Professional development

Professional development is vital for all. TeachingEnglish supports your growth in English language teaching, whether you are a teacher, teacher educator, academic manager, researcher or materials writer.

Here you will find free, self-access, online training and resources designed to develop the skills and knowledge you need as an English language professional.

Our professional development resources are organised by audience (teachers or teacher educators), professional practices and professional development level. The professional practices and professional development levels align with the British Council’s Continuing Professional Development Frameworks for teachers and teacher educators. These two unique frameworks, and the professional practices within them, address the skills and knowledge English language professionals need in their day-to-day working lives and throughout their careers.

Understanding your context: Theme wrap-up

Learn more about how understanding your teaching context can help you plan effective classes and support your learners.

Group of secondary-aged learners working together to complete a task. The group has learners of different genders and ethnic backgrounds.

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TeachingEnglish: Communicative tasks

Create meaningful, communicative tasks that promote learner autonomy and purposeful language use. This new course is open now – enrol until 23 September 2026.

boy and girl laughing and writing on a blackboard

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TeachingEnglish: Understanding language systems

Develop your understanding of functional language and grammar and learn how to apply this knowledge to your teaching through reflection, analysis and effective presentation of use and form. Understanding language systems is open now – enrol until 23 September 2026.

A group of primary-aged learners in a classroom sitting at desks. A White teacher is giving a Black learner a high-five.

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Teaching English in primary

Discover how primary children learn and apply this understanding to your classroom practice. Explore the role of assessment in the primary classroom and learn engaging, age-appropriate strategies for learner evaluation. Teaching English in primary is open now – enrol until 23 September 2026.

Young Asian learners reading a book together in class

Teaching reading and writing

Explore our series of videos giving practical tips and strategies for teaching reading and writing skills.

A young Black teacher stands at the front of her class explaining something

New video series: Teach for change

Explore ways to help your learners think critically, listen with empathy and take positive action on real-world issues with our new video series for teachers.

Responding to pushback

How can teachers respond to negative reactions to certain topics? Watch this video to learn practical strategies for dealing with negative feedback from learners, parents or even colleagues.

Large class of diverse learners listening to a teacher in a big classroom

Creative teaching in large, multilevel classes – webinars

Watch the recordings of two practical, inspiring webinars on maximising focus, motivation and learning in large classes.

A Muslim woman at a CoP leaders meeting in Jakarta

Community of Practice (CoP) leader support scheme

Find out how to apply for the fully funded Community of Practice (CoP) leader support scheme by the British Council.

Animation of teacher writing 'creative and collaborative equals real-world impact' on the board

Creative plus collaborative equals real-world impact

How can social justice education move beyond the classroom and into the real world? Watch this video for practical strategies for making a real-world impact with your teaching.

Teaching resources