On Saturday, 7th December 2024, the online EdYouMarathon, organised by EdYouFest and EdYouGallery, took the world of teacher development by storm. Over the course of 12 hours, educators from around the globe gathered for a remarkable event that celebrated innovation, knowledge-sharing, and a commitment to fostering better learning environments.
Giovanni Rottura, the visionary behind EdYouMarathon, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this event possible. “A very huge thank you to our EdYouMarathon community! EdYouMarathon was a phenomenal success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without YOU!” Giovanni said, highlighting the active participation and enthusiasm that made the event truly special. With 842 registered teachers and an average of 120 participants per hour, the marathon was a clear testament to the passionate and engaged community of educators from 42 countries around the world.
A Day Full of Learning and Inspiration
The 12-hour marathon was packed with insightful sessions, each one designed to enhance teaching skills and provide educators with fresh perspectives on their craft. The event featured a diverse line-up of speakers, each bringing their own expertise and experiences to the table.
The journey kicked off with Catherine Mantadaki from Express Publishing, who discussed the exciting potential of artificial intelligence in creating adaptive learning experiences. This session sparked conversations about how AI can transform the classroom, offering personalised learning paths for every student.
Rob Howard followed with his session on “Reimagining Teacher Development with EdYouFest,” inspiring attendees to rethink how teacher training can be structured for maximum impact.
Dr. Charlie Browne focused on Humanism & Mentorship for Teacher Development, emphasising the human aspect of teaching and the importance of mentorship in professional growth.
The international reach of EdYouMarathon was showcased through live sessions from Chiyuki Yanase, who presented on educator and learner wellbeing, offering insights from Japan. Meanwhile, Alla McCaughey shared valuable perspectives on education from Uzbekistan, enriching the global conversation about education systems worldwide.
Other standout sessions included Tatschi Tanto de Carvalho’s talk on Diverse Classrooms, One Goal: Unlocking Learning for All, and George Kokolas, who delved into Crafting Character through Language Learning. These sessions provided teachers with practical strategies for addressing diverse student needs and promoting emotional intelligence in the classroom.
In addition, Ekaterina Matveeva from the USA introduced the concept of the Language Alter Ego, and Martin Thomas from the UK discussed his podcast, intELEcast News, which takes educators on a journey through the world of English language teaching.
Ania Kolbuszewska spoke on Emotional Regulation – Why Bother?, offering strategies for teachers to help their students regulate emotions and build resilience, while Daniel Xerri from Malta shared valuable insights on Professional Learning through his session titled “Sharing is Caring.”
A lively discussion was sparked by Dorothy Zemach’s provocative talk, “Should You Teach English if You’re Not Fluent?”, challenging the common perceptions around language teaching and encouraging more inclusive approaches. And from Morocco, Qasserras Lhoussine provided insights on TESOL Morocco Association and American TESOL, emphasising global collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Global Impact and Looking Ahead
The success of the EdYouMarathon was not only in the content shared, but also in the deep connections formed among educators from different backgrounds and countries. The event’s strong international participation underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in the education field.
Giovanni Rottura expressed his gratitude for the active participation, saying, “Your active participation, thoughtful questions, and enthusiasm reminded us why EdYouMarathon exists: to unite educators, share knowledge, and inspire growth.”
The marathon concluded with a heartfelt thank you to the speakers, participants, and sponsors who helped make the event a resounding success. Sponsors continue to play a vital role in supporting EdYouFest’s mission to empower educators and create a global network of teachers united by a passion for learning and growth.
With a vibrant community in place, EdYouMarathon has set the stage for more exciting educational events to come. Educators can look forward to more opportunities for professional development, networking, and learning through EdYouFest’s ongoing initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates, as EdYouFest is committed to bringing innovative ideas and exciting opportunities to the global education community.
