PRESETT English Teacher Training Program Launched in Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The National Forum "Accelerating Reforms in the English Language Teacher Training System in Uzbekistan" was held in Tashkent on 23–24 June 2026.

The event was organized by the British Council, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education, and the Nizami National Pedagogical University. The key outcome of the forum was the signing of an agreement to introduce the new national educational program, PRESETT, into pedagogical universities across the republic.

The forum brought together university rectors and vice-rectors, faculty members, industry specialists, international experts, and heads of educational institutions from across the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony were Hilola Umarova, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education and Rector of the Nizami National Pedagogical University; Michael Horwood, Director of the British Council in Uzbekistan; Tom Kiddle, Director of the Norwich Institute for Language Education; and leaders of several universities. The participants emphasized the significance of the event and outlined priorities for modernizing the English language teacher training system.

The PRESETT program, developed under the British Council's "Accelerating English Language Learning in Central Asia" (AELLCA) initiative, was presented during the forum. The program introduces updated learning outcomes, a revised curriculum, and a strengthened connection between teaching, learning, and assessment. It integrates inclusive education, reflective teaching, artificial intelligence technologies, and international teacher training standards.

During the two days of sessions, participants discussed the outcomes of the AELLCA program, the conceptual frameworks for updating curricula, assessment mechanisms, and digital and competency-based approaches. International experts presented modern methodologies that ensure alignment between educational outcomes and knowledge assessment systems.

On the second day, discussions focused on the structure of language modules in the new program, the application of inclusive approaches in teaching, the use of artificial intelligence in the educational process, and the professional development of teaching staff. The parties also reviewed an action plan for the gradual implementation of PRESETT and defined the tasks for the next phase.

Following the forum, participants agreed on the consistent expansion of the program across the country's universities, the development of the PRESETT network, and the continuous professional growth of pedagogical personnel.

The AELLCA program aims to support national reforms in English language education, improve teacher training, and build more inclusive education systems in Central Asia. The Norwich Institute for Language Education in the United Kingdom serves as the academic partner for the program.