In 2022, Dr. Ikhsanudin, M.Hum., a respected lecturer in the Master of English Education Study Program, Universitas Tanjungpura (UNTAN), inspired and motivated his students to actively participate in the Teacher Stories Competition organized by SPELT (Society of Pakistan English Language Teachers).
The competition, a featured segment of the annual SPELT International Conference, focused on highlighting innovative teaching practices and real-life experiences of educators during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Celebrating Creative and Resilient Teaching
The Teacher Stories Competition aimed to document and celebrate the resilience and creativity of teachers worldwide as they navigated unprecedented shifts in education. In 2022, the competition received over 120 entries from various countries, showcasing diverse approaches to ensuring learning continuity during the pandemic.
Among the inspiring examples shared was a teacher from the Philippines who ingeniously used a two-way radio to maintain communication and provide lessons to students in remote areas without internet access—demonstrating how educators went beyond traditional methods to meet their students’ needs.
Motivating Students to Share and Learn
Recognizing the value of this global platform, Dr. Ikhsanudin encouraged his students to contribute their ideas, reflect on their teaching philosophies, and learn from the experiences of educators worldwide. He emphasized that participating in such events would:
- Inspire professional growth, especially for novice teachers.
- Build confidence in sharing personal teaching experiences with a wider audience.
- Strengthen cross-cultural understanding of education practices in different countries.
- Connect students and young educators to a global network of English language teachers.
Dr. Ikhsanudin highlighted that joining the competition was not only about winning, but also about learning from others’ resilience, creativity, and adaptability in times of crisis.
Empowering Future Educators
By motivating his students to engage with the SPELT Teacher Stories Competition, Dr. Ikhsanudin reinforced the importance of teacher reflection, innovation, and professional development. He believes that sharing stories of challenges and successes helps teachers grow, while also inspiring others in the teaching community.
This initiative aligns with the Master of English Education Study Program’s mission to nurture educators who are globally aware, adaptive, and committed to continuous improvement in their teaching practices.
A Global Community of Learning and Inspiration
The SPELT International Conference and its Teacher Stories segment remain a powerful reminder that teaching is a profession built on empathy, creativity, and resilience. By motivating his students to contribute, Dr. Ikhsanudin has opened doors for them to learn from the global teaching community while also sharing their own unique experiences as future educators.