TG 47 Professional Presentations

Georgios Kormpas, Faculty Member at Department of Humanities, Al Yamamah University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Room 1

Georgios Kormpas

&

Christine Coombe

“Speaking for Change:
Toastmasters, AI Ethics, & Transformative
ELT Communication”

This talk explores how ethical AI and Toastmasters communication frameworks can transform English language teaching. It connects leadership, integrity, and responsible AI literacy, showing how educators can empower learners to think critically, speak confidently, and act ethically in an evolving digital world.

Christine Coombe

Garrett Winters, MA TESOL, Deree-The American College of Greece. Autistic activist and TESOL educator

Room 2

Garett Winters

&

Saniya Dua

“Building Belonging and Equity through Inclusive Language Teaching”

This presentation examines how inclusive and tolerant practices in TESOL can transform classroom culture. Drawing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and culturally responsive pedagogy, it offers practical ways to remove barriers, challenge intolerance, and foster belonging, empathy, and equity among linguistically and culturally diverse learners in multilingual classrooms

Saniya Dua, MA TESOL, Deree-The American College of Greece. TESOL Educator focused on Diversity

Room 3

Katerina Mantadaki

“The Innovation Effect: Finding Purpose (and Joy) in the ELT Classroom”

Change happens — in our world, our classrooms, ourselves. This session explores how innovation can make that change feel good, reigniting meaning, motivation and joy for teachers and learners. Through examples and research on purpose and wellbeing, we’ll explore ways to stay relevant, deepen the human connection and enrich learning in an ever-changing, AI-driven world.

Catherine Mantadaki, MSc Social Neuroscience and Education, Teacher Trainer, Express Publishing, Athens, Greece

Sinem Darıdere, English Teacher and Trainer, Luciola – Freelance Educator, İzmir, Türkiye

Room 4

Sinem Atamsoy Koşar

“Let’s Tune into Your Jazzy Sense of Well-being”

Teacher Well-being in Tune: A Jazz-Inspired Approach
This interactive workshop explores teacher well-being through a musical analogy. Drawing on the elements of jazz—rhythm, melody, and harmony—participants discover how creativity, art, and mindfulness can help restore balance and energy. Hands-on, low-prep activities invite teachers to reconnect with calm, creativity, and joy in their classrooms.

Room 5

Daniel Paller

“Beyond the Textbook: Building Confidence and Fluency for Communicative Fluency”

Language textbooks play a significant role in language instruction, and in many parts of the world, the textbook dictates the curriculum. Limited opportunities for developing speaking fluency outside the classroom remain a challenge in EFL settings. This workshop will share activities balancing accuracy, fluency, and complexity for effective communicative practice.

Daniel Paller, Associate Professor, Kinjo Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan

Aria Paradelli, Year 2 student BA(Hons)English Language & TESOL, NYC, ATHENS, GREECE

Room 1

Aria Papadelli

“From Scrolling to Speaking”

This presentation explores how social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube support incidental vocabulary learning and lexical creativity in EFL contexts. It discusses how authentic digital input enhances noticing and recycling of language, while also addressing pedagogical opportunities, challenges, and implications for integrating informal online exposure into classroom practice

Vasiliki-Panagiota Oikonomou/3rd Year Student BA(Hons) English Language & English Language Teaching, NYC ATHENS,GREECE

Room 2

Vasiliki – Panagiota Oikonomou

&

Panagiota Mataiou

“Teaching in the Age of AI:
Innovation, Ethics, and Practice”

This presentation explores how AI can enhance teaching, personalize learning, and support data-driven instruction. It examines intelligent tutoring systems, adaptive platforms, and generative AI while addressing privacy, bias, and ethical practice. Emphasizing teacher empowerment, it highlights strategies for responsible AI integration and envisions a future where technology enhances—not replaces—educators.

Panagiota Mataiou, 3rd YEAR student BA(Hons)English Language & English Language Teaching, NYC ATHENS,GREECE

Room 3

Kate Mastruserio
Reynolds

“Teaching Soft Skills to Teens through English”

This session explores how English language instruction can foster teens’ soft skills (e.g., empathy, adaptability, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving) through experiential, student-centered activities. Participants will learn adaptable strategies and classroom techniques that integrate language learning with personal growth, empowering students to become confident, creative, and responsible global citizens.

Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, a Professor of TESOL/Literacy at Central Washington University in the U.S.

Lilika Couri, Teacher Educator and EFL Schools Management Consultant, EDUCATIONAL & TRAINING CONCEPTS, Athens, Greece.

Room 4

Lilika Couri

“Bridge the Gap: Bring the Gens Closer to Navigate Safely”

Uniting Gen X, Y, and Z educators in ELT through shared insights and collaboration is the focus of this interactive workshop. By aligning practices, leveraging innovative tools, and navigating cultural and pedagogical differences, we enhance teaching effectiveness, enrich learner experiences, and create inclusive ELT environments that support safe, collective growth.

Room 5

Anita Gregoriadis

“Phonics in EFL Education: Benefits, Challenges, and Integration Strategies”

This workshop explores the importance of using a phonics approach to develop early literacy in ESL/EFL education. As a synthetic phonics teacher trainer, I will share key dos and don’ts for maximizing its effectiveness. Participants will engage in interactive activities to experience practical strategies and unlock phonics’ full potential

Anita Gregoriades,  accredited Jolly Phonics/Grammar Trainer from Cyprus and PhD student at University of St. Andrews.

Maria Stathopoulou, Adjunct Lecturer, Hellenic Open University. Coordinator of the ECML METLA project

Room 1

Maria Stathopoulou

“Making Languages Meet:
Inclusive Teaching with METLA and Mediation Tasks”

The presentation introduces the ECML-supported METLA project, which promotes inclusive, plurilingual education through mediation. It showcases the project’s Teaching Guide and repository of adaptable cross-linguistic activities, raising awareness of these open resources and exploring creative ways teachers can use them to enrich language learning.

Room 2

Dora Sopasoudaki

“Innovative Themes for English Language Learning”

This project explores innovative ways to teach English through emotion , rhythm, and the senses transforming language learning into a creative, embodied, and empathetic experience. Learners connect sound, feeling and meaning to develop deeper linguistic and emotional fluency combining neuroscience and emotional intelligence.

Dora Sopasoudaki, ELT teacher MSc in Tefl, Athens,Greece

George Kokolas/Academic Director/Teacher Trainer at Express Publishing/Positive Educator/NLCoach/Former Vice Chair TG

Room 3

George Kokolas

“Crafting Character Through Language Learning”

This session explores the shift from academic focus to holistic character development in education. Educators are empowered to cultivate resilience and personal growth by recognizing and nurturing students’ character strengths. Emphasis is placed on teacher self-reflection, supportive environments, and practical classroom activities that enhance awareness and positive interaction around character strengths.

Room 4

Nada Filipovic

“Group Work in a Changing World”

In this workshop we will highlight the importance of group work. Working in teams and building ties are a must in the changing world. Thus, we will encourage teachers to employ this method more both in the classroom and online teaching context by providing them with useful and practical ideas.

Nada Filipovic, English Language Teacher & Teaching Advisor, ELTA, Belgrade, Serbia

Stevie Mavraidopolos, BA in English Language Literature – Master’s in TESOL – Examiner 

Room 5

Stevie Mavraeidopoulos

“Exploring the Effects of Role-Play in EFL learning”

This workshop explores how role-playing activities influence EFL learners’ speaking confidence and grammatical accuracy. Students eagerly participated in structured role-plays promoting authentic communication. Findings revealed increased confidence, improved accuracy, and reduced anxiety, confirming role-play as an effective, inclusive strategy for enhancing fluency and communicative competence.

Room 1

Anne Levenderis

“AI Friend or Foe”

Artificial Intelligence is transforming education. This talk explores how AI empowers English teachers through practical, ethical, and creative applications in lesson design, feedback, and learner engagement. By integrating AI thoughtfully, teachers can save time, enhance learning experiences, and refocus on what truly matters—human connection and meaningful teaching.

Anne Leventeris, Senior Teacher Trainer Burlington Books Athens Greece

Konstantina Alevizou, EFL Teacher, MA in STEAM, European University of Cyprus, Athens, Greece

Room 2

Konstantina Alevizou

&

Evdoxia Frantzeskaki

“Storytelling through AI:
Facilitating Students with
Special Educational Needs”

This presentation examines digital storytelling as an engaging and inclusive method for teaching EFL, particularly for students with learning difficulties. It highlights its benefits for language acquisition, motivation, creativity, and anxiety reduction, while offering practical strategies and adaptations to support diverse learner needs in the classroom.

Evdoxia Frantzeskaki, EFL/FLF Teacher, PHD candidate, University of Cyprus, Department of French Studies, Athens, Greece

Panagiota Katsikosta, Athens, Greece, MA in TESOL

Room 3

Panagiota Katsikosta

&

George Nikolopoulos

“Inclusive Pedagogies:
Usualising LGBTQ+ Representation in
EFL materials”

This presentation explores how teachers can make LGBTQ+ representation more visible and usualised in ELT materials. Drawing on research and teacher survey data, it offers hands-on adaptation tasks and reflection activities that help participants critically evaluate coursebooks and apply inclusive principles in realistic, context-sensitive classroom practice.

George Nikolopoulos, MA in TESOL, Athens, Greece, 15 years of teaching experience in Europe and Russia

Eleni Oikonomou, EFL specialist, teacher of English and Academic Coordinator, residing and working in Athens, Greece.

Room 4

Eleni Oikonomou

“And the Floor is Theirs: a how-to on Student Centred Teaching”

Leaving this workshop, participants will be able to tell how to make their classroom more student centred and reduce their Teacher Talking Time, by going through its main principles and participating in activities that will give them hands-on knowledge on the topic.

Room 5

Ian Munby

“Nightmare in the Department Store: Creating Emotional             Role Plays”

The aim of this workshop-style presentation is to demonstrate techniques for promoting fluency and pragmatic competence by setting up a series of role plays with multiple characters using a story presented orally by the teacher. Participants will be encouraged to perform emotionally-charged role plays.

Ian Munby is Professor of ELT at Hokkai Gakuen University, Sapporo, Japan.

Valia Karatzogianni, Drama Teacher, VSK & the Coaching Land, Athens, Hellas

Stella Kopakaki, Head Educator/Teacher/Language, Life & Mindset Coach, VSK & THE COACHING LAND, Athens, Hellas

Sissy Georgiou is a PhD candidate in Informatics at Ionian University, specializing in technology-enhanced language education. She holds degrees in English, Journalism and Education Sciences. She is an Experienced EFL teacher and conference presenter, with publications on gamification, digital escape rooms, AI and AR in language learning and lectures in educational technology and international exam preparation experience worldwide.

Athina Kyriakou, EFL Teacher with 13 years of experience teaching, currently studying for the MA TESOL programme at ACG

Room 2

Athina Kyriakou

“Digital Comics in TESOL:
Enhancing Writing, Creativity, and Learner Engagement”

The session will showcase the practical use of MakeBeliefsComix to promote engagement, agency, and communication through structured and creative tasks. Drawing upon the SAMR framework it will illustrate how digital comic creation can move beyond simple substitution of conventional writing tasks. Connections will also be made to ISTE 21st-century teacher standards, particularly collaboration, digital citizenship, and creative communication.

Dr. Connie Mitchell, Director of the TLC and the WTC at Prince Sultan University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Room 3

Dr. Connie Mitchel

&

Dr. Kate Raynolds

“Speak Up & Learn: Active Learning for     ELT Success”

Discover practical, research-based active learning techniques tailored for English language teaching in higher education. This interactive session provides hands-on strategies to enhance student engagement, autonomy, and performance—empowering educators to create dynamic, student-centered classrooms that foster meaningful learning.

Kate Mastruserio Reynolds, a Professor of TESOL/Literacy at Central Washington University in the U.S.

Room 4

Susan Stetson – Tiligadas

“ELT and AI: How Much Is Enough? How Much Is Too Much?”

As AI is used more and more in English language teaching, how can we strike a balance between innovation and overreliance? This interactive session will explore the pros and cons of AI use in ELT, considering issues of teacher agency, learner engagement, and data protection, along with practical strategies for responsible integration.

Dr. Susan Stetson-Tiligadas, Faculty – MA in TESOL, American College of Greece, Athens, Greece

Kamola Alautdinova is an associate professor, PhD in Philolgy and CELTA-certified educator at TIIAME NRU, Uzbekistan.

Room 5

Kamola Alautdinova

&

Dr Khilola Maksudova

“Talk Time Transformation: Elevating STT
and Minimizing STT”

By the end of the workshop, participants will acquire valuable insights that they can transform into their teaching practices, creating a more interactive learning environment.

Khilola Maksudova is an associate professor, PhD, CELTA-Educator , EFL specialist at TIIAME NRU, Uzbekistan

Tracy Huntingford, Editorial Manager, Burlington Books Greece and Cyprus, Materials Developer and Teacher Trainer

Room 1

Tracy Huntingford

“AI is Making Editors of Us All!

As we become increasingly reliant on AI to support our writing, we need to draw on the key skills that editors use every day. This session explores those skills and offers practical classroom activities to help students become thoughtful users of AI, not passive consumers.

Room 2

Cliff Parry

“The Teacher’s Balance in Modern Education”

Safeguarding is the proactive process of protecting individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, from abuse, harm, neglect, and exploitation. Abuse, neglect, or exploitation symptoms can be difficult to detect because they are often subtle, hidden by fear or manipulation, and may resemble other issues.

Cliff Parry, Teaching Centre Manager British Council Greece

Yulie Sklia -Lamprou, Founder of Sklia English, teacher, learning difficulties specialist, life coach promoting holistic education.

Room 3

Yulie Sklia – Lamprou

“The Teacher’s Balance in Modern Education”

Teachers with Emotional Resilience are vital to Educate with Love, Boundaries, and Freedom

Room 4

Suzanne Antonaros

“Charting Our Course: Learners’ Curiosity and Our Lesson Design”

Autonomous teachers make good models for autonomous learners. Ideas on how to supplement course material with your own individualized creations. What better way to develop professionally! Aim for your learners’ hearts to enhance their motivation, engagement and active participation while they are with you and at home, as well.

Suzanne Antonaros, Teacher Educator, Co-Director of EDUCATIONAL & TRAINING CONCEPTS, Athens, Greece

Peggy Thoma is an EFL teacher and language school owner. She has a special interest in all new developments.

Room 5

Peggy Thoma

“C.A.S.T.L.E – Creative and Safe Teaching and Learning Environments”

Discover how you can use creative activities to build psychological safety and drive student engagement. In this interactive workshop, educators will experience creative activities and they will be provided with practical tools to foster safe and connected learning environments.

Room 1

Ursula Rousou

“Effectiveness of TBLT in Enhancing EFL Students’ Reading Skills:
Action Research”

This presentation reports on classroom-based action research exploring how Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) can enhance young EFL learners’ reading engagement. Findings highlight how scaffolded, collaborative tasks foster motivation, strategic reading, and meaningful interaction. Attendees will gain practical, adaptable ideas for designing reading lessons that connect to learners’ real-world interests through the lens of TBLT.

Ursula Roussou, MA in TESOL Deree, EFL Teacher at British Council and Oral Examiner at PeopleCert, Marousi, Greece.

Nina Stojanovic, 20 years’ experience, MA in Andragogy, BA in Modern Greek, and active ELTA Serbia member. from Belgrade

Room 2

Nina Stojanovic

“Giving Students the Gift of Gab”

This interactive workshop offers practical, low-prep techniques to help learners develop fluency through engaging speaking tasks. Participants will explore adaptable activities for exam and interview preparation, learn confidence-building feedback strategies, and leave with a ready-to-use toolkit to encourage students to speak more freely and naturally.

Room 3

Elvira Sanatuliova – Allison

“Learning Disabilities and
Second Language Acquisition: Differentiation for ELLs”

The presentation addresses the problem of the misidentification of English Language Learners (ELLs) as Learning Disabled, outlines issues with current methods of differentiating between learning disabilities and second language acquisition processes, and suggests more appropriate and effective approaches that include consideration of the home and learning environments, in addition to evaluation of the individual learner.

Dr. Elvira Sanatullova-Allison is a Professor at Texas A&M University-Kingsville in the U.S.A.

Evi Karydi, EFL Teacher, Storyteller & Drama Coach, Founder of DramActivate, iLearn Language School, Athens, Greece

Room 4

Evi Karydi

“Navigating Change through Drama and Storytelling”

This practical workshop invites teachers to experience how drama and storytelling can help learners (and educators) navigate change with creativity and confidence. Through active, imaginative techniques, participants will explore ways to bring language to life, boost communicative fluency, and create meaningful connections in today’s ever-evolving classrooms.

Room 5

Dimitris Primalis

“Houston, We Have a Problem! AI Contamination
in My Classroom”

This presentation addresses the growing challenge of AI misuse in primary and secondary classrooms. Through practical demonstrations and ready-to-implement activities, educators will discover preventative strategies and pedagogical approaches that transform AI from a cheating tool into an effective learning scaffold, fostering genuine understanding and academic integrity across age groups.

Dimitris Primalis, (M.A. in Education, MIEFellow), Teacher Trainer, Burlington Books, Athens, Greece

Philip Dietschi, Event Professional, Organiser of the International Publishers Exhibitions, Athens, Greece

Room 1

Philip Dietschi

“Leading ELT Events in a Changing World”

This presentation examines the changes of ELT events, with particular reference to data and observations drawn from the International Publishers Exhibitions. The analysis compares key transformations in event participation and thematic focus on Pre-Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Period.

Room 2

Pavlina Vočková

“Exploring the Changing World through Literature and Transactional Theory”

This workshop demonstrates how to unlock the hidden potential of course book images and videos to spark engagement. Participants will try low-prep, creative activities—such as role-play, MadLibs, and “What’s Missing?”—showing how untapped materials in our books can recycle language, foster creativity, and make lessons more memorable.

Pavlína Vočková, PhD Student, Faculty of Education, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, the Czech Republic

Mrs. Anthi Kokoni, Sociologist, Special Educator (MEd), author, adult trainer, founder of “Leximathia”

Room 3

Anthi Kokkoni

“Make it Stick Teacher!”

Students often forget lessons due to the limited capacity of working memory. This challenge is common, especially in Special Education. By applying neuroscience-based strategies such as spaced repetition and multisensory learning, teachers can strengthen memory retention, turning short-term learning into long-term knowledge and making teaching more effective and lasting.

 

Room 4

Vivian Bussinguer – Khavari

“Fostering Intercultural Awareness in a Changing World”

In this workshop, Dr. Bussinguer-Khavari introduces practical examples of how to foster intercultural awareness in the classroom by sharing her experience of teaching an intercultural communication course at a private university in Japan, where students from various cultural backgrounds come together to discuss the different ways in which culture affects how people communicate.

Dr. Vivian Bussinguer-Khavari is an associate professor at Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan.

Vasiliki Mandalou, Greek andEnglish teacher. msc learning difficulties, philosophy for children, writer.

Room 5

Vasiliki Mandalou

“The Urban Linguistic Landscape: Identity, and Learning Beyond the Classroom”

This workshop explores the urban linguistic landscape as a tool for language learning and cultural awareness. By analyzing public signs, advertisements, and street texts, learners engage with real-world language use. The session demonstrates practical classroom activities that connect urban environments with English teaching, promoting multilingual awareness and critical thinking.

Panagiotis Androutsopoulos is the Educational Advisor of Physical Education in Ilia, Zakynthos, Kefalonia.

Room 1

Panagiotis Androutsopoulos

&

Vasiliki Karmi

“Brain Breaks (Short Physical Activities)    in Education”

The programme incorporates structured Brain Breaks into English lessons. It is based on experiential and embodied learning, as well as the principles of differentiated learning and inclusion. The aim is to improve concentration, vocabulary and oral interaction, particularly in mixed-ability and multicultural classes. The programme combines English with physical activity and provides ready-made activities and assessment tools.

Vasiliki Karmi is an English teacher in the Directorate of Secondary Education of Kerkyra, Greece.

Room 2

Vasiliki Dimitroula

“From Struggle to Strength: Empowering Dyslexic Learners
in the ELT Classroom”

This practical workshop equips teachers with effective, multisensory strategies to support dyslexic learners in the ELT classroom. Discover easy-to-apply techniques that boost language learning and confidence. Join us to learn how to turn learning struggles into strengths —and leave with classroom-ready activities you can use immediately.

Vasiliki Dimitroula, EFL Special Education Teacher, Teacher Trainer & HoPE School co-founder located in Athens, Greece.

Nadia Theochari, Educational Consultant/Business Development manager, Hamilton House Publishers, Athens, Greece

Room 3

Nadia Theochari

 

“Think Creatively without Words!”

Have you thought of the benefits of instrumental music as well as silent films in an ELT class? 6 practical tips on how to promote creativity and have fun in the classroom will be shared in this session.

Maria-Eleni Michopoulou, YEAR 1 student, BA (Hons) ELT & TESOL, NYC Athens, Greece

Room 4

Maria Eleni Michopoulou

&

Isavella Tsiampokalou

“The Modern Digital

Predator of Knowledge”

This presentation argues that English Language Teaching (ELT) can play a vital role in combating media illiteracy by fostering critical thinking, digital literacy, and awareness of persuasive or misleading language. By integrating language education with global literacy, ELT empowers learners to evaluate information objectively and engage responsibly in the digital world.

Maria – Isavella Tsiampokalou, YEAR 1 student, BA (HONS) ELT & TESOL, NYC, Athens, Greece

Room 5

Elia Rader

TBA

TBA

Elia Rader

Eleni Kartalia

 

Room 1

Eleni Kartalia

(Teacher Development & Research SIG)

“The 21st Century Teacher-Assessor’s Status:

The Cognitive Coach”

The Coordinator of the TDR SIG cordially invites all members to a tailor-made session for frontline teachers on CPD initiatives, focusing on professional competence and lifelong learning. Together, we will co-explore the dominant trends in EFL education and the role of language assessment in shaping them. Data-driven assessment characterizes more than your role as a teacher; it defines your status as a cognitive coach

Room 2

Anna Petala

(Learning Technologies SIG)

“Visualising Grammar with AI: An Artificial
Intellifriend or a Digital VillAIn?”

This talk explores how AI can be used to visualize grammar in our classrooms, transforming abstract rules into dynamic representations. In an era where teachers are being inundated with AI tools, we can make grammar more fun and memorable. Aimed at fellow language teachers, it highlights practical tools that enhance learner engagement and examines the benefits and limitations of AI tools, highlights common pitfalls in their use and offers practical guidance for effective classroom integration.

Anna Petala

Eugenia Tzouramani

Room 3

Eugenia Tzouramani

(Young Learners SIG)

TBA

TBA

Room 4

Sofia Botsi

“The Human Touch: Emotional Literacy in

English Language Teaching”

The Human Touch: Emotional Literacy in English Language Teaching highlights how ELT transcends linguistic instruction by cultivating emotional literacy—skills in recognizing, managing, and expressing emotions. Integrating emotional and intercultural competence enhances empathy, motivation, and wellbeing for learners and teachers, fostering inclusive, reflective classrooms where communication becomes a deeply human, relational process.

Sofia Botsi,Greece – Athens,BSc and MSc on the field of Psychology and I am now doing my BA Hons on English Language and ELT.

Marios Koulianos, Student, Athens, Greece

Room 5

Marios Koulianos

“English as a Global Language: Legacy and Future”

Language has always transmitted culture and ideas, uniting societies across time. As English now serves as the global lingua franca, English Language Teaching (ELT) faces new challenges shaped by globalisation and AI. This presentation proposes an adaptive, inclusive framework merging tradition and technology to sustain English’s global relevance and cultural balance.