Next Generation Education: Inspiring Innovation and Inclusivity
About Us
IATEFL Associate
TEFL Kuwait, an IATEFL Associate, is a non-profit organization of teachers of English as a foreign language, associated with a UK registered charity IATEFL (International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language), with members worldwide. It is a professional community committed to advancing the profession through collaboration, cutting-edge research, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.
Free Membership & Free Events
Membership to TEFL Kuwait is free. TEFL Kuwait aims at providing professional development opportunities to all its members and non members alike through various events that showcase established and renowned scholars from English language teaching community worldwide. Members can attend all TEFL Kuwait events absolutely free !!
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TEFL Kuwait Conference 2026 Theme
TEFL Kuwait warmly invites English language educators, researchers, and academic professionals to submit proposals for its Spring Conference 2026. This conference offers an excellent platform for professional development, global networking, and the exchange of innovative ideas in English language teaching and learning.
We welcome contributions from around the world, with special encouragement for submissions highlighting work in the MENA region. Selected international presentations may also be featured during our online sessions.
Submission Guidelines:
All proposals must include the following:
- A title (maximum 10 words)
- An abstract (maximum 50 words)
- A session description (maximum 300 words)
Join us as we explore dynamic approaches in English language teaching that respond to today’s global, technological, and pedagogical shifts. Our sub-themes include:
1. Global Englishes & Intercultural Communication
Exploring English as an international language, world Englishes, cultural competence, and equity in diverse classrooms.
2. Digital Literacies & AI in ELT
Harnessing AI tools and digital platforms for ethical, effective, and innovative language teaching and learning.
3. Cognitive & Emotional Well-being
Fostering learner autonomy, managing overload, and promoting inclusion, resilience, and neurodiversity.
4. Critical Thinking & Media Literacy
Developing analytical skills through real-world materials, inquiry-based learning, and reflective language use.
5. Language Policy & Multilingual Identity
Navigating EMI, bilingualism, and sociolinguistic justice in multilingual settings.
6. Creativity & Multimodal Learning
Engaging learners through storytelling, arts, gamification, and digital content creation.
7. AI-Driven Inclusive & Differentiated Instruction
- Enhancing accessibility through adaptive learning tools and real-time language support.
- Supporting trauma-informed practices via AI-assisted behavioral insights and emotional analytics.
- Personalizing instruction using data-driven differentiation tailored to individual learner needs.
8. English for Work & Academic Success (ESP/EAP)
Preparing learners for real-world communication, test readiness, and global job markets.
9. Digital Assessment & Feedback for the 21st Century
Innovating digital evaluation methods with authentic tasks, digital feedback, and learner-driven assessments.
10. Teacher Agency & Leadership
Promoting teacher voice, resilience, well-being, and leadership in transformative ELT spaces.
11. Research-Informed Practice
Bridging classroom innovation and academic inquiry through reflective and evidence-based approaches.
Important Information:
Please send all questions and queries about submission and registration to
❖ Conferencechair25.teflkuwait@gmail.com
Important Dates:
❖ Call for proposals opens: 12/7/2025
❖ Proposal submission deadline: 30/11/2025
❖ Proposal results sent out by: 15/12/2025
For detailed guidance, please refer to the TEFL Kuwait Proposal Guidelines & Checklist. To begin drafting your proposal, click on the Call for Proposals Worksheet and Submit your proposal here tabs as shown below.
Be a vendor at the conference.
Vendor Packages
The TEFL Kuwait Spring International Conference 2026 provides a premier platform for researchers, practitioners, and educators to discuss recent innovations, trends, challenges, and solutions to problems in Language and Education. The event is expected to be attended teachers from government and private elementary, mid
TEFL Kuwait Board
TEFL Kuwait Board Members 2023-24 (Elected & Appointed Positions)
President
Rana Khan
Rana Khan is a doctoral candidate in Education at the University of Bath, UK and holds a master’s degree in English Literature and MBA besides a certificate in CELTA and IELTS (TTT). She is Academic Chair to School of Foundation at Canadian College Kuwait. She is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker at international conferences. She served as Secretary, and Conference Chair to TESOL Kuwait, in 2017. Additionally, she has served as CPC Chair to TESOL International Association 2020-21.
President Elect
Alison Koushki
Originally from Boston, Alison specializes in language through the arts. Publishing and presenting worldwide, she has founded TESOL International’s Arts and Creativity PLN. Expertise in anthropology enriches her international experience. She currently serves as Director of Organizational Culture, Research and Service Learning at AlEkhlas International Education while pursuing her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
Membership Chair
Shannon Parks
Originally from New Mexico, Shannon holds a master’s degree in TESOL from the University of Birmingham, U.K. and a teacher’s certificate in CELTA. She works as an English instructor at the American University of Kuwait. She is also the co-community manager of TESOL International’s Arts and Creativity PLN. Shannon is especially interested in developing students’ sense of agency and in seeing students grow in their leadership skills
Membership Chair Elect
Hafsa Omer
Ms. Hafsa Omer is an Education Adviser with over 8 years of experience in the education industry and 5 years in student recruitment and counselling. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Studies with a focus on Accounting as well as an MBA in Entrepreneurship, which allows her to approach education advising with both strategic and commercial insight. She has recruited students to more than 20 countries and managed the full study-abroad process, from counseling and applications to visas.
Mebership Co-Chair Elect
Navodita Bhatt
Dr. Navodita Bhatt is an Assistant Professor of English and Coordinator of the M.A. English (ELT) programme at the Institute of Language Studies and Applied Social Sciences, CVM University. She holds an M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in English Language Teaching and has over eight years of postgraduate teaching experience in ELT. Her academic interests and professional expertise include ELT pedagogy, curriculum and syllabus design aligned with NEP and Outcome-Based Education and neurodivergence.
Secretary
Iman Hamdan
Ms. Iman Hamdan is an innovative educator and KG team leader in Kuwait with over fifteen years of experience fostering collaborative, positive learning environments. She completed a Master of Arts in Education at Saint Mary’s University and holds credentials including an International Teaching Certificate (Distinction) from Cambridge University, along with leadership and child protection certifications. She was recognized as Teacher of the Month by TWINKL Educational Company for excellence.
Conference Chair
Oshin Danish
Oshin Danish is an English Language Lecturer and Teacher Trainer at INTERLINK Institutes at Al Yamamah University, Riyadh, KSA and is a doctoral candidate in Education and Leadership at UCAM, Spain. She holds a Master’s in TESOL from University of Westminster, UK and a Master’s in Research in TESOL from University of Portsmouth, UK, along with a CELTA from Oxford College London. Oshin specializes in teaching IELTS, Business English as well as EAP.
Conference Chair Elect
Tasneem Dalal
Ms. Tasneem Dalal is an experienced educator with 24 years of dedicated service in education. asneem holds a BA in History and Sociology, a TESOL Diploma, a Certificate in Special Educational Needs Teachers Training, and a Teaching IELTS Certificate. Tasneem has presented at IATEFL 2024 and has served as the Membership Chair for TEFL Kuwait during 2023-24. Tasneem firmly believes that everyone can learn and that it is the responsibility of educators to accommodate students' learning needs.
Member At Large
Laya Moghadam
Ms. Laya Moghadam holds a Master's degree in TESOL from the United States of America. She is an English Language Coach, an academic advisor helping students to find the right career path. She is also a teacher trainer helping instructors to obtain their TESOL certificates. Currently, She works at Los Angeles City Colleges based in UAE. She is a board member at TEFL Kuwait, who she serves as “Members-at-Large” and is responsible for promoting TEFL Kuwait membership.
Member At Large
Selma AlQasri
Ms. Selma Al-Qasri is originally from Egypt and has lived in Florida, USA, for many years. She has a master's degree in advanced education from California, USA. Selma is a skilled middle and elementary school teacher who uses effective teaching methods tailored to each student's specific needs. She is adept at motivating, guiding, and evaluating students of various ages and skill levels. Selma is passionate about creating a vibrant, welcoming, and interactive learning environment.
Member At Large
Shobo Maktoobi
Ms.Shobo Maktoobi is a school English instructor and holds an MA degree in TEFL from Islamic Azad University Sciences & Research branch Tehran (Kurdistan). She has an intellectual curiosity, passion for global cultures, and adventurous spirit with nearly 20 years of teaching experience in all age groups in Iran, Kurdistan (Iraq) and Oman. Beyond her teaching EFL students, Shobo broadened her horizons with supervising and training “Phonics teachers” in different institutes & developing syllabus.
Member At Large
Mansoor Ali Darazi
Dr. Mansoor Ali Darazi is the Assistant Professor in Department of Education at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari Karachi Sindh Pakistan. He earned his M.A. in English Literature (2003), M.Phil. in Education, ELT (2014), PhD in Education, ELT (2022) and PhD in Linguistics (2023-2026 In progress). He is the member of many national and international bodies such as International Confederation of Worldwide Principals, AKU-IED Research, QUAVE Research and Publications, SPELT Karachi.
Newsletter Editor
Tasneem Dalal
Ms. Tasneem Dalal is an experienced educator with 24 years of dedicated service in education. Tasneem holds a BA in History and Sociology, a TESOL Diploma, a Certificate in Special Educational Needs Teachers Training, and a Teaching IELTS Certificate. Tasneem has presented at IATEFL 2024 and has served as the Membership Chair for TEFL Kuwait during 2023-24. Tasneem firmly believes that everyone can learn and that it is the responsibility of educators to accommodate students' learning needs.
Newsletter Co-Editor
Taherah Khezrab
Dr. Tahereh Khezrab is an Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Islamic Azad University, South Tehran Branch, with 15 years of university teaching experience. She holds a PhD in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), as well as a BA and MA in English Translation. She serves as Co-Newsletter Editor and is a member of the Neurolinguistics Special Interest Group (SIG) at TEFL Kuwait.
Her teaching and supervision expertise includes TEFL methodology, legal English, and English–Pe
Newsletter Co-Editor
Neda Patdad
Dr. Neda Patdad is an Adjunct Lecturer in Translation Studies and Sign Language Interpreting at the University of Fereshtegaan International Branch of Islamic Azad University. She is also a PhD candidate at Allameh Tabataba'i University specializing in Translation Studies. Her research explores inclusive education for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students, interpreter identity, and teaching English to the deaf. She is Co-Newsletter Editor at TEFL Kuwait.
PROUDLY INTRODUCING THE SIGS
Special Interest Groups - TEFL Kuwait
Join us to bring the change and innovate
English for Specific Purposes Chair
Anastasia Khwaja
It is important to realize that there needs to be more than the General English approach to ESL which traditionally focuses on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills surrounding universal topics. The English for Specific Purposes SIG vision is dedicated to providing a space for its members to exchange ideas and develop lesson plans and curriculum aimed at specific vocations and/or purposes that focus on English. Join us!
Email: ajkhawaja@usf.edu
Blended Learning Chair
Chadia Mansour
Chadia is an instructor of Communication and Writing at Fleming College, Toronto, Canada. She is an applied linguist, an expert in Distance Education and a former US Department of State Fulbright Scholar. She has extensive teaching experience in North America and MENA regions and has held leadership positions such as directing an ESP program, language curriculum supervisor, and instructional design consultant.
NNEST Chair
Rana Khan
NNEST aims to promote equity amongst NESTs (Native English Speaking Teachers) and NNESTs (Non-Native English Speaking Teachers) by refuting the NEST fallacy. In times when English language teaching is plagued globally by discriminatory practices and bias against NNESTs, our aim is to remove these boundaries and align ourselves for better development of ELT in global perspective. Join us!
EMail: coolrana98@hotmail.com
REALL Chair
Tasneem Dalal
Through collaboration and exchange of ideas, REALL SIG strives to cultivate learners with inventive & imaginative minds that empower them to become confident problem-solvers. This forms a network of creative individuals who can work together towards producing meaningful learning. Join us!
EMail: ms.tasneem.esl@gmail.com
Neurolinguistics SIG Chair
Anna Machura
Neurolinguistics SIG aims to empower learners and teachers all over the world by presenting and sharing examples of the amazing benefits of applying neuroscience, brain-friendly techniques as well as other therapeutic methods for better language acquisition and cognitive development. A new (neural) pathway to education, for students and educators alike !
Special Education Chair
Tom Santo
Special Education SIG aims to develop highly competent educators who promote equitable, inclusive, and transformative education practices in order for children with disabilities to maximize their potential both academically and socially emotionally.Join us!
EMail: professortom02@gmail.com
Language Learning with Generative AI
Laya Moghadam
The SIG’s vision is to develop highly competent educators who promote equitable, inclusive, and transformative education practices in order to meet the challenges of learning Grammar and Writing with the use of technologies such as Chat GPT and Turn It In. To promote tactics and methodologies which maximize students’ learning and encourage them to love to write by reducing the affective filter.
Join us!
Email: Laya_moghadam@yahoo.com
ELT Through Films Chair
Fayyaz Malik
Fayyaz Malik has been teaching EFL courses for last 19 years. He has been actively contributing at various PD platforms presenting, attending and moderating sessions. He has served as a treasurer of KSAALT-TESOL and currently, he is the elected vice president of KSAALT-TESOL for the term 2021-22. His research interests include teaching writing, morphology, oral communication and using arts in EFL.
Join us!
Email: fayyazatwork@hotmail.com
Research in ELT Chair
Mansoor Ali Darazi
Dr. Mansoor Ali Darazi is the Assistant Professor in Department of Education at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari Karachi Sindh Pakistan. He earned his M.A. in English Literature (2003), M.Phil. in Education, ELT (2014), PhD in Education, ELT (2022) and PhD in Linguistics (2023-2026 In progress). He is the member of many national and international bodies such as International Confederation of Worldwide Principals, AKU-IED Research, QUAVE Research and Publications, SPELT Karachi.
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Our Previous Events and SIG Meetings
TEFL Kuwait Lauch Event
13th March 2021
TEFL Kuwait Symposium
10th April 2021
TEFL Kuwait Colloquium 2021
26th June 2021
TEFL Kuwait Round Table Discussions
21st December 2021
TEFL Kuwait Online Training Session on Discord
15th October 2022
TEFL Kuwait Interdisciplinary Multidisciplinary Conference 2023
10th -11th February 2023
TEFL Kuwait Blended Learning Meet
13th May 2023
NNEST SIG Launch Event
20th May 2023
TEFL Kuwait Special Education GroupMeet
10th June 2023
TEFL Kuwait ELT Through Films Meet
4th - 17th June 2023
TEFL Kuwait Live Webinar
24th June 2023
TEFL Kuwait Partnership for Sustainable Education Meet
21st July 2023
OUR COLLABORATION WITH BRIDGE
TEFL Kuwait Collaboration with Bridge Education Group
Avail the benefits of being a TEFL Kuwait member - Use the Promo Code
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