURSE (English and New Competencies for Ukrainian Reformed School Education), and the TAG Designing Materials Course within SWITLO. Each of these programs plays a crucial role in empowering teachers, fostering innovation in education, and strengthening the professional development landscape in Ukraine.
The Train the TAG (Teacher Activity Group) Facilitator Course is a vital component of the SWITLO project (Support and Well-being In Teacher Learning Opportunities). This course is designed to equip educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead TAG sessions effectively, creating a collaborative learning environment where teachers can share best practices, develop new methodologies, and support one another in their professional growth.
Throughout this course, I have worked with teachers to refine their facilitation techniques, guiding them through strategies that encourage reflective practice, peer mentoring, and sustainable professional development. One of the most rewarding aspects of this course has been witnessing the transformation of participants from eager learners into confident facilitators who go on to support their colleagues in their own educational settings. By focusing on practical applications, interactive discussions, and scenario-based learning, we have built a network of trained facilitators who are now leading TAG groups and contributing to the ongoing improvement of English language teaching across Ukraine.
Another significant course I have been involved in is ENCOURSE, a program aimed at equipping teachers with modern competencies necessary for the evolving educational landscape in Ukraine. With the ongoing reforms in Ukrainian education, there is a pressing need for teachers to integrate innovative pedagogical approaches, digital literacy, and student-centered methodologies into their classrooms.
As a trainer for ENCOURSE, I have focused on helping teachers develop practical strategies for integrating communicative language teaching, project-based learning, and critical thinking skills into their lessons. The course emphasizes the importance of fostering a dynamic and engaging classroom environment where students can actively participate in their learning journey.
One of the highlights of this course has been working with educators who are passionate about adapting to change and implementing new methodologies that align with global standards. Through hands-on workshops, case studies, and collaborative projects, we have explored ways to enhance language instruction while promoting lifelong learning among both teachers and students. The impact of this course extends beyond the classroom, as teachers become agents of change, bringing innovative ideas to their schools and communities.
