English for the Economy: Advancing Through Collaboration and Innovation
On August 23-24, 2025, the C5+O.N.E. (Opening Networks through English) Program hosted its National Training of Teachers (NToT) in Astana, Kazakhstan. The two-day training prepared program teachers to lead Cohort 5 “English for the Economy” classes beginning September 1, 2025, equipping them with innovative methods and tools to link English learning with collaboration across sectors and stronger regional connections. A total of 18 teachers from Astana, Almaty, Aktau, Atyrau, and Pavlodar participated.
The training placed a strong emphasis on program policies, requirements, and practical teaching strategies. It opened with welcoming remarks from representatives of the U.S. Mission in Kazakhstan – Deborah Robinson, Chargé d’Affaires; Timothy Gibson, Public Diplomacy Officer, U.S. Embassy Astana; Olga Peterova, English Language Specialist, U.S. Embassy Astana; and Alima Abdulatif, English Language Coordinator, U.S. Embassy Astana. In their addresses, the speakers introduced Embassy resources and highlighted professional development opportunities available to teachers, including exchange programs and online learning platforms.
Over the course of two days, participants explored a wide range of practical and inspiring topics, from storytelling and photography to applying principles of andragogy and social-emotional learning that help sustain learners’ energy. Teachers also examined assessment practices based on real classroom examples, curriculum pacing, and English for Specific Purposes (ESP) resources such as the Voices textbook. Sessions emphasized how to make lessons more student-oriented and managing class groups with confidence.
With each new cohort, the C5+O.N.E. program continues to build teacher capacity and expand student opportunities, going beyond English proficiency to foster essential skills and regional ties that support shared prosperity and stronger U.S.-Central Asia connections. These trainings are not simply about policies or requirements – they are about community, growth, and the shared belief that together we can create lasting impact in classrooms across Kazakhstan and throughout the region.
