Teacher Growth in Focus: Eaquals Member Event Fund Supports The Bridge PD Day

Every year, Eaquals supports member-led professional development through the Eaquals Member Event Fund,

offering financial support for local or regional initiatives that contribute to the wider goal of raising standards in language education. One of this year’s recipients was The Bridge – English Language Centre in Slovakia, which organised the 2025 edition of its Teachers’ Day conference on 22nd March in Bratislava.

The event welcomed over 130 participants from Slovakia and neighbouring countries, including the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, and Austria, as well as guests from the UK and Croatia. The programme offered a wide range of sessions for English language teachers working in various contexts and at different stages of their careers.

Exploring Methodology, Humanising Language Teaching & Self-Development

The focus areas for this year’s conference were teaching methodology, Humanising Language Teaching (HLT), and teacher self-development. Participants could attend a plenary talk and choose from 15 interactive workshops led by a diverse mix of experienced speakers and new voices in the field. Sessions covered both practical and reflective topics, including spoken grammar, green skills, and technostress.

Jon Hird, a teacher, trainer, and ELT materials writer from the UK, delivered the keynote session on spoken grammar in the classroom, followed by a hands-on workshop that offered practical strategies. Other contributors included Alan Pulverness, Mark Andrews, Liam Anderson, and Andrea Záhumenská, among others.

A Focus on the Whole Teacher

This year’s programme also included individual coaching sessions and a yoga class, giving attendees space to reflect on their practice and prioritise well-being alongside teacher development. Time was built in for networking and informal discussions between sessions.

Feedback from participants echoed a shared appreciation for what made this event stand out: its focus on the human dimension of teaching. In an era dominated by digital tools, the conference was a welcome reminder that teachers themselves remain the most vital element in language learning.

Supporting Member-Led Development

The Bridge’s Teachers’ Day conference is a good example of how the Eaquals Member Event Fund can help expand access to development opportunities in different parts of the world. By supporting events like this, Eaquals continues its mission to promote quality in language education not just through accreditation but also by helping members build stronger professional communities.