By Marija Kovač
Representing ELTA Serbia once again after a decade, Marija Kovač from Pančevo had the great privilege of attending the SCELT Forum 2025 in the picturesque Slovak town of Stará Lesná. Reflecting on how much has evolved over the past ten years, both personally and professionally, she was eager to reconnect with international colleagues and embrace new ideas.
The conference perfectly captured the spirit of thoughtful growth with the powerful motto: “Teach. Reflect. ENvision. Repeat.”. This simple phrase, printed on notebooks handed out to participants, was more than just a tagline; it resonated deeply with Marija, reminding her that being an educator means continuously reflecting and striving toward a better future.
The event’s opening banner humorously posed the question: “Do we have more complaints or fun?”. Clearly, the energy in the room leaned strongly toward positivity and optimism, with educators committed to pushing boundaries rather than complaining about limitations.
One particularly inspiring session was led by Lynda Steyne, a true visionary who previously inspired the ELTA audience at our 2019 conference. Steyne shared insights from the European TEFE project, dedicated to defining key competencies for Teachers of English for Future Europe. This remarkable initiative offers teacher trainees valuable international practice placements, practical job preparation, and meaningful intercultural experiences, all designed to enrich their teaching when they return home.
For Marija, this gathering was a powerful reminder that teacher education thrives not on limitations, but on authentic optimism, visionary leadership, and genuine connection. It reinforced the idea that sustainable professional growth occurs when educators courageously move beyond their comfort zones, challenge limiting beliefs, and embrace collaboration.
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