Knowing the subject – webinars
This was the first event in our series of webinars on the English language and how to teach it. In session one, two of our course tutors introduce what it means to really be an English language subject specialist. They help you reflect on your pedagogical knowledge for English language teaching and give ideas for creative and effective classroom activities. The second session focuses on grammar teaching and helping learners activate their language knowledge for real communication. The third session brings together three teachers to talk about how they teach grammar in their classrooms. The live event took place on 17 July 2026.
About the sessions
Session 1: Knowing the subject – a practical introduction
Speakers
Stephen Mander and Zaineb Shebani
Session information
In this webinar, two TeachingEnglish training course tutors give an interactive and practical introduction to our theme for July, August and September 2026: Knowing the subject. With them, you will explore how pedagogical knowledge can help English language teachers plan and teach effective classes that focus on communication. They will also share activities to help you and your learners develop awareness of English grammar, phonology, vocabulary and more. Take part in this interactive webinar to help you grow as an English language teaching professional.
Download Stephen and Zaineb's handout
Session 2: Activating grammar for communication
Speaker
Jane Maria Harding da Rosa
Session information
In many English classrooms, teachers follow a clear syllabus and can confidently say they have 'covered' language points such as the past simple, comparatives or conditionals. Yet learners often struggle to use this language when speaking or writing. This practical webinar explores this gap between passive knowledge and active use of new structures. It looks at how you can help learners meet new language and practise it with support, and give them sufficient opportunities to use it independently. Although aimed primarily at secondary teachers, there are clear adaptations for primary classrooms.
Session 3: Teachers share: How do we make grammar and vocabulary meaningful?
Speakers
Siphesihle Simelane, Elizabeth Arévalo, Payal Zala
Session information
Three expert teachers from around the world share activities and tips for teaching grammar and vocabulary to focus on meaning and real communication, not just form.
Download Payal, Sihle and Elizabeth's handout
Social media Q&A
Got a question about grammar teaching? Join presenter Jane Maria Harding da Rosa and a TeachingEnglish host on Friday 24 July, 13.00 UK time for a live Q&A called Activating grammar on our Facebook and Youtube channels. This is a follow-up to Jane's webinar, and a fantastic chance to interact with Jane and other teachers. No registration is needed to join this event.
About the speakers
Jane Maria Harding da Rosa is an English language teacher and teacher educator with over 30 years' experience in ELT. She has worked in primary, secondary and teacher education contexts in the UK and internationally. Jane now works in the UK, where she specialises in supporting teachers working with multilingual learners in mainstream classrooms.
Zaineb Shebani is a teacher and teacher educator from Libya with over 20 years of experience. She currently works as a moderator and teacher educator for the British Council, supporting teachers across the MENA region in their professional development. She's a current tutor for our TeachingEnglish Courses for Teachers Facebook group.
Stephen Mander is also one of our TeachingEnglish Courses for Teachers Facebook group tutors. He is from the UK, currently works in Portugal and has over 20 years of experience working with English language teachers and students in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and online.
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