HUPE PROUDLY PRESENTS
PLENARY SPEAKER
31st Annual International HUPE Conference
20 – 22 October 2023
Valamar, Poreč 

Nathan Meyer: Navigating the Digital Landscape: Empowering Teachers as Media Literacy Advocates

Biography:

Nathan Meyer is an associate professor of writing and rhetoric at the University of Utah's Asia Campus in South Korea.  From 2014-17 he was a US State Department English Language Fellow in Serbia and Moldova where he lectured at universities, developed curriculum, trained teachers, and promoted post-conflict resolution through arts projects in former Yugoslavia.  As a higher education instructional consultant, he has built media literacy programs throughout Eastern Europe, developed public speaking curriculum in Turkey, and developed nation-wide pedagogy programs in Serbia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Hungary.  At the University of Utah Asia Campus, as chair of the Faculty Development Committee he promotes student-centered pedagogies and his current research focuses on media literacy through written and visual rhetoric.

Abstract:

In the digital age, media literacy is no longer an optional skill; it is a fundamental competency necessary to thrive in a world saturated with misinformation and digital manipulation.  To meet this challenge, the role of educators must extend beyond traditional pedagogical boundaries by teaching the next generation to understand, analyze, and evaluate media content. This presentation addresses that challenge by providing educators with tools and strategies to foster media literacy skills in students and help them navigate the Information Age’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Together, we can create an environment that nurtures our growth, leading to enriched language learning experiences for our students and ourselves.

HUPE PROUDLY PRESENTS
PLENARY SPEAKER
31st Annual International HUPE Conference
20 – 22 October 2023
Valamar, Poreč

Davor Černi: Creating an environment appropriate for efficient and undisturbed development of EFL teachers

Biography:

Davor Černi is an accomplished English language teacher and an ethnologist with a passion for education and professional development. Currently serving as a Senior Advisor for English language in secondary schools at the Education and Teacher Training Agency, Davor has an extensive background in fostering effective teaching practices and promoting educational excellence.

Throughout his career, Davor has been actively involved in various projects, including the coordination of the e-schools project as a partner to CARNET, the preparation of Erasmus accreditation applications, and contributing to the curricular reform in English language education. His dedication to improving language teaching and learning extends beyond the classroom, as he has also been a member of the committee at the Ministry of Science and Education, approving new school books for English language.

Davor's commitment to education and fostering a supportive environment for EFL teachers has made him a valuable resource in the field. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is an avid traveler, a dedicated family man, and a passionate advocate for outdoor activities. As a registered FIS Masters competitor and a member of Ski klub Zagreb, Davor believes in the power of perseverance and self-discovery. Additionally, his love for cooking and music serves as outlets for creativity and relaxation.

Abstract:

As EFL teachers, our commitment to providing quality language education goes hand in hand with our own professional growth. Building on the success of previous state-level conferences, where we explored creating conducive learning environments for students, this plenary at the 31st HUPE conference will shift the focus to the teachers themselves.

In this talk, we will delve into the fundamental elements that contribute to the efficient and undisturbed development of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers. Our main objective is to establish an environment that nurtures continuous professional growth and enhances the overall quality of language education.

Throughout the session, we will explore key aspects such as self-reflection, collegial observation, establishing a strong support network, fostering teacher autonomy, the importance of instructional coaching, and effective planning and programming. These elements will form the foundation of a supportive community that fosters ongoing teacher development.

By offering practical insights and real-world examples, this presentation aims to equip educators with actionable strategies to optimize their teaching practices. Let us come together as a community of dedicated EFL teachers and empower each other on this journey of professional excellence. Together, we can create an environment that nurtures our growth, leading to enriched language learning experiences for our students and ourselves.

HUPE PROUDLY PRESENTS
PLENARY WORKSHOP 
31st Annual International HUPE Conference
20 – 22 October 2023
Valamar, Poreč 

Milan Mandeljc: Tying the loose ends

Biography:

Milan Mandeljc –  What's in a name? - An almost seasoned secondary school teacher who loves to masticate on words. - A writer who hopes to find a way into people’s hearts. - A father of three who survives by trial and error. - A man who is hopelessly in awe of nature. A dreamer of a better world.

On a more serious note, Milan Mandeljc studied English and Russian and completed a semester on Creative Writing and Acting at St.Mary's College of Maryland. He has taught at Rudolf Maister Grammar and Vocational School (Kamnik, Slovenia) for more than a decade and has also taught elective classes at University. He sits on the board of the Slovene National English Competition for Secondary Schools (IATEFL) and authors a variety of materials and is a seminar lecturer at national and foreign conferences.

Abstract:

Many subjects are faced with students’ iterant questions: “Why do we have to do this? Where does this particular topic go? There’s no point behind all of this, is there?” Naturally, English is no stranger to these, but there are ways to take the loose threads of our beautiful subject and weave them back into the tapestry so even students may notice it!

In this workshop I plan to present some activities that tie together a school year and, if planned carefully, sometimes the entire four years of secondary school that just might change the way students perceive your classes. Oftentimes, your answers should precede their deepest doubts and questions to ease the unnecessary tension. Additionally, audience input will be much appreciated!