The English Together Project:
Background
We have partnered with the Ministry of National Education in Türkiye and Sabancı Foundation to create a community-based professional development system for state school English language teachers. The project was launched in 2020 and in 2024 has reached 30 thousand state school teachers through professional development communities. Being a worldwide expert in English language teaching we were the partner of choice in this project.
Programme overview
The British Council and the Ministry have collaborated to develop a professional development program that fits well with Turkey's local needs and can be maintained over time. After extensive talks and discussions with Ministry officials, teachers, scholars, and ELT experts, the professional development model was finalised. Following the completion of the pilot phase carried out in Ankara, the Sabancı Foundation joined this partnership to further support the nationwide expansion of the project to all regions in Türkiye.
Programme components
The English Together project brings together teachers from the same demographic areas and enable them to discuss a variety of teaching-related topics based on their needs and interests through Professional Development Communities (PDCs). Working in close partnership with the Ministry of National Education and the Sabancı Foundation, PDCs were established in 81 provinces across Türkiye.
The Results
Over 30,000 state school English language teachers across Türkiye participated in the project and had the chance to:
- create a better understanding of common challenges faced by English teachers
- identify relevant classroom-based solutions
- share best practices
- apply new ideas in classrooms
- reflect on teaching practices
At a ceremony which took place in February 2024, one group of trained teachers received their Certificate in English Language Teaching – Secondary certificates upon successful completion of the course.
‘The favourable changes I’ve made in my classes make me feel more self-confident. I feel so proud that I am more creative and resourceful in digitising and diversifying my classes now.’ Buket Durmuş, state school English teacher, participant in the English Together project.
Learn more about English Together and Buket’s story.
Download the English Together infographic below to see the results and project stages.