BELTA-KU-THT Teacher Development Conference 2026
- English Discipline, Khulna University
BELTA-KU-THT 20th Teacher Development Conference 2026
Theme: Cultivating Community in Language Education
23 & 26 October 2026 | Virtual and Onsite | Khulna University, Bangladesh
The Bangladesh English Language Teachers Association (BELTA), in collaboration with the English Discipline, Khulna University (KU) and Teachers Helping Teachers (THT), is pleased to announce the 20th Teacher Development Conference 2026, under the theme “Cultivating Community in Language Education.”
This international teacher development conference will bring together English language teachers, teacher educators, researchers, educational professionals, and aspiring teachers to explore innovative approaches to language teaching, exchange professional experiences, and strengthen collaborative learning communities.
The conference will feature distinguished international facilitators from diverse educational backgrounds who will share their expertise, practical insights, and professional experiences through engaging sessions designed to support teachers' continuous professional development.
This year's conference will be conducted in two phases: a virtual conference on Friday, 23 October 2026, followed by an onsite conference on Monday, 26 October 2026, hosted by the English Discipline at Khulna University, Bangladesh.
With a focus on professional collaboration, inclusive pedagogy, and community engagement, the event aims to foster meaningful connections among educators while encouraging innovative and reflective approaches to English language education.
About the Conference Theme
Cultivating Community in Language Education
Language education is not merely about teaching linguistic structures, developing communication skills, or achieving academic outcomes. It is also about building relationships, creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, and developing a sense of belonging among teachers and learners.
The theme “Cultivating Community in Language Education” recognises that effective teaching and learning take place within supportive, collaborative, and inclusive educational communities.
In an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing educational environment, teachers face new challenges related to learner diversity, technological transformation, student engagement, and changing pedagogical expectations. Addressing these challenges requires not only professional competence but also opportunities for collaboration, shared reflection, and continuous learning.
The conference will encourage participants to consider how professional learning communities, collaborative teaching practices, intercultural understanding, and learner-centred approaches can contribute to more meaningful and sustainable language education.
Through professional discussions, shared experiences, and interaction with international facilitators, participants will have opportunities to reflect on their own teaching practices and explore ways to strengthen the communities in which they teach and learn.
The theme particularly emphasises:
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Creating supportive, inclusive, and participatory language classrooms.
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Strengthening collaboration among teachers, learners, and educational institutions.
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Promoting professional learning communities and peer-supported teacher development.
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Encouraging culturally responsive and context-sensitive teaching practices.
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Sharing innovative approaches and practical strategies for language education.
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Building professional networks across geographical, institutional, and cultural boundaries.
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Supporting reflective teaching and lifelong professional learning.
Conference Objectives
The BELTA-KU-THT 20th Teacher Development Conference 2026 aims to provide a collaborative platform for professional learning, knowledge sharing, and educational innovation.
The key objectives of the conference are to:
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Promote professional development: Provide English language teachers and educators with opportunities to strengthen their pedagogical knowledge, professional skills, and reflective teaching practices.
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Encourage collaborative learning: Foster dialogue and interaction among teachers, teacher educators, researchers, and education professionals from different institutional and cultural contexts.
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Explore innovative pedagogical approaches: Introduce participants to diverse perspectives, teaching strategies, and practical ideas that may support effective language teaching and learning.
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Strengthen professional communities: Highlight the importance of professional networks, peer collaboration, mentorship, and shared experiences in teacher development.
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Promote inclusive language education: Encourage discussions on creating learning environments that respect learner diversity and support meaningful participation.
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Connect local and international perspectives: Facilitate professional exchanges between Bangladeshi educators and international teacher development specialists.
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Encourage reflective practice: Inspire teachers to critically examine their educational experiences and identify opportunities for professional growth.
International Facilitators
One of the principal attractions of the conference is the participation of experienced international educators who will contribute to its virtual and onsite programmes.
Onsite Facilitators
The onsite conference, scheduled for Monday, 26 October 2026, will feature the following international facilitators:
Dr. Patrick Dougherty
Dr. Anne McLellan Howard
Dr. Christopher Johnson
Dr. Josh Norman
Dr. Cecilia Silva
These distinguished facilitators will contribute to professional learning and exchange by sharing educational perspectives, experiences, and approaches to teacher development.
Their participation will provide attendees with opportunities to engage with international educators, reflect on professional challenges, and consider practical approaches to improving language teaching and learning.
Online Facilitators
The virtual conference, scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, will feature:
Dr. Patrick Dougherty
Dr. Erin Mikulec
Andy Rushton-sensei
Dr. Marian Wang
The online component will provide opportunities for participants to engage with international perspectives on language education and professional development through virtual interaction.
Together, the onsite and online facilitators will contribute to a stimulating academic and professional learning environment that encourages discussion, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
Conference Programme and Schedule
The conference will be organised in two phases, allowing participants to experience both virtual and face-to-face professional development activities.
Day 1: Virtual Conference
Friday, 23 October 2026
The first day will be conducted virtually, bringing together international facilitators and participants through an online learning environment.
The virtual programme will provide opportunities for professional engagement, educational discussions, and the exchange of teaching experiences.
This format will enable participants to benefit from international expertise and engage in professional dialogue regardless of geographical location.
Day 2: Onsite Conference
Monday, 26 October 2026
Venue: English Discipline, Khulna University, Khulna-9208, Bangladesh.
The second day will take place at Khulna University, providing opportunities for face-to-face interaction with international facilitators, fellow teachers, researchers, and education professionals.
The onsite programme will provide an environment for collaborative learning, knowledge exchange, and professional networking.
Participants will have opportunities to engage in discussions, share their experiences, and reflect on how new ideas may be adapted to their own educational contexts.
Conference Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Further details regarding individual sessions and the complete programme may be communicated by the conference organisers.
Who Should Attend?
The conference welcomes individuals interested in English language education, teacher development, and collaborative professional learning.
It will be particularly relevant to:
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English language teachers working at primary, secondary, higher secondary, and tertiary levels.
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English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers.
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University academics and teacher educators.
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Educational researchers and postgraduate students.
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Teachers working in English language institutes and other educational organisations.
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Pre-service teachers and students preparing for teaching careers.
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Curriculum developers, teacher trainers, and academic coordinators.
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Professionals interested in innovative teaching practices and international educational collaboration.
Both experienced educators and early-career teachers are encouraged to participate.
Why Should You Attend?
Learn from International Experts
The conference offers an opportunity to engage with international educators and gain exposure to diverse perspectives on English language teaching, teacher education, and professional development.
Explore Practical Teaching Ideas
Participants can discover teaching approaches, reflect on classroom experiences, and consider strategies relevant to their own professional contexts.
Develop Professional Networks
The conference will provide opportunities to connect with educators, researchers, and teacher development professionals who share an interest in improving language education.
Strengthen Reflective Teaching Practices
Through discussion and professional interaction, participants will be encouraged to reflect on their teaching beliefs, classroom practices, and opportunities for further development.
Build a Collaborative Professional Community
The conference promotes the belief that meaningful professional development is strengthened through cooperation, mutual support, shared experiences, and sustained communication among educators.
Engage in International Professional Exchange
The participation of international facilitators creates opportunities for professional dialogue that connects global educational perspectives with the realities of teaching English in Bangladesh.
Registration Information
Registration Fee: BDT 510
Available Seats: Only 100
Registration Basis: First Come, First Served
As the number of available seats is limited, interested participants are encouraged to complete their registration as early as possible.
To register, please scan the QR code provided on the official conference poster and follow the registration instructions.
Certificates will be awarded to registered participants.