Unlocking the Future of PAELT: Achievements, Membership Benefits, and Networking Opportunities - GM summary

The Professional Association of English Language Teachers (PAELT) continues to grow as a vibrant community dedicated to advancing English language education. Recent general meeting on 24.01.2026 revealed exciting progress in projects, partnerships, and member services that strengthen the association’s impact.

PAELT meeting with speakers and attendees

PAELT Progress and Achievements

The association has made significant strides in enhancing its online presence and expanding collaborative projects.

Several projects and partnerships demonstrate PAELT’s commitment to innovation and professional development:

• Workshop on AI in PAELT Classes led by Yuliia Barabash in collaboartion with Lada Krasovytska (H.S.Skovoroda Kharkiv National Pedagogical University) explores integrating artificial intelligence tools into language teaching.

• Publication in IATEFL SIG Teacher Development by Olena Rozdolyanska (Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics) shares oucomes of joint research with Yaroslava Lytovchenko (V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University) on documenting changes in teaching English in HE during the war.

• Student Conference Collaboration presented by Alevtina Kaliuzhna (V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University) fosters student engagement and academic exchange.

• Team Building Event for PAELT members where Maryna Tymchyk (Uzhhorod National University) acted as a trainer to strengthen community ties.

• EAR Project connecting teacher educators from Kharkiv, Nizhyn and Uman with Warwick University promotes international cooperation.

• Webinar for Hornby hosted by Anna Kuznetsova in partnership with Exeter TESOL offers professional training and insights.

  
  

These initiatives reflect PAELT’s active role in supporting educators and expanding its reach across institutions and countries.

Finance and Membership Benefits

Anna Zhukova provided an overview of PAELT’s financial health and membership services. Membership fees contribute directly to maintaining the website and funding projects that benefit the community. Members enjoy access to exclusive resources, professional development events, and opportunities to participate in research and teaching innovations.

Key benefits include:

• Access to specialized workshops and webinars

• Opportunities to publish and present research

• Invitations to student and professional conferences

• Networking with educators across Ukraine and internationally

• Support through Special Interest Groups (SIGs) tailored to members’ needs

  
  

These services aim to create a supportive environment where members can grow professionally and connect with peers.

Special Interest Groups and Member Involvement

Yaroslava Sazonova discussed the results of the 2024/25 needs analysis, which led to the creation of two new SIGs:

• Teaching General English, Business English, and ESP in Higher Education

• English Educators and Translation Studies (Teaching English Linguistics)

  
  

These groups provide focused spaces for collaboration and knowledge sharing. PAELT encourages members to volunteer as administrators or coordinators for SIGs. Calls for volunteers will be sent via email and posted in the Telegram channel.

Following this meeting, members will receive needs analysis forms to share feedback and help PAELT tailor support where it is most needed. This approach ensures the association remains responsive and member-driven.

PAELT networking session with engaged participants

Networking Session and Community Building

The 40-minute networking session led by Lada Krasovytska offers a valuable chance for members to connect, share experiences, and build professional relationships. Networking strengthens the PAELT community by fostering collaboration and opening doors to new projects and partnerships.

Members can expect:

• Informal discussions on teaching challenges and solutions

• Sharing of resources and best practices

• Opportunities to find collaborators for research and events

• Building friendships that support career growth

  
  

This session highlights PAELT’s commitment to creating a welcoming and active community where every member can contribute and benefit.

PAELT’s recent achievements and ongoing initiatives demonstrate a clear focus on supporting English language educators through practical resources, collaborative projects, and meaningful connections. Members are encouraged to engage with SIGs, participate in events, and share feedback to help shape the association’s future. By staying involved, educators can unlock new opportunities for growth and make a lasting impact on the teaching community.