De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D), in partnership with the U.S. Embassy's Regional English Language Office (RELO), is leading efforts to enhance English language education through a specialized training program for teachers.
Held at the Ayuntamiento de Gonzalez Reception Hall, the training focused on “Reflective Pedagogy through Storytelling: Unveiling Cultural Differences and Empowering Student-Centered Teaching.” The program explores storytelling as a tool for learning, equipping participants with practical strategies to make their classrooms more engaging and student-centered. Through hands-on sessions, teachers learn to craft meaningful narratives that promote critical reflection and continuous professional growth.
The initiative is a collaborative effort between DLSU-D’s Office of the Vice President for Global Engagement and External Relations (OVPGEER), the College of Education, and the Department of Education – City of Dasmariñas. Participants include students from the Professional Education Department, faculty members from DLSU-D’s Basic and Tertiary Education units, and public school teachers from the local DepEd division.
Two distinguished experts lead the training sessions:
- Joe Voigts, a seasoned language specialist and former Chair of the Department of English at the University of Chicago.
- Shelynn Riel, an expert in English for Academic Purposes, intercultural communication, and pedagogy, with experience facilitating teacher training in Argentina, Bangladesh, and China.
Aside from the training, DLSU-D continues to explore broader international opportunities. Representatives from the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Office—Jeffrey McIlvenna, Terrance Toledo, and Marco Dalima—recently met with Dr. George Francisco, DLSU-D’s Vice President for Global Engagement and External Relations. Their discussions covered potential initiatives such as fellowship programs, virtual exchange opportunities with U.S. universities, and access to the Open Professional English Network (OPEN). Once finalized, these programs will support faculty members across the Basic Education, College of Education, and Languages and Literature departments.
This initiative highlights DLSU-D’s strong commitment to teacher development, global engagement, and innovative practices in language education.