Tepak participating in project to support teachers in Europe through virtual exchanges 

The language centre of the University of Technology of Cyprus (Tepak) is participating in the project Virtual Innovation and Support Networks for Teachers which started in March 2021.

The Valiant project  (https://valiantproject.eu/) aims to help primary and secondary school teachers overcome the feelings of isolation they may experience, giving them and future teachers the opportunity to participate in online partnerships with colleagues from all over Europe.

The project is coordinated by the University of Leon in Spain and brings together ten universities as well as ministries of education from Europe,

The project received funding of €800,000 from the European Commission and will last until March 2024.

Valient responds to the need of teachers in rural areas of Europe but also in other isolated environments such as the one experienced by many teachers today due to the pandemic to have access to professional development opportunities, to learn from experts, to work with colleagues from different countries and adopt the role of mentor for future teachers.

Now, more than ever, teachers need to cultivate skills to participate effectively in virtual (online) environments in order to overcome the isolation they experience and engage in lifelong learning, mentoring and collaboration, thus improving their motivation. and a sense of satisfaction for their profession.

Valiant will focus on connecting teachers, educators and future teachers across Europe working or studying in rural or isolated areas by helping them participate in virtual exchanges.

Teachers will have the opportunity to share their teaching experiences and work with teachers working in similar environments in other countries.

“By participating in virtual innovation and support networks, rural teachers and future educators will have opportunities for innovation, collaboration, development of digital and intercultural skills as well as professional advancement which would be difficult in rural areas or during periods of forced isolation. Online exchanges will also make the teaching profession more attractive to future teachers through their involvement in authentic learning and teaching scenarios,” project co-ordinator Robert O`Dowd commented.

How to get involved:  

The first round of online exchanges will take place between September and December 2021 and the project team is currently accepting registrations from both primary and secondary school teachers interested in participating in the online exchange programme.

For more information contact [email protected] or visit the project website www.valiantproject.eu

You can also contact Anna Nikolaou, scientific project manager at the Cyprus University of Technology: [email protected]

www.cut.ac.cy | Tel: 25-002409 | E-mail: [email protected]

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