English Language Teachers'Association of India

Sholapur Chapter – Inaugural, April 27, 2019

ELTAI Solapur Chapter is a dream come true for English educators in Solapur. Born out of a conviction that the most effective ways of developing as teachers, teacher trainers or managers of ELT is providing a platform for reflection on professional practice, ELTAI has succeeded in expanding to many new chapters. Solapur district does have a number of English teachers’ associations at all levels. Teachers by and large are conscious about their professional development and realize the significance of associating with Professional Associations like ELTAI. There are some existing active ELTAI members too with membership of IATEFL actively participating and contributing to both these national and international associations. The chapter Head, being a faculty in the English department of a leading institute at Solapur has successfully brought all of them under the Solapur chapter.

The Chapter has both academicians and administrators and comprises faculty from schools, colleges and technical institutes. It is a well balanced and democratically functioning chapter with a General Body of experienced and reputed academia. The Chapter has 82 members, both short term, and long term and 22 IATEFL members. A majority are enrolled for a one year period to ensure stability and continuity. The strategy has been to rope in professionals from University Bodies, master trainers from International Bodies like the British Council and technical experts so as to provide a range of avenues for Professional development.

The objectives are

• Realising the Vision ,Mission and Objectives of the parent body ‘ ELTAI ‘
• Building the capacity of English Educators to teach effectively and passionately
• Motivating the members to be committed
• Initiating a journal on the intellectual disruptions in ELT
• Organizing national and International conventions
• Discussing articles published in the VOICES and ELT journals

 

The Chapter was inaugurated by Miss Sheetal Kadadi, trustee of Sangameshwar College, also an Alumnus of the Department of English. Applauding the initiative ,she said it was long overdue and strongly stated the need for the Chapter to function with concepts like MOC, (Memorandum of Cooperation) with different Departments of English at Solapur, in order to enhance the professional skills of English educators at different levels. Dr Reddi Shekhar Reddy, the Voice President, ELTAI and the president of the function, highlighted and explained the significant role of ELTAI in his own professional growth. The Newly appointed Vice president   Dr Manhor Joshi, Associate Professor, Walchand College, Solapur, spoke on the significance of individual and institutional collaboration today. His poem on Shakespeare written and rendered by him to commemorate ‘Shakespeare Day’ was widely appreciated. The President, Solapur Chapter Dr Annie John, Chairman, BOS Solapur explained the need for English Educators’ uniting to develop curriculum, pedagogy, evaluation and research in English language teaching. The secretary Dhanappa Metri presented the motto behind the chapter initiation. He also described ways to make the chapter unique with a sense of belongingness among its members. He evaluated the role of ELTAI and IATEFL in building his capacity as an English Educator. He also detailed the objectives of both the national and International associations and their faculty development activities. Teachers present were very happy to be updated with the professional development activities initiated by the academicians. Executive member Mr Tmombre proposed the vote of thanks saying that it was a golden opportunity for primary and secondary teachers to learn and get professionally upskilled in the company of College teachers.

Chapter Convener

Dhanappa M Metri