One day, hundreds of educators, and a world of ideas about the future of English language teaching.
On Saturday 3 October 2026, Trinity College London welcomed English language professionals from across the globe for the 11th annual Future of English Language Teaching (FoELT) conference.
With nearly 700 educators joining us live, more than 2,700 registrations from 97 countries and 21 presenters sharing their expertise, FoELT 2026 was a wonderful opportunity for our international teaching community to connect and learn together.
Under this year's theme, Inspire. Learn. Lead., the free online conference explored some of the opportunities, challenges and questions shaping English language teaching today.
From artificial intelligence and immersive storytelling to inclusive assessment, sustainability and teacher development, here are some of the ideas and conversations that made this year's event so memorable.
Inspiring confident, creative young learners
How can we help young people become more confident, independent and creative communicators?
This question ran through our Young Learners sessions, beginning with plenary speaker Katy Kelly, who explored how creative content can encourage authentic language use among younger learners.
Daniel Man-Hon Tse examined the role of collaborative group projects in developing oracy, while Maria Di Carluccio explored inclusive approaches to critical thinking in the EFL classroom.
Creativity was also at the heart of sessions from Christina Konstantakelis, who explored storytelling in online and face-to-face learning, and Panoraia Balali, who demonstrated the potential of riddles and conundrums to stimulate thinking and engagement.
Together, these sessions highlighted the importance of giving learners opportunities not just to practise English, but to use it meaningfully, creatively and confidently.
Exploring technology with purpose
Technology continues to open up exciting possibilities for English language teaching, but how can we ensure it genuinely supports learning?
Viorica Lucuta took participants on an immersive journey through escape rooms, virtual reality and experiential storytelling, demonstrating how interactive narratives can bring learning to life.
Henrique Ribeiro explored how teachers can create their own language learning tools using AI and free platforms, while Monicka Sre R V examined the neurocognitive rationale for technological interventions in the classroom.
Taking a broader view of learners' digital experiences, Dajana Jelavić explored social-emotional learning and student mental health in the age of social media.
The sessions highlighted how technology can support learning when used thoughtfully, with the needs and experiences of learners at its heart.
Making English language education more inclusive and relevant
Another important conversation centred on how English language teaching can respond to the diverse needs of learners and the changing world around us.
Humaira Mariyam B explored affirmative approaches to inclusive assessment, while Uliana Tykha examined strategic code-switching in multilingual business communication.
Sarah Arce shared a case study on applying Trinity English and Drama certifications in corporate training, highlighting connections between language learning and professional communication.
Sustainability also featured prominently. Raveena S considered how English for Specific Purposes can respond to climate education, while Marcela Villan explored ways to reimagine education through a greener lens.
These discussions reminded us that effective English language teaching is about more than language skills alone. It is also about inclusion, context and preparing learners to participate in a changing world.
Reflecting on how we teach, learn and lead
Teacher development was central to FoELT 2026, with sessions encouraging educators to reflect on their own practice and professional growth.
Hai Duong Do explored creative grouping and learner engagement in task-based ESOL classrooms, while María Eugenia Ianiro considered the role of metacognition in teacher education.
Leonardo Gomes invited participants to reflect on the changing role of educators, asking whether the future calls for a shift from 'sage on the stage' to 'guide on the side'.
Our closing plenary speaker, Professor John Gray, brought the conference to a thought-provoking conclusion with a session on Critical English Language Teacher Education, pedagogic humility and the lessons of disappointed hope.
It was a thought-provoking conclusion to a day of shared learning, reflection and fresh perspectives on the future of English language teaching.
The power of a global teaching community
Beyond the individual presentations, one of the most rewarding aspects of FoELT was seeing educators from around the world come together to share experiences, ask questions and learn from each other.
Alongside the main programme, Trinity College London colleagues Ben Beaumont and Alison Castle Kane delivered pop-up presentations introducing Trinity's range of English language exams, publications and teaching English qualifications. These sessions gave participants an opportunity to learn more about the resources, qualifications and assessment options available to support both learners and teachers at different stages of their journeys.
At Trinity College London, we believe that high-quality continuing professional development should be accessible to teachers wherever they are in the world. Now in its 11th year, FoELT continues to provide a space for professional learning, fresh ideas and international connections.
We're incredibly grateful to this year's speakers, hosts, organisers and participants for making FoELT 2026 such an engaging and inspiring event.
The conversation continues
Although FoELT 2026 has come to a close, the learning doesn't stop here.
Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing session recordings and blog posts exploring the presentations and ideas from this year's conference, giving everyone an opportunity to discover the discussions, revisit key insights and find fresh inspiration for their teaching.
Whether you're a regular FoELT participant or are hearing about the conference for the first time, we invite you to explore the ideas shared this year and join the conversation.
We look forward to sharing more from FoELT 2026 and welcoming educators from around the world to FoELT 2027.