Possible TA Activities

Representatives of 16 EFL Teachers' Associations shared their experience at the Panel "How to Make the Association Stronger" during the XVth NATE Conference in Kazan.

Here is a list of the activities that help unite teachers and make the Association stronger:

• competitions (translation, speaking, debating, public speaking, poetry reading, etc.)
• festivals, EFL Marathons
• dvc's with other TAs
• mentoring projects
• public speaking and other workshops
• debates, mini-UN
• book club for teachers
• conversation club/tea parties for teachers
• seniors learners classes
• publishing proceedings
• international summer camp (that includes training component for teachers)
• creation of an Association website
• community outeach (teach at orphanage)

The teachers also highlighted important factors that make the impact stronger:

1. It is important to rotate the venue of the event (rotating schools and universities, American Corners, if possible),
2. It is desirable to change the format of activities (dvc, workshop, institute, etc.)
3. Teachers' work should be praised - don't forget about certificates, prizes and awards
4. Every voice should be heard - vary the content areas (assessment, area studies, IT, young learners, etc.)
5. Regular and transparent communication is CRUCIAL (website, newsletter, email, social bookmarking, etc.)