Teacher Development Courses 2026

1. Academic English for Higher Education

This five-day course is suitable for Teachers of English for Academic Purposes (TEFL/TESOL) in third-level institutions who are starting out on their career as an EAP teacher or for those with some experience wishing to refresh and upskill. It is also suitable for English language practitioners wishing to expand their range of delivery to allow for teaching EAP.

By the end of the week, educators will leave with actionable insights, tools, and strategies to elevate their teaching practice and enhance learning in the dynamic field of EAP.

Course Highlights:

• Understanding EAP Learners and Contexts: Explore the unique needs of EAP students and their learning contexts in a changing academic landscape, with practical case studies. Focus on key university skills such as navigating lectures, seminars, assignments, and assessments.
• Teaching Academic Writing: Explore genre analysis, feedback strategies, and approaches (including generative AI), with tailored paths to production across disciplines.
• Academic Reading Strategies: Facilitate critical analysis and learner autonomy through innovative approaches such as reading circles.
• Integrating AI in EAP: Learn how to incorporate AI tools into high-stakes academic settings while developing materials that address the challenges of 21st-century learners. Explore ways to enhance learner autonomy using this technology.
• Reflective Practice: Create an action plan based on personal teaching strengths and areas for growth, with peer teaching sessions, panel discussions, and tutor/peer feedback.
• Collaborative Learning: Engage in facilitated reflection on your own teaching, and share experiences with fellow EAP practitioners.

Who is this course for?
Teachers of English for Academic Purposes (TEFL/TESOL) in third-level institutions and English language practitioners wishing to expand their range of delivery to allow for teaching EAP.

Participants will also enjoy networking opportunities with fellow practitioners, a UCC campus tour, and social evening activities to foster collaboration and professional growth.

Minimum language level required: Upper-intermediate (B2 on the Common European Framework).

Certificates of completion are awarded at the end of the course.

Before the course, participants are invited to complete a Needs Analysis to help the Centre tailor the programme to their needs.

Course cost: €595
Application form: Available below

Special offer: Take both Academic English for Higher Education and Harnessing the Power of Generative AI and Other Digital Tools for the 21st Century Classroom for the reduced price of €995.

2. Harnessing the Power of Generative AI and other Digital Tools for the 21st Century Classroom

This one-week teacher development course is ideal for those enthusiastic or curious about the potential of generative AI and digital tools. It builds participants’ confidence in incorporating the latest innovations into their teaching, with a focus on how AI can transform learning within individual contexts.

Over five days, participants will develop a clear understanding of how technology can empower both teachers and learners.

We will demystify large language models, generative AI, and prompt engineering. Together with peers, you will explore how teaching and learning are evolving, and how our roles as teachers are also changing.

Prior to the course start we will introduce a selection of the most powerful digital tools available to language practitioners and allow for exploration and practice with these tools. Thus allowing participants to return to their teaching context with competence in their application.

The course will also examine the concept of trust: trust in ourselves as teachers, trust in our students, our students’ trust in us, and trust in technology as a catalyst for accelerated learning.

Adopting a solution-focused approach, participants will work on projects relevant to their own teaching contexts, enabling them to bring practical applications, materials, and ideas back to their classrooms.

Each day includes reflection and discussion on what it means to be an early 21st-century language teacher.

You will leave the course inspired about your role in maximising learners’ progress and meeting goals with the help of new technologies and digital tools.

We will cover:

• How the latest tech innovations can empower teachers and learners
• How to apply these tools effectively in your teaching context
• How AI can provide personalised and accelerated language learning
• How to create learning materials for all levels, needs, and interests using generative AI
• How to use technology to develop language skills and systems
• How to reconsider approaches to assessment
• Live observations of AI-in-action lessons taught by our Centre’s teachers

Who is this course for?
Language practitioners of all experience levels who are enthusiastic or curious about the potential of generative AI and digital tools.

Minimum language level required: Upper-intermediate (B2 on the Common European Framework).

Certificates of completion are awarded at the end of the course.

Before the course, participants are invited to complete a Needs Analysis to help the Centre tailor the programme to their needs.

Course cost: €595
Application form: Available below

Special offer: Take both Academic English for Higher Education and Harnessing the Power of Generative AI and Other Digital Tools for the 21st Century Classroom for the reduced price of €995.

3. Language and Methodology Development | Teacher refresher course

This course provides an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the latest innovations in English language teaching in a variety of contexts.

The programme culminates in a mini-conference where, after guidance from tutors, participants showcase projects, demonstrate lessons, and engage in panel discussions and presentations, reflecting on how the course has informed their professional development.

Interactive input sessions encourage participants to share their own teaching experiences with peers from around the world. Tutors with extensive and varied experience will provide creative, practical, and easy-to-implement ideas.

Participants will also observe real-time lessons in our Centre and complete guided observation and reflection tasks.

The course will re-energise your teaching. You will return with fresh ideas and ready-to-use materials that will enhance your pedagogical skills and help you engage learners more effectively.

Who is this course for?
All English language practitioners who are seeking to refresh their teaching skills.

What does the course cover?

• Methodology and the latest ELT developments
• Developing material evaluation and creation skills using commercially-prepared, authentic, and AI-powered resources
• Integrating digital tools into the classroom and exploiting AI innovations
• Developing effective language skills and systems lessons
• Improving the integration of pronunciation into teaching
• Adapting methods for different teaching contexts and environments
• Empowering learner autonomy
• Building skills and confidence for peer presentations

Minimum language level required: Upper-intermediate (B2 on the Common European Framework).

Certificates of completion are awarded at the end of the course.

Before the course, participants are invited to complete a Needs Analysis to help the Centre tailor the programme to their needs.

Course cost: €995
Application form: Available below

Course Dates

Who are these courses for?

1.Academic English for Higher Education:

This five-day course is suitable for Teachers of English for Academic Purposes (TEFL/TESOL) in third-level institutions who are starting out on their career as an EAP teacher or for those with some experience wishing to refresh and upskill. It is also suitable for English language practitioners wishing to expand their range of delivery to allow for teaching EAP.

2.Harnessing the Power of Generative AI and other Digital Tools for the 21st Century Classroom:

This one-week teacher development course is ideal for those enthusiastic or curious about the potential of generative AI and digital tools. It builds participants’ confidence in incorporating the latest innovations into their teaching, with a focus on how AI can transform learning within individual contexts.

3.Language and Methodology Development:

All English language practitioners who are seeking to refresh their teaching skills.

For more informeation or to apply email: tandd@ucc.ie

Accommodation

Two types are available:

Self-catering apartments or Host families

1. Campus Accommodation
2. Host Family Accommodation 

Host Family accommodation includes Bed & Breakfast and an evening meal. Transfers to and from Cork Airport or Cork City Centre may also be possible but are not guaranteed by all families. Students should be prepared to pay taxi costs. Sunday arrival and Saturday departure are assumed for all accommodation bookings.

For course-specific enquiries, please email: b.ose@ucc.ie or tandd@ucc.ie

For general enquiries or to submit an application form:  tandd@ucc.ie