US Helps Train 18,000 English Teachers in Uzbekistan

In an announcement made by the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan on 20 April, Tashkent, it was stated that a four-year programme conducted by the U.S.-supported English-Speaking Nation (ESN) has trained over 18,000 English teachers to work in secondary schools across Uzbekistan. Costing $7 million, the joint initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Preschool and School Education, implemented by American Councils for International Education, offered intensive professional development and advanced teaching methodologies to enhance Uzbekistan’s English teachers’ provision of language proficiency. As a result of the project, 452 teachers attained internationally- recognized certificates through the 140-hour, TESOL Program. A further 693 English teachers participated in a specialized 60-hour course to become trainers and mentors, forming a network of expert teacher trainers across the country to support their colleagues. Celebrating the project’s success, U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick said, “Teachers report the program improved their lesson planning and supported their efforts to become leaders in their school communities. Principals praise teachers’ innovative teaching methods. Students are speaking more English and developing stronger language skills.”