The Eaquals Annual Conference, held in Berlin from March 12th to 14th, served as a significant hub for international ELT professionals. Representing the Yals Association of Language Schools of Serbia, the event was attended by Marija Pejatović, Yals Chair, who participated as a presenter, and Mirjana Grandov Lacić, owner of a Yals member school Oxford School Kruševac, who attended the event as a recipient of one of only five scholarships awarded by Eaquals this year.

The conference was a resounding success, bringing together over 250 participants from 36 different countries across 4 continents. The program included plenary sessions delivered by eminent ELT experts and elective sessions covering a wide range of essential topics, from Best practice in language teaching and learning, Course design, CEFR and Assessment, to the currently topical theme of AI in language education and Leadership and management. The event underscored the profound impact of the ELT profession, reminding us that we don’t just teach grammar and vocabulary; we equip students with 21st-century skills, preparing them to become global citizens, and actively shaping their future.

Marija Pejatović, Yals Chair, delivered a compelling session titled “AI-Teacher’s Friend or Foe? Insights from Serbia”. Her presentation addressed how private language schools in Serbia are responding to the changes the use of AI is bringing to language teaching and learning and argued that while AI can be a powerful classroom assistant, it cannot replace the teacher’s empathy, judgement and adaptability.

Following the conference’s deep dive into AI, Yals is now committed to developing a strong institutional AI policy to support its member schools in navigating this technological shift.

One of the greatest values of the Eaquals conference is the networking opportunities it creates. These connections often lead to immediate professional growth for our broader community.

Shortly after the conference, Robert Martinez, an Eaquals Trustee, conducted an exclusive webinar for Yals member schools, “AI & Us: Can I…? Should I…? Ethical and Responsible Use in Education”.

The Berlin conference was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for change and inspiration, reinforcing Yals’s dedication to international standards and leadership in English language teaching.

Reported by Mirjana Grandov Lacić