The Philippine Normal University (PNU), through the College of Teacher Development (CTD), and the Regional English Language Office (RELO), U.S. Embassy in the Philippines conducted a hyflex forum with teacher educators, in-service teachers, and pre-service teachers from the PNU system and selected DepEd partner schools. The event was done in PNU last September 23, 2022 during the visit of Mr. Joseph Bookbinder, Director of the Office of English Language Programs, U.S. Department of State.
PNU reported on 2018-2022 collaboration programs with RELO that have benefited students, teachers, and schools. The forum that focused on sharing of experiences centered how the training programs helped teacher learning and practice. Forum participants completed online courses, attended in-person workshops, and participated in webinars sponsored by RELO. The conversations with the participants also highlighted important takeaways and reflections on continuing learning and how it made an impact on initiatives for literacy instruction and English language education.
Selected PNU faculty who completed AE E-Teacher Online Courses from PNU Manila and PNU South Luzon joined the event in-person and online. Pre-service teachers and faculty from PNU Manila, PNU Visayas, and PNU Mindanao were present virtually to participate in the discussion.
DepEd K-3 teachers from Epifanio Delos Santos Elem. School, Center of Excellence in Public Elementary Education, and Gregorio del Pilar Elementary School, also joined with school principal, Dr. Conchita Guiyab.
Delighted with the expressions of gratitude and shared insights by the attendees, Mr. Joseph Bookbinder said that PNU and RELO partnership will keep on. ‘’The testimonies I heard are moving. We will continue to collaborate and we will expand our future projects,’’ he said.
Dr. Carleen O. Velez, Regional English Language Officer, and Ms. Connie Chico, Cultural Affairs Specialist in the English Language Programs also graced the event together with PNU officials—Vice President for Academics, Dr. Jennie V. Jocson; Vice President for Research and Quality Assurance, Dr. Adonis P. David; Dean of the College of Teacher Development, Dr. Ruth A. Alido, ITL Director, Dr. Darryl Roy T. Montebon and Associate Deans Dr. Voltaire M. Villanueva, Dr. Rodrigo D. Abenes, and Dr. Brando A. Palomar. PNU President, Dr. Bert J. Tuga gave his welcome message virtually.