Category: NEAS News

Working Together for Success in ELT

Posted on | by Ed Itor

One of the greatest strengths of the English Language Teaching (ELT) community is its members’ willingness to share knowledge and support each other. NEAS has been actively fostering partnerships that lead to meaningful success stories, both locally and globally. These collaborations enhance success for individuals and providers while strengthening the wider ELT network. 

NEAS takes pride in connecting different stakeholders to work collaboratively on initiatives that benefit the industry in the long term. For example, the upcoming webinar on Transnational Delivery will feature experienced professionals who have expanded their ELT operations abroad sharing valuable insights. This willingness to share experiences and lessons learned is what makes the ELT community strong, creating a supportive environment that benefits everyone involved. 

If you are looking to form partnerships in the ELT sector, here are a few tips: 

  • Find Common Goals: Seek partners who share your vision. Whether you aim to enhance student outcomes or expand internationally, aligning on objectives is key. 
  • Leverage Each Other’s Strengths: Successful partnerships combine complementary skills and expertise. Together, you can achieve much more than working alone. 
  • Communicate Openly: Transparent, regular communication is essential for maintaining a strong and effective partnership. 

Collaboration within the ELT sector, supported by NEAS, ignites innovation and success. By tapping into the community’s wealth of knowledge and experience, ELT professionals can grow together, creating opportunities for all stakeholders involved. Join us in this collaborative journey and be a part of the thriving NEAS community! 

September 2024

NEAS Team Update

Posted on | by Ed Itor

NEAS continues to evolve and adapt. We have a packed agenda ahead and are excited to be serving you as our circumstances change and new opportunities emerge.

This is to let you know that Daniel Yuen has moved on from his role at NEAS as Operations Manager.

We are a multi-tasked team so feel free to approach any one of our team members about any issue:

  • Rima Ibrahim, Manager Quality and Professional Development, oversees our quality endorsement processes and content for our events and PD;
  • Silvia Loss, Manager Member Engagement, looks after communications and member engagement, including invoicing and payments;
  • Adam Kilburn, Chief Executive Officer, has oversight of our governance processes, stakeholders, business management and business development.

September 2024

Congratulations to MEGA Education!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Congratulations to MEGA Education on completing a successful quality review activity with NEAS.  

MEGA Education has successfully completed a Self-Assessment exercise.  A NEAS Self-Assessment is a structured activity that allows ELT providers to evaluate their quality against the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework and plan for continuous improvement. 

MEGA Education highlighted several key areas of strength. The centre has initiated a continuous professional development program for teachers, focusing on contemporary teaching methodologies.

MEGA Education is also developing personalised learning plans and promoting extracurricular language learning opportunities for students. The centre has made efforts to enhance communication with parents and guardians by implementing regular updates on student progress and well-being. These actions reflect MEGA Education’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards in education and student support. 

September 2024

Congratulations to SELA Sydney!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

NEAS is pleased to announce the completion of a quality review activity at SELA Sydney. The review confirmed SELA’s ongoing commitment to providing quality English language education across its expanding campuses and diverse student community. 

Located on levels two and six of 401-403 Sussex Street, SELA Sydney is situated in the heart of Chinatown, offering students easy access to local eateries and public transport. The recent expansion includes a new extension campus on Thomas Street, Haymarket, featuring modern classrooms and well-designed breakout areas, which support an effective learning environment for students. 

SELA Sydney serves a diverse group of students from countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Thailand, and Mongolia. The college offers courses including General English, IELTS Preparation, and Cambridge Exam Preparation. 

The focus on continuous improvement is reflected in SELA’s regular collection of student feedback. This feedback is shared with teaching staff and used to enhance course delivery and student services. Regular meetings between teachers, the Director of Studies (DoS), and the Assistant Director of Studies (ADoS) help to support ongoing curriculum development and teaching practices. 

September 2024

Why Should You Consider Becoming a NEAS Associate Member?

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Whether you are beginning your ELT studies, a qualified teacher, an experienced educator, an aspiring leader, or a seasoned manager, NEAS Associate Membership offers a range of benefits to support and enhance your career in ELT. 

But why should you consider becoming a NEAS Associate Member? 

NEAS Associate Membership offers access to a comprehensive suite of professional development resources, including workshops, webinars, and training sessions tailored specifically for the ELT sector. This structured content is invaluable for building skills and staying updated with best practices, benefiting everyone from trainees to seasoned professionals. 

Joining NEAS as an Associate Member means becoming part of a vibrant and dynamic ELT community. This membership connects you with like-minded professionals who share a commitment to excellence in English Language Teaching. By engaging with this network, you’ll have opportunities to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from your peers. NEAS fosters a supportive environment where every member can contribute and benefit, making your professional journey more enriching and connected. 

As a leading authority in the ELT sector, NEAS provides its Associate Members with thought leadership that offers valuable guidance and support for continuous improvement. Stay informed with the latest insights and refine your strategies to maintain high standards in teaching and management. 

NEAS can assess your qualifications to ensure they meet the standards required for teachers or Academic Managers in NEAS-endorsed ELT centres. This assessment aligns your credentials with industry standards and enhances your career opportunities. 

Finally, NEAS offers ongoing support and guidance to its Associate Members, helping you navigate challenges and achieve your professional goals with the resources and advice needed to succeed. 

Did you know that working at a NEAS endorsed centre means you can already have access to the benefits of an Associate Membership? 

If you’re not yet part of a NEAS Quality Centre, you can still become an Associate Member and take advantage of the numerous benefits. Learn more about joining us here. 

August 2024

Congratulations to ELS Language Centres Malaysia (ELS)!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

NEAS congratulates ELS Language Centres Malaysia (ELS) on the successful completion of the 2024 Self-Assessment Quality Review. This achievement demonstrates ELS Malaysia’s commitment to delivering high-quality education in line with the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework, strengthening its reputation as a leader in English language education in Malaysia.

Specialising in English language training, ELS Malaysia provides a diverse range of programs, including General English, English for Academic Purposes, and specialised courses for professionals and students. Working within the global network of ELS language centres, the institution distinguishes itself for its rigorous curriculum, experienced instructors, and state-of-the-art facilities. The NEAS endorsed ELS Certified Intensive English Programme (CIEP) is recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education as a benchmark for university admissions. This recognition allows students to present the ELS CIEP qualification as proof of English proficiency when advancing to partner universities.

ELS Malaysia is dedicated to the continuous quality improvement of its educational offerings. The centre regularly reviews its practices and plans enhancements across four Quality Principles in Areas A, E, and G of the NEAS Quality Assurance Framework. In alignment with NEAS’s recommendations, ELS Malaysia has incorporated these principles into its operational goals.

Following the 2023 NEAS Quality Review, ELS Malaysia has committed to holding an annual in-person professional development workshop to foster collaboration among its four centres. The centre is also focused on enhancing academic support by developing supplementary materials and personalised study plans to meet the diverse needs of its students. Recognising recent visa changes that allow international graduates from select countries to stay in Malaysia for up to a year, ELS Malaysia is planning to recruit marketing staff from its partner universities, to specifically target relevant markets.

In terms of risk management, ELS is implementing robust measures, including improved backup systems, additional financial protocols, and strengthened customer feedback mechanisms. The centre is also refining its communication strategy, upgrading security protocols, and refining stakeholder interactions to strengthen its risk strategies.

ELS has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to evaluating its current practices and has shown initiative in establishing a process for continuous quality improvement.

August 2024

Congratulations to NOVA Institute of Technology!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

NOVA Institute of Technology is a multi-campus VET provider, offering General English (GE) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses at its main campus in Melbourne, with additional locations in Adelaide and Sydney. The Melbourne campus is centrally located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, providing easy access to public transport, dining options, and shopping centres. The campus occupies a single floor and features state-of-the-art facilities, including a central common area where students can socialise, use microwaves, and engage in informal conversations with peers, teachers, and staff.

Currently, the Melbourne branch delivers GE and EAP programs to a diverse student body from countries such as South America, Thailand, and India. To enhance language learning outside the classroom, NOVA Institute holds informal fortnightly combined English language classes, where students enjoy ‘potluck’ dining by bringing a dish to share. Teachers actively encourage students to participate in language exchange opportunities in Melbourne.

For professional development, NOVA Institute of Technology has a dedicated PD calendar featuring in-house and external events, including those from NEAS. Compulsory peer observations are conducted once per term, which have proven highly effective. Additionally, teachers participate in professional development opportunities offered by English Australia, National Geographic, Pearson, and Cambridge University Press whenever possible.

August 2024

Congratulations to The University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching (CET)!

Posted on | by Ed Itor

NEAS congratulates The University of Sydney Centre for English Teaching (CET) for successfully completing a Quality Review Activity.

The University of Sydney’s Centre for English Teaching (CET) continues to provide high-quality education to international students, predominantly from China, with most students enrolled in their Direct Entry Courses (DECs). CET also offers specialised courses for study groups from Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Thailand, along with short academic skill development programs.

Courses at CET are delivered via the Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), mirroring the platform used for primary university courses. Feedback from the Student Focus Group was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing enthusiasm for their studies and a strong sense of support from the CET team. One student remarked, “This is a real college, and you can feel it,” highlighting the authenticity of the learning experience.

Students were confident in their language progress and praised the constructive feedback from teachers. CET also offers additional support through at-risk support classes, an “intervention club” aligned with the intervention policy, and a “transition program” to assist students as they progress to further study at the university. Management reported that tracking CET students into the first year of their primary university courses has yielded positive results.

CET’s commitment to student well-being is evident, with two dedicated counsellors available five days a week. Students can easily access support via reception, email, or an online form.

Teachers at CET appreciate the centre’s open-door policy, which fosters direct communication with management regarding teaching schedules, content, and other concerns. Professional development (PD) is regular and CET management also actively promotes attendance at external conferences, such as the NEAS Management Conference, the English Australia Conference, and UECA, ensuring continuous professional growth for their staff.

August 2024

News from Adam

Posted on | by Ed Itor

Welcome to the latest edition of our CEO’s column News From Adam.

You all know that NEAS is about the English language teaching sector; that QA is our thing. You might even know that we are an association of members. Most of you reading this are probably members. What you might not know is that we (that is you, the members, the staff, NEAS) is governed by a board of directors. The board comprises 7 directors of which 3 are elected by the members, and 4 are independent and appointed. The board is my boss. That’s how it works. They set the strategy for NEAS, they oversee my work and they set our policy and broad direction. Some years ago, when I was elected to the NEAS board, I chose to complete the Australian Institute of Company Director’s course. It gave me a really important perspective on leadership. The difference between the executive dimension and the governance or board dimensions of leadership was something I had barely considered, but now know a lot more about. 

I see now that one of the great strengths of NEAS is its board. It’s not just the people who serve on it right now (granted, they’re well informed and highly professional individuals), nor is it simply that our board exists (a committed group serving our common purpose). No. The strength of our board is that it combines member-elected directors with independent directors (directors from outside our ELT sector). This composition gives a particular balance to decision-making and, in my view, has played an important part in making NEAS what it is: a truly independent body that draws on knowledge of the sector from our member elected directors.

Now, why am I rattling on about the board? I’m telling you this because we have an election coming up and we will very soon call for nominations. I would encourage you to consider nominating. It’s a great opportunity to contribute to the sector and, if you’ve not served on a board before, to learn new skills. So, keep your eyes out for the notification and feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more.

August 2024

Four Essential Traits of Effective ELT Leaders

Posted on | by Ed Itor

What makes an effective ELT leader? Effective leadership in ELT combines a deep understanding of the classroom environment, knowledge of the programs taught and proficient management of the daily operations. It involves guiding teachers and ELT professionals through a complex landscape while juggling multiple priorities. Successful leaders share key traits that help them to navigate challenges and drive success: 

Authenticity is the foundation of effective leadership. Genuine leaders build trust and respect by staying true to their values and beliefs. Authentic leaders create an environment where educators and students feel valued and understood, which fosters a supportive and cohesive learning community.  

Curiosity drives continuous improvement and innovation. ELT leaders who are curious actively seek out new ways to better themselves and are eager to explore different perspectives and ideas. This trait ensures that their leadership remains forward-thinking and relevant, ultimately benefiting the educational experience. 

Empathy is crucial for understanding the needs and emotions of both students and staff, especially in the wonderfully diverse environment that is an ELICOS class. An empathetic leader listens actively and responds with compassion, addressing concerns and providing support where needed. This is particularly important in an environment in which cultural sensitivity is required to assist students adjust smoothly to life in a new country.  

Strategic thinking brings these traits together, allowing leaders to translate their insights and values into actionable plans. Effective ELT leaders are adept at setting clear goals, developing strategies, and making informed decisions that align with the long-term vision of their institutions. Their strategic approach ensures that they can navigate challenges, chase opportunities, and drive continuous improvement in the ELT sector. 

Where do you stand in developing these skills? 

NEAS supports ELT professionals, academic managers, senior teachers, and emerging leaders through various initiatives. Sign up as an associate member to access a range of benefits and be part of a thriving community. Learn more about associate membership here. Or join our Leadership in ELT Community of Practice to meet with other leaders in the industry and share your thoughts and ideas! 

August 2024