In a continued effort to foster excellence in teacher education, Britannica International School has taken another significant step in its growing collaboration with ELTE University.
Over the course of two weeks, several members of Britannica’s Primary teaching team visited ELTE to deliver a series of professional development talks and workshops for student teachers. This initiative not only supports the training of future educators but also enriches the professional growth of Britannica staff. Britannica has long welcomed student teachers from ELTE to undertake their teaching practice within its classrooms.
These placements have proven mutually beneficial: student teachers bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and evolving pedagogical knowledge, while Britannica pupils benefit from the additional support and energy these aspiring educators provide. This latest phase of collaboration saw Britannica teachers stepping out of their comfort zones to lead sessions on a wide range of topics, sharing their expertise with the next generation of teachers.
The experience of articulating their strategies and reflecting on their practice has been invaluable for staff, deepening their understanding of their own teaching methods and encouraging professional growth.
Highlights from the ELTE Sessions
- Recruitment: What Do International Schools Look For?
Presented by Marie Moreton and Ryan Phillips, this session offered insights into the qualities and skills international schools seek in candidates, helping student teachers prepare for global opportunities. - Working in an International School: Myths vs Reality
Andras Hudetz and Ryan Phillips explored common misconceptions about international teaching and shared authentic experiences from their careers at Britannica. Highlighting the professional development of staff with whole school development projects and the one to one coaching and mentoring that the staff receive. - Creating a Classroom Culture with Pupils from Diverse Backgrounds
- Marianna Zavogianni and Ryan Phillips discussed strategies for building inclusive, respectful, and engaging classroom environments that celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity.
- Pupils with Additional Needs: Identifying Effective Strategies, Implementing and Managing
Sophie Hopson and Klaudia Kavalecz provided practical approaches for supporting pupils with a range of learning needs, emphasizing early identification and tailored interventions. - Reading: Impactful Strategies for a Class with Diverse Needs
Dean Price and Ryan Phillips shared techniques for fostering reading development across a spectrum of learners, from new language learners to high-ability readers. - Writing: Planning and Implementing to Support All Pupils
Nicholas Bateman led a session on cultivating independent writers and nurturing a love of writing through structured planning and differentiated support.
This is now officially part of the ELTE University course, with the student receiving credits by attending all the talks, culminating in reflective writing assignment, created by Mr Phillips, where they identify what they have learnt and how they will apply it.
A Collaborative Future
This initiative marks a deepening of the partnership between Britannica and ELTE University, with both institutions committed to excellence in education. The sessions have not only equipped student teachers with practical tools and real-world insights but have also encouraged Britannica staff to reflect, refine, and share their practice in new and meaningful ways.
Special thanks go to all the staff who have delivered the talks, and to ELTE University staff and students for their participation and support. As Britannica continues to invest in teacher development and educational partnerships, the school remains committed to shaping a future where educators are empowered, inspired, and ready to meet the diverse needs of learners around the world.
