EUROLTA – European Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults: Professionalisation Pathways for Aspiring Language Teachers
Speakers: Helen Bulluck & Damian Fäh (ICC- the International Language Association, Germany)
Abstract
This presentation explores the recent restructuring of the EUROLTA (European Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults) program, highlighting key innovations that enhance flexibility and relevance for trainee teachers. The traditional eight-module structure has been streamlined to six, ensuring a more focused and efficient learning experience. A major enhancement is the introduction of elective modules, allowing trainees to tailor their learning pathways to their professional needs and interests. Additionally, the program now integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) in language teaching, equipping future educators with the skills to leverage AI-driven tools for lesson planning, assessment, and learner engagement. These changes position EUROLTA as a forward-thinking certification that meets the evolving demands of language education in the digital age.
Bios
Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Helen studied Education and Educational Psychology at Queens University and at the Open University. After teaching in the school system for a few years she moved to Germany. She continued teaching privately along side working in the entertainment industry. For the last 25 years she has taught business, technical and medical English at many companies in the Frankonian region of Germany including Schaeffler, Siemens, Bosch etc.as well as designing courses for the companys’ particular requirements. She teaches at the University of Applied Sciences in Coburg as well as the FHM in Bamberg, a private university. She sits on the examination board of the Chamber of Commerce in Upper Frankonia. She is an EUROLTA trainer for the BVV in Bavaria training in English and German and is a member of the online trainer team for the ICC.
Damian Fäh has a master’s degree in general history, environmental sciences and English literature and is a certified education and training manager with seven years of experience in various fields of adult education. He is currently an innovation manager and product developer for Flying Teachers in the fields of basic skills provision, German as a second language and teacher-training. He is also an active teacher-trainer in EUROLTA as well as the Swiss SVEB and fide certificate courses, and in basic skills trainings focusing on digital literacy. Before his current position, he managed an integration program for adult refugees, where he developed content, curricula and quality management processes for German as a second language, intercultural competence and job-application training and also worked as a trainer in these subjects.