English Language Office U.S. Embassy Moscow Celebrates 15 years with the English Language Teachers’ Associations of Russia

English Language Officers Reflect English Language Officers serving in Russia since the early 1990’s were asked to write a few words about their experience serving in Russia. What follows are the notes, comments, poems and photos they sent. All featured the work of Teachers’ Associations as one of the most fulfilling aspect of their work.

Gregory Orr Much time has past, since I joined you last To support English education in the Russian Federation Our EL office developed, and our partnership enveloped Joint dreams of perfection of English instruction.

We always said yes to any request To deliver some books or take several looks At pedagogical courses and possible sources Of teacher exchanges and professional changes. Gregory Orr

In those years I saw things that left me in awe From St. Petersburg's White nights and transcontinental flights, and transcontinental flights, Lake Baikal's grand shore and Lake Baikal's grand shore and traditional folklore To the churches of Pskov To the churches of Pskov and other places I love. Gregory Orr

But I think I'll recall you teachers most of all Who dedicate your days in a variety ways To satisfying the need for your students to succeed My hat's off to you, there's nothing you can't do. Gregory Orr

Tom Kral My expectations in going to Russia were not only met, they were surpassed one hundredfold. Nowhere else have I found such a well-informed and enthusiastic group of professors, teachers and students.

So many programs remain … indelibly in my memory. To mention just a few, there was the TESOL Russia conference in Voronezh in 1997 (complete with personal guides), and the NATE Russia conference in Samarra the next year (which included swimming in the Volga!). Tom Kral

I think that we all agree that teaching and learning foreign languages opens new doors. How lucky I was to have the door to Russia opened for me! Tom Kral

Johanna Kowitz Greetings to you all at the beginning of another new academic year, and Happy 15th Birthday to ELO! I had the privilege of being the ELO during a thrilling time. While I was there we expanded the ELF program, and we went online. Those two developments made a world of difference to all of us. Just this last February I had to opportunity to come back to Russia and to see many of you. I loved it! Best of all was the opportunity to see how things have changed since my time.

I was so very impressed to see that young teachers are now supervisors, that supervisors are now running programs, that expansion has gone in all directions with new materials, new initiatives, and what seems to me to be a strong sense of professionalism. I commend you all! It's rare that and ELO gets to go back and see changes, so I feel very privileged to have that opportunity. I only wish that I could have visited everybody! Best wishes to all of you for all of your upcoming projects and activities. Johanna Kowitz

Ruth Petzold Of course many of my fondest memories are of visits with talented teachers and impressive students around the country. From St Petersburg to Vladivostok, from Yakutsk to Sochi, I remember lovely times and warm welcomes in many communities…

On this 15th anniversary of the English Language Office in Russia, my warmest wishes to all of you. Ruth Petzold

Bridget Gersten Looking back on the four wonderful years I spent in the English Language Office in Moscow, what comes to mind first are the smiles, the laughter, and the positive energy that all the English teachers across Russia seemed to share. In essence, the ELT community was like one big family, thanks to the professional commitment and love that teachers felt and shared.

So many places, so many smiles. I remember hearing about the ELO in Moscow from the great Tom Kral as he sought to convince future ELOs to go to Russia: I remember clearly how he said it was the best place he had ever served in his diplomatic career. He was right. Bridget Gersten

I wish all teachers of English the best of the best. You deserve it. I will remember you all for a long time to come and thank you for giving me the opportunity to live so many wonderful moments with you. Bridget Gersten

English Language Office 2010 We are proud to be part of your professional lives and to actively support your associations, faculties and in-service training programs. We believe that what makes ELO special is its ability to bring together like-minded instructors to cooperate on core projects that allow our students to both learn better English and to better understand an increasingly smaller world.

We are committed to supporting the outstanding efforts of our English Language Fellows and Specialists and, through them, reaching hundreds of motivated Russian instructors. We are also excited about the experience of Russian colleagues who have been to the U.S. on the various English language teaching IV programs. English Language Office 2010

We look forward to celebrating our 15 years of fruitful cooperation all year long, with special projects ranging from assessment to American films, from Student- generated stories to U.S. elections slang and terminology. English Language Office 2010

We wish you success building communities of practice!

English Language Office U.S. Embassy Moscow Celebrates 15 years with the English Language Teachers’ Associations of Russia