Professional Development: 2026 TESOL Ukraine National Convention,
Kyiv, May 22-24, 2026
Oksana CHUGAI
TESOL-Ukraine is a non-governmental organization of dedicated educators working to improve English teaching nationwide. As an affiliate of TESOL, Inc., it promotes international standards, supports teacher development, and fosters global collaboration.
The annual TESOL Ukraine National Convention, supported by U.S Embassy in Ukraine, was held in Kyiv. It attracted members of TESOL Ukraine, TESOL International and all those educators interested in teaching English. Some of the key issues they focused on were novel approaches to English language teaching, well-being and self-care strategies during wartime, exam preparation, AI integration into academic settings, and best practices sharing.
TESOL Ukraine members Oksana Chugai and Olga Yashenkova presented results of their research “Integrating SEL with Intercultural Projects for ESP/BE Students During Wartime”. They offered a concise summary of essential SEL skills (such as self-awareness, empathy, relationship-building, and responsible decision-making) and highlighted their importance in helping students cope with stress, uncertainty, and disrupted learning settings. Participants were engaged in interactive activities that resulted in a mini action plan, practical task templates, and ready-to-implement strategies tailored for ESP/BE contexts. TESOL Convention participants engage in hands-on learning, networking, and exploring new research and resources. These experiences broaden their perspectives, foster professional growth, and enable them to bring fresh ideas back to improve English language teaching in Ukraine.
