Connect & Grow:
Training Day
Join us for the second edition of malagaCERT Training Day, a dynamic morning designed for English teachers and language academy directors across Málaga.
Innovation Campus – Calle Álamos, 7 – Málaga
Saturday 29 November 2025
Contact us for last minute sign-up.
malagaCERT presents: Connect & Grow — Training Day 2025
Strengthening Networks. Supporting Growth.
Training Day Programme
09:15 Registration
09:50 Welcome
Teachers' Room
10:00
Session 1: Teresa Bestwick
"Sticks or Leaves? Dealing with emergent language"
10:45
Session 2: Simon Pearlman
"Inclusivity in ELT"
11:30 - 15:15 Coffee Break
Registration 09:15
Welcome 09:50
Directors' Room
10:00
Session 1: Fiona Dunbar
"Your Why, Your Ikigai: discovering the heart of your school"
10:45
Session 2: Fiona Dunbar
"Diversify to Thrive — turning Purpose into Possibility"
11:30 - 12:15 Coffee Break
Sponsored by
Teachers' Room
12:15
Session 3: Scott Donald
"The problem isn't your accent, but..."
13:00
Session 4: Teresa Bestwick
“Process and Product: practical ideas for writing and speaking”
Directors' Room
12:15
Session 3: Fari Greenaway
"Finders Keepers: recruitment and retention of teachers from different generations"
13:00
Round table Discussion
"Leading and Learning Together"
Session Details
Sessions for teachers
Teresa Bestwick
SESSION 1
Stick or Leaves? Dealing with emergent language
Stick or Leaves? Dealing with emergent language
In this session, we’ll look at the various opportunities we have for learner language to emerge in the classroom and consider some practical activities to record and review it to help it stick.
SESSION 4
Process and Product: practical ideas for writing and speaking
Process and Product: practical ideas for writing and speaking
In this session, we’ll look at the various opportunities we have for learner language to emerge in the classroom and consider some practical activities to record and review it to help it stick.
About Teresa Bestwick
Teresa is a teacher, trainer and ELT author based in San Fernando. She is co-host of the ELT podcast, Tea with Fi and T and content manager of the TEFL Development Hub. When not in front of the computer, she’s often out walking or binge-watching Netflix.
Simon Pearlman
SESSION 2
Inclusivity in ELT
Inclusivity in ELT
Inclusivity is, arguably, the biggest issue in education. We know all of our students are different and sometimes it can feel impossible to make a difference. What can we realistically do in our classes? How can we help more? In this session we will look at some key ideas and lots of practical ways to help our students more.
About Simon Pearlman
Simon is a teacher and trainer jointly responsible for the language school and teacher training centre, Active Language, Cádiz. He has been working in ELT since 1997, is a regular speaker at conferences and is as passionate about it as ever, especially around inclusivity.
Scott Donald
SESSION 3
The problem isn't your accent, but ...
The problem isn't your accent, but ...
Are the similarities between Spanish and English a blessing and a curse? And do the subtle differences cause more problems than we realise? In this session, we’ll examine areas that might be holding our Spanish students back from making better progress in their English learning, and consider practical solutions for the classroom. The talk will focus on first language interference, particularly in terms of pronunciation, and how it might be impacting on much more than just the speaking skill.
About Scott Donald
Scott has been in ELT for over 15 years. He became a CELTA Trainer soon after moving from Hungary to Spain in 2014 and now divides his time between teaching and training as a freelancer based in Málaga. He has authored two books on improving students’ writing and loves discovering ways to optimise learning, both his students’ and his own.
Sessions for Directors
Fiona Dunbar
SESSION 1
Your Why, Your Ikigai: the heart of your school
Your Why, Your Ikigai: the heart of your school
Every school has a heartbeat — a reason it exists beyond enrolments or exams. In this reflective, interactive session, we’ll uncover your school’s ikigai — the intersection of passion, strengths, community needs, and financial sustainability. Through guided reflection, discussion, and shared insights, you’ll explore your school’s unique “why,” look at opportunities to strengthen purpose, and see how aligning passion with practical priorities can energise teams, inspire innovation, and guide sustainable growth in the ever-changing ELT market.
SESSION 2
Diversify to Thrive — Turning Purpose into Possibility
Diversify to Thrive — Turning Purpose into Possibility
Following on from the ikigai, this session explores how to transform purpose into sustainable action. We’ll explore practical ways to diversify while keeping your values and people at the centre. Through creative reflection, collaboration and ideas-sharing, we’ll look at fresh ways to expand your offer, reach new audiences, and strengthen impact. You’ll leave with practical ideas and motivation to evolve while staying true to your purpose.
About Fiona Dunbar
Fiona has been in ELT for some 30 years. In addition to her role as director of MalagaCERT Test Centre and ELI, she does training and consultancy with teachers and language school owners. She loves languages, learning and reflecting on the connections people make and what drives them to keep trying, developing and moving forward.
Fari Greenaway
SESSION 3
Finders Keepers: recruitment and retention of teachers from different generations
Finders Keepers: recruitment and retention of teachers from different generations
How can we attract, motivate, and retain teachers from different generations in today’s EFL landscape? This session explores what Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z value in their work and how their motivations differ. Drawing on recent survey findings and real-world experience, we’ll look at practical strategies to recruit and engage teachers of all ages and discuss how managers can build cohesive, multi-generational teams that thrive together.
About Fari Greenaway
Fari is an experienced academic leader and advisor with over two decades’ expertise in academic management, quality assurance, examiner roles, and teacher development. Known for strong communication, adaptability, and a proven record of leading and supporting teaching teams to deliver programmes of the highest standards, she currently works as a consultant, trainer, and advisor in the EFL sector.
Round Table Discussion
SESSION 4
Leading and Learning Together
Leading and Learning Together
In this interactive round table we will share experiences, explore current challenges our schools are facing and exchange ideas. Bring your questions and concerns — from leadership, team management, and teacher recruitment to market pressures, student engagement, or language certification exams. In this supportive space, through reflection and collaborative problem-solving, we can find ways to thrive despite the crazy world around us!