Page 15 - ELG2505 May Issue 494

NEWS

relevant this is.” She added, “What stood out most, though, was how
grounded the event felt. Yes, there was plenty of tech and shiny tools,
but teachers were the real focus. You could feel it in the hallway chats,
the laughter between sessions, the note-sharing over coffee.” Dooley
concluded, “We left feeling connected—like we’re not just reacting to
change but shaping it.”
EL Gazette also caught up with Hanna K. Furre, marketing and
communications manager at NILE, a global provider of training and
development. “For us, as well as CPD for our staff, IATEFL means
connecting and reconnecting with colleagues, and meeting former,
current and future students and sponsors from around the world.
Having a meeting point in the exhibition allows us to pick up on trends
at the conference. Alongside an understandable interest in AI, this year
we noticed an increased interest in our MA programme and online
DELTA, perhaps indicating that teachers prioritise investing in their
professional qualifications in a changing employment market.”
Martin Oetegenn, Language & TESOL marketing manager Trinity
College London, said: “IATEFL 2025 in Edinburgh was buzzing with
ideas and inspiration. A real highlight was the focus on emerging
language and how English is evolving in dynamic, global contexts -
something that’s hugely relevant for assessment and teacher training.
There was also plenty of excitement (and healthy debate) around AI,
with strong interest in tools that genuinely support teachers. For Trinity
College London, it was great to see such alignment with our priorities:
communicative, real-world language use, inclusive qualifications, and
sustainable delivery. It’s clear the sector is ready to move forward and
we’re proud to be part of that journey.”
Concluding, Aleksandra Popovski Golubovikj, IATEFL Vice President
and Chair of the Conference Committee, said: “IATEFL 2025 depicted a
profession in transition, a profession embracing innovation while staying
true to its core values. It became clear that adaptability, collaboration,
and empathy will remain essential as ELT moves into an increasingly
complex future, a future where ELT professionals will continue to play a
IATEFL 2025 was buzzing with ideas and inspiration, said crucial role only if they actively engage with both the opportunities and
Trinity College London. challenges that lie ahead.”
editorial@elgazette.com 15