EFL Teacher Education Programmes in Latvia

The Rights Right to Work as a Teacher (Education Law)  Person who has pedagogical education, or who is acquiring one  A certificate shall be obtained at the State Service of Education Quality for commencement of a pedagogical private practice

Acquisition and Improvement of Education and Professional Qualifications of Teachers  The education necessary for working as a teacher shall be acquired at educational institutions which implement relevant accredited professional and academic educational programmes  Professional qualifications of a teacher shall be attested by a diploma of higher pedagogical education, or by a relevant certificate  Improvement of professional qualifications of a teacher shall be achieved in the form of self-education and in institutions that implement relevant further educational programmes

Knowledge, skills and values for foreign language teachers According to Merriam – Webster dictionary, professionalism is:  the skill  good judgment  polite behavior that is expected from a person who is trained to do a job well.

Knowledge, skills and values for foreign language teachers Modern teachers of EFL need to have following skills (Phd. I.Rimšāne):  Skills to adapt to rapid changes in technologies  Presentation skills  Decision-making skills

Knowledge, skills and values for foreign language teachers Modern teachers of EFL need to have following skills (Phd. I.Rimšāne):  Team work skills  Comprehension that foreign language education is interdisciplinary, so they are able to teach grammar and vocabulary, integrate other subjects in EFL lessons, use ICT, promote discussions, presentation and collaboration skills. (Phd. I. Rimšāne,2010.)

TEACHERS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN LATVIA – SKILLS Teachers need the following skills of:  ICT (information communication technologies) in EFL lessons  Classroom management  integrating subjects (CLIL)  organizing learning  Continuous professional development (CPD)

TEACHERS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN LATVIA – SKILLS Teachers need the following skills:  To work with diverse learners  to apply theoretical knowledge in the classroom  to asses students and oneself  to co-operate with colleagues, learners, parents, etc.

TEACHERS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN LATVIA – KNOWLEDGE Teachers need the following knowledge of:  foreign languages  teaching methodology  learners ' needs  psychology  communication process  traditions and culture of different countries

TEACHERS OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN LATVIA – VALUES Teachers need the following values:  Responsibility  Positive attitude  Creativity  Openness  Tolerance to other cultures and nations  Understanding of teachers’ mission in the society

Universit y of Latvia English Language Teacher – Professional Bachelor’s Study Program Study domain: Education, Pedagogy and Sport Faculty: Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art Faculty of Humanities Access to further studies: Master’s study programs or Second Level Higher Professional Education programs after awarding of Bachelor’s degree Language of instruction: Latvian, English Web-page:

Faculty of Education, Psychology and Art Professional qualification awarded: English Language Teacher Degree awarded: Professional Bachelor’s degree in Education Study mode and lenght:  Full-time – 8 semesters  Part-time – 9 semesters Program workload in credit points:  160 CP or 240 ECTS

English Language Teacher Abstract of the program: During the studies, the students have the opportunity to learn different courses in pedagogy and psychology. Special attention is paid to high-quality English language learning and language teaching methodology of theoretical and practical learning, and the English language lesson modeling. An integral part of the study programme is the annual International Students’ Research Conference.

Other Higher Educational Institutions in Latvia Study opportunities for future English as a Foreign Language Teachers in Latvia  Daugavpils University  Rezekne University  Riga Teacher Training and Educational Management Academy

Will teacher education be still important in future?