Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – The English Speaking Nation (ESN) program has successfully trained more than 18,000 English teachers across Uzbekistan, boosting the language skills of and ensuring high quality English instruction for the nation’s secondary school students. 

The four-year, US$7 million program culminated in a festive closing ceremony at the InterContinental Hotel in Tashkent on Saturday.

Launched in November 2019, this joint initiative of the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent and the Uzbekistan Ministry of Preschool and School Education, and implemented by American Councils for International Education, aimed to empower Uzbekistan’s English teachers with the most effective teaching methodologies to enhance their students’ language proficiency.

The comprehensive program provided intensive professional development opportunities to more than 18,000 English language public school teachers across the Republic of Uzbekistan. Notably, 452 teachers received internationally recognized certificates through the TESOL Program, a rigorous 140-hour in-person and in-classroom course. The final group of 66 teachers successfully completed their TESOL training on March 16, 2024.

Additionally, 693 English teachers participated in a specialized 60-hour course to become trainers and mentors, forming a network of expert teacher trainers across the country to support their colleagues. These exceptional teachers trained more than 18,000 teachers representing every region of Uzbekistan as part of the ESN program. The final cohort of teachers participated in these trainings in March 2024, bringing the total number of trained teachers to more than 18,000.

Group of four people standing in front of a banner (U.S. Embassy, American Councils, ESN.

“Teachers report the program improved their lesson planning and supported their efforts to become leaders in their school communities,” said U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick. “Principals praise teachers’ innovative teaching methods. Students are speaking more English and developing stronger language skills.”

Throughout the program, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education was instrumental in advising on curriculum development, offering financial incentives for teachers who received TESOL certificates, incorporating ESN courses into annual professional development options, and granting teachers time off from classes to complete ESN professional development workshops and courses.

ESN program participants received accolades from their school principals for their innovative teaching approaches, resulting in significant improvements in students’ language proficiency. Surveys conducted among ESN participants revealed enhanced confidence in using English in teaching, improved lesson planning skills, enhanced students’ learning outcomes, and the emergence of teacher leaders within school communities.

The successful completion of the English Speaking Nation program underscores the commitment of the United States and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education to advance English language education in Uzbekistan and to foster a brighter future for its students.