Applications Open: EWB National Conference 2026

The English Without Borders Network is pleased to announce the EWB National Conference 2026, titled:

American AI in English Language Teaching: Innovative Techniques, Technological Tools, and Future Possibilities

The two-day conference will bring together English teachers, teacher trainers, researchers, scholars, and other English language education professionals to explore how artificial intelligence and modern teaching approaches are shaping the future of English language teaching.

• Dates: October 23–24, 2026
• Time: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

The EWB National Conference is an annual platform where English language educators can develop professionally, exchange practical ideas, discuss current challenges, and build connections with colleagues and education partners.

This year’s conference will focus on the thoughtful and responsible use of artificial intelligence in English language teaching. Participants will examine how AI can support teachers while maintaining the creativity, critical thinking, communication, and meaningful human connection that effective education requires.

The conference program will include:

• Practical workshops led by experienced educators and professionals
• A panel discussion titled “An Honest Conversation About AI and the Future of the Profession”
• Sessions on AI tools, TESOL methodology, and innovative classroom practices
• Poster presentations by U.S. Government English Language programs, alumni, and partners
• Recognition of outstanding EWB teachers, trainers, mentors, and active members
• Opportunities for professional networking and collaboration

Proposed presentations and workshops should relate to one or more of the following areas:

1. Project-Based Learning in the Era of AI: Empowering English learners through authentic communication
2. Smart Tools, Real Skills: Helping students think, speak, and connect in the AI-supported classroom
3. Responsible AI Use: Supporting ethical, thoughtful, and effective technology use in English language education
4. Teaching in a Changing World: Social-emotional learning, inclusion, and the role of AI in the classroom
5. Beyond Knowledge: Developing capable, creative, and confident learners
6. Modern TESOL Methodology: Communicative Language Teaching,
7. Task-Based Learning, CLIL, and other practical approaches

Applications are open to English teachers, teacher trainers, researchers, scholars, and other English language education professionals.

Applicants should:

• Have at least three years of teaching experience
• Preferably have experience presenting at local, regional, national, or online conferences
• Be willing to collaborate with the EWB Network
• Commit to conducting follow-up knowledge-sharing activities with colleagues in their schools or communities

Applicants will be able to indicate one of the following participation options:

• Fully funded participation through the EWB Project
• Partial funding covering transportation
• Partial funding covering accommodation
• Self-funded participation

As the number of conference applicants continues to grow, priority for available funding may be given to educators from rural and remote areas of Tajikistan who have not previously attended an EWB National Conference.

Application deadline: September 1, 2026.

Only selected applicants will be contacted with further information about participation, funding, and conference arrangements.

The EWB National Conference is organized by the English Without Borders Network—a project funded by the U.S. Embassy in Tajikistan and implemented by the Public Organization “Durakhshi Marifat”—with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Tajikistan.

Join us to explore new possibilities, share practical experience, and help shape a responsible and human-centered future for English language teaching in Tajikistan!