Reconnecting, Learning, and Inspiring: A Year of Conferences as IATEFL Poland Liaison Officer

Back in My Element: A Memoir of Conferences and Connections

As I stepped back into my role as Liaison Officer for IATEFL Poland, I was uncertain about what lay ahead. I had thought this chapter of my life was closed, but returning to the committee has been like rediscovering a favourite book—comforting, fulfilling, and full of surprises. Over the course of the past year, I’ve attended four conferences, each an enriching blend of professional development, networking, and collaboration.

45th TESOL Annual International Convention, March 2024, Piraeus, Greece

The TESOL Annual International Convention in Piraeus centered on the theme Beyond Language: Towards Global Mindset. It was an enriching experience filled with sessions that pushed the boundaries of traditional language teaching, emphasizing a holistic approach to education.

The pre-conference dinner, hosted in a traditional Greek restaurant, was a delightful cultural exchange, bringing together educators from diverse countries. With Greek music and dancing in the background, it set a warm and collaborative tone for the days ahead.

Highlights included:

Aleksandra Popovski’s plenary, “Reading the World: Graphic Novels,” which explored how graphic novels can enhance comprehension and cultural awareness.

Workshops like Cliff Perry’s “Educating the Mind Without Educating the Heart,” which emphasized socio-emotional learning, and Maria Araxi-Sachpazian’s session on cultivating global mindsets among advanced learners.

Judy Boyle’s talk at the TESOL Greece conference was a pivotal moment, where she presented the No to Slavery project, a campaign focused on raising awareness about human trafficking—one of the most urgent human rights issues of the 21st century. As English language teachers, we often see our roles as centered on teaching vocabulary and grammar, but Judy’s presentation reminded us that our mission goes far beyond the classroom. We have the responsibility to address pressing global issues, like human trafficking, to help our students understand the complexities of the world and equip them to become socially responsible citizens.

Following Judy’s impactful talk at TESOL Greece, it was an honour to invite her to speak at the IATEFL Poland conference in Gdańsk, where her message resonated deeply with our community. I believe Judy’s advocacy should reach a broader audience, and I’m convinced that her work has the potential to inspire educators worldwide to use their classrooms as platforms for social change. This is why I strongly believe Judy should have the opportunity to speak at the IATEFL Conference in Edinburgh in 2025, where her work will undoubtedly influence more educators and empower them to incorporate critical social issues like human trafficking into their teaching practi

ATECR Conference, April 2024, Prague, Czech Republic

The Global Voices – Passport to the Future conference was an intimate yet impactful gathering of educators. Despite its smaller scale, it demonstrated the resilience and creativity of the teaching community in addressing global challenges.

Andrew Walkley’s plenary on using mediation techniques in teaching was a highlight, offering practical insights into communication and conflict resolution. Sessions like David Fisher’s exploration of teaching as an art form and Liam Peach’s humorous take on British traditions provided diverse, memorable perspectives. Networking with representatives from Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Poland deepened our regional ties and reaffirmed the value of international collaboration.

TESOL Hungary Conference, 2024, Siófok

This vibrant event showcased the perfect blend of fresh ideas and experienced voices. The young, dynamic board of TESOL Hungary, supported by an adviasory team, ensured an event brimming with quality and innovation.

Key moments included:

Nóra Tartsay-Németh’s flawless plenary, offering deep reflections on language teaching challenges.

Jamie Keddy’s session on storytelling and curiosity in learning, which captivated the audience with its fresh perspective.

János Ujlaki’s discussion on digital literacy, providing practical solutions for integrating technology in classrooms.

The conference also reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, as it strengthened relationships with HUPE Croatia, SCELT Slovakia, IATEFL Slovenia and other partners.

32nd Annual International HUPE Conference, November 2024, Poreč, Croatia

The HUPE Conference in Poreč was a vibrant gathering filled with innovation, reflection, and team spirit. Set against the backdrop of Croatia’s stunning coastline, the conference offered thought-provoking sessions and invaluable networking opportunities.

Standout presentations included:

Catherine Toomley’s integration of CEFR descriptors with ChatGPT, showcasing the potential of AI in education.

For me personally, the most poignant and thought-provoking presentation was by Tvrtko Pater and Lina Jurević session from the U.S. Embassy in Croatia. Their session, Teaching Tolerance: Holocaust Education in the EL Classroom, showcased a visually stunning and deeply moving picture novel LEA’S STORY designed to teach tolerance. Through the lens of history and storytelling, they highlighted the importance of integrating meaningful content into language lessons to foster empathy and understanding among students.

This presentation was not just an exploration of innovative teaching tools but a reminder of the educator’s role in shaping socially responsible global citizens. The novel’s delicate handling of such a profound topic underscored how English language education can extend far beyond grammar and vocabulary, serving as a medium for significant societal impact.

Their work left a lasting impression on me, emphasizing that teaching tolerance and history through creative approaches is not only possible but necessary in today’s world. A heartfelt thanks to Tvrtko and Lina for such a powerful and inspiring session.

Marjorie Rosenberg’s tips on making lessons unforgettable, delivering her signature blend of practicality and inspiration.

My own session, Tyranny of Toxic Positivity vs. Authentic Optimism, was well-received, sparking engaging discussions on how educators can foster genuine connections and resilience.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on these experiences, I feel deeply grateful to IATEFL Poland for enabling me to represent our association and connect with educators worldwide. These conferences were not merely about professional growth but about embracing a shared mission to transform language education. They reaffirmed the power of collaboration, the importance of storytelling, and the ever-evolving role of technology in our classrooms.

My return to the IATEFL Poland committee has been more than a homecoming—it’s been a reawakening of my passion for this work. I look forward to building on these experiences, nurturing our partnerships, and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the opportunities to continue collaborating, learning, and growing alongside such a dedicated and passionate community of educators. I would also like to extend a special invitation to all IATEFL Poland members: If you are interested in representing our association at one of our many partner conferences, please check the How to represent IATEFL Poland abroad bookmark on our website for upcoming events. It’s an excellent opportunity to engage with like-minded educators from around the world and bring fresh perspectives to our community.

This year has shown me that even when you think a chapter of your life is closed, sometimes it’s only just begun.

Marta Bujakowska Liaison Officer IATEFL Poland