The Department of Foreign Languages and Linguodidactics is proud to announce that Associate Professor Iryna Liashenko recently participated in the RELO alumni conference on "Reclaiming Perspectives: Mindfulness & Social Emotional Learning in ELT" held in Krakow, Poland. The conference was organized by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) at the US Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine, in cooperation with the WorldLINK Foundation, Krakow, Poland.
During the three-day workshop, which took place from June 21 to 25, 2023, participants - graduates of the Regional English Language Department (RELO) programs - had the opportunity to explore innovative tools, strategies, and approaches to improve English language learning for Ukrainians in times of crisis. With a focus on social-emotional learning (SEL), the conference discussed the importance of supporting students' mental health and well-being while improving their language skills.

Selected participants participated in a variety of activities and sessions, including stabilizing and managing attention, gaining perspectives on different ways of being and knowing, understanding the differences between responding and being responsive, and exploring the application of SEL in English language learning spaces. The seminar also emphasized the introduction of trauma-sensitive practices in teaching English.
Distinguished speakers, Patrick Kozakiewicz and Luis Javier Penton Herrera, led meaningful sessions during the conference. Patrick Kozakiewicz, a certified mindfulness teacher and mental health professional, focused on the mindful experience of gaining perspective and social-emotional learning. Luis Javier Penton Herrera, Ph.D., full professor and accomplished educator, introduced participants to practical aspects of social-emotional learning, including planning, integrating, and monitoring SEL in English language learning environments.
For Associate Professor Iryna Lшashenko, the conference was an excellent opportunity for professional development. By actively participating in seminars and interacting with respected speakers, she gained valuable information and acquired practical skills to further improve her teaching practice. The conference became a platform for sharing experiences, studying innovative approaches, and communicating with teachers and professionals in this field.
In addition, the organization of the conference, initiated by the US Embassy in Kyiv and the WorldLINK Foundation, demonstrated the high quality of coordination and communication. Participants were impressed by the well-structured program and the inclusion of rich social and cultural content that provided opportunities for networking and immersion in the local culture.
The Department of Foreign Languages and Linguodidactics welcomes Associate Professor Iryna Lшashenko to participate in this prestigious conference and highly appreciates her dedication to continuous professional development. Her active involvement and commitment to improving English language learning will undoubtedly benefit our students and the education industry as a whole.