Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom | 24 October 2025
The British Council is set to host the world’s largest gathering of educators in celebration of World Teachers’ Day 2025, marking a milestone moment for the global teaching community. From 9–11 October 2025, educators from every continent will convene virtually for a three-day free online conference under the theme “Global Voices, Future Focus.”
This annual event, organised by the British Council’s TeachingEnglish programme, is more than a conference — it is a global movement. Designed primarily for English language teachers and teacher educators, the sessions will also benefit educators across disciplines who are passionate about innovative teaching, digital learning, and inclusive education.
Empowering Educators Through Connection and Innovation
Over three dynamic days, participants will engage in an immersive professional development experience that blends cutting-edge ideas with practical classroom strategies. Teachers will explore topics including digital transformation in education, managing multilingual classrooms, sustainability in teaching, and embedding 21st-century skills into everyday practice.
Each session will be led by experienced educators and thought leaders, providing participants with actionable insights that can be immediately applied to their own classrooms. From AI-powered learning tools to role play for climate education, the conference offers a rich mix of inspiration and practical guidance.
“At the British Council, we’re proud to connect, inspire, and empower English teachers around the globe,” said Michael Connolly, Director of English and School Education at the British Council. “This conference is a celebration of our shared commitment to professional growth, inclusivity, and innovation. We unite educators from every continent to explore digital teaching, multilingualism, climate action, and 21st-century skills — building a more progressive future for learners worldwide.”
Three Days, Three Themes, Countless Possibilities
The conference will unfold across three thematic days, each focusing on a key pillar of modern education:
- 9 October – Professional Development and Digital Tools
Featuring sessions such as “Rethinking Professional Development in a Connected World” by Cecilia Nobre and “Using AI to Boost Confidence” by Man Wu, this day explores how digital innovation is transforming how teachers teach — and how they learn. - 10 October – Multilingualism and 21st-Century Skills
From “Multilingual Approaches in the Classroom” to “Integrating 21st-Century Skills,” this day celebrates linguistic diversity and highlights strategies for equipping learners with the skills they need for a globalised world. - 11 October – Sustainability and Language Skills
The final day puts sustainability at the heart of education, with sessions such as “Making Sustainability Part of Daily Practice” (Christopher Graham) and “Role Play to Teach Climate Change” (Iman Hassan Zain).
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for teachers in South Africa to access global thought leadership on English language teaching — from AI innovation to sustainability — all for free,” said George Barrett, Country Director of the British Council South Africa. “We encourage educators to register, learn, and connect with peers internationally. All attendees will receive a British Council professional development certificate.”
TeachingEnglish: A Global Platform for Growth
For Alison Devine, Head of English Connects at the British Council, the event extends the impact of the TeachingEnglish platform:
“The conference captures the essence of what TeachingEnglish stands for — enabling teachers to connect, reflect, and grow. Our panellists will share insights on digital innovation, multilingualism, and creative approaches that fuel professional development and strengthen the global teaching community.”
Accessible via Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook, the event ensures that professional development is open, inclusive, and accessible to all educators — regardless of geography or financial constraints.
A Global Toast to Teachers
Building on the success of previous editions, World Teachers’ Day 2025 celebrates not only the teaching profession but also the enduring power of education to unite and uplift. It offers teachers a space to share stories, exchange ideas, and reimagine the classroom of the future — together.
The British Council’s commitment to global collaboration underscores its long-standing mission: to connect people through learning, culture, and shared knowledge.
Educators worldwide can register for free and join the conversation via #GlobalVoicesFutureFocus.
🔗 Register here: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0mjYF80
About the British Council
The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. Working in more than 100 countries and reaching over 600 million people annually, the British Council builds connections, understanding, and trust through its work in arts, culture, education, and the English language.