Dear HUPE colleagues and friends,

We are delighted to announce our third plenary speaker at the HUPE Conference 2025 – Danijela Ille, Senior Advisor for English as a Foreign Language at the Education and Teacher Training Agency in Zagreb.

With her extensive experience in TEFL policies, curriculum development, teacher training, and quality assurance, Ms Ille brings a wealth of expertise to our community.

Her plenary talk, “Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration in Education,” will highlight how collaboration across fields enriches both teaching and learning. From integrated curricula and modular classes to Erasmus+ projects, Ms Ille will explore how diverse perspectives and skills can spark innovation, adaptability, and creativity in the classroom.

Join us in learning how cross-disciplinary collaboration can open new pathways for professional growth, networking, and impactful teaching!

Dear HUPE Members and Friends,

We are delighted to share some exciting news about the HUPE International Conference 2025. This year, we are honoured to welcome a distinguished educator and influential figure in the field of English language teaching—someone whose commitment to innovation and personal growth in education continues to inspire teachers worldwide.

Please join us in welcoming our second plenary speaker:
George Kokolas

Plenary Talk:
Crafting Character Through Language Learning

In this engaging session, George Kokolas will examine the increasingly important role of character development within language education. Grounded in the Seligman and Peterson framework, the talk will present practical approaches to helping students build resilience and unlock their potential through the recognition and nurturing of their character strengths. The plenary will also emphasize the importance of educator self-reflection and the intentional creation of a positive, empowering classroom culture—reminding us that true educational change begins with inspired teachers.

About the Speaker:
George Kokolas brings over two decades of expertise as Academic Director and Teacher Trainer at Express Publishing. He is a certified Level 7 TEFL teacher, a licensed Level 5 Positive Education Practitioner, and an ADVANCED Neurolanguage Coach®. He also holds a BA in English Literature and a Level 5 Diploma in Positive Psychology. Since 2017, he has co-produced the Teachers’ Coffee podcast, offering professional development insights to educators around the globe. Recognised in 2022 as one of Greece’s most influential ELT professionals, George has delivered more than 1,000 talks at international events. His contributions to TESOL Greece—as Vice Chair and founding member of IPEN Greece—further reflect his dedication to the ELT community.

We are confident that his session will leave you inspired and equipped with valuable ideas for personal and professional growth.

Dear final-year English language and literature students and students of primary teacher education: English Language Specialisation,

This year, HUPE is organizing its 33rd annual conference, which will take place in Poreč from October 24 to 26, 2025 – and we need you!

We invite you to join our team of volunteers! As a volunteer, you will be a key part of the conference organization, assisting with logistics and the implementation of all activities. In return, you will have the opportunity to:

• Attend lectures and workshops at the conference
• Meet top domestic and international experts in English language teaching
• Gain valuable contacts and insight into the real world of the teaching profession
• Enjoy free conference registration and accommodation at the Valamar Diamant Hotel
• Use organized bus transportation at discounted rates from several cities

If you’re interested in joining our team and helping us make this conference unforgettable, send us a short motivational letter explaining why you would like to volunteer, along with your basic information (name, surname, university, year of study, city, email, and phone number).

Applications are open until July 20, 2025, and more information about how to apply can be found here.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of the most important events in education and join our community of professionals!

We look forward to your applications!

The HUPE Team