The British Council has made a worldwide call for applications to the ELTons 2014. Now in their twelfth year, the awards, run by the British Council and sponsored by Cambridge English Language Assessment and Macmillan Education, are a celebration of innovation and excellence in English language teaching (ELT) from around the world.
ELT professionals can apply in five categories: Excellence in Course Innovation, Innovation in Learner Resources, Innovation in Teacher Resources, Digital Innovation, and Local Innovation, as well as The Macmillan Education Award for New Talent in Writing.
This year the submission criteria for the Macmillan Education Award for New Talent in Writing have been broadened in recognition of the rich variety of resources available to teachers. Submissions are now welcome from aspiring ELT authors who may have chosen to self-publish or make their voices heard through different media such as blogs, eBooks or within their own institutions.
The award is open to proposals big and small, from original lesson plans, blogs, research or articles to ideas for fully-fledged products.
The British Council Lifetime Achievement Award, now in its fourth year, awards an ELT professional who has made a substantial contribution to the ELT profession throughout their career. Last year’s winner was Brita Haycraft, who founded International House along with her husband John.
Anna Searle, Director of English Language at the British Council, said: “The demand for English language teaching around the world continues to grow and innovations in English language teaching contribute to meeting new demands and reflecting new learning styles. These awards are a great way to support and showcase the creativity in the sector, and to help to bring new ideas to the wider ELT community. The award ceremony is a fantastic event, where ELT authors, publishers, and practitioners from around the world can find out more about new innovations and celebrate the new ideas that will shape English language teaching in the years to come.”
The British Council is the UK’s cultural relations organisation, and builds relationships for the UK through English, education and the arts. It teaches English in more than 80 countries through face-to-face contact and innovative methods including radio, the internet and mobile technology.
Any ELT professional can apply for consideration for one of the categories including authors, teachers, trainers and publishers. Application packs can be downloaded from http://englishagenda.britishcouncil.org/eltons and the deadline for submissions is 22 November 2013.
Applications will be judged by a panel of ELT experts and the winners are announced at a prestigious ELTons awards ceremony, held in London in May 2014.