Speaker: José Lobo (COLOMBIA)
Biodata:
José I. Lobo F. is a professor and researcher in Applied Linguistics and TESOL. He holds a B.A. in Foreign Languages from Universidad del Atlántico, an M.A. from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Cincinnati.
He currently teaches at Universidad del Atlántico in Barranquilla, Colombia, and collaborates with graduate programs such as the doctoral program in Applied Linguistics at the University of Panama.
He is also affiliated with Quality Leadership University, where he contributes to TESOL training.
Dr. Lobo leads the Bilingual Brain research lab and works closely with the Research Intelligence initiative.
His research focuses on EFL learning in vulnerable and moderate-income contexts, inclusion, pronunciation, code-switching, and student-centered research.
He has published academic work in international venues, including journals in the United States and the United Kingdom.
Among his recent publications are contributions to the Hispanic Journal (2024, 2025) and the co-authored book Transforming Struggles into Success (2025) with Alida Vizcaíno.
His work highlights how structured research experiences empower students to overcome challenges and achieve academic and professional success.
He is currently working on two upcoming books and several international publications that further explore innovation, resilience, and global collaboration in EFL contexts.
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Speaker: Elsa Carrera
Biodata:
Elsa Carrera is an academic consultant for PEARSON based in Lima, Peru, where she is responsible of giving academic training to English teachers of different institutions. Making a brief review of her academic and professional career, Elsa holds a Bachelor´s degree in Education with specialty in English (UDEP). She holds a master’s degree in education management (UDEP). She also holds Cambridge (FCE) and Michigan (ECPE) Certifications, and she has taken a course in commercial strategies B2B at Centrum – Universidad Católica. She is a Certified Virtual Master Trainer, and she has taken a leadership course at INCAE. In addition to that she has taken neuroscience courses at CEREBRUM.
In the last 25 years, she worked as an English teacher in different schools having the experience of implementing DP (IB) and advising in PYP (IB). Elsa had the opportunity to implement a whole English Program for a Peruvian Airline. She also worked as an English teacher for Language Centers. Besides that, she worked as a coordinator and as a chief in CIDUP and EUROIDIOMAS, she created and implemented customized programs for many companies including Peru and Ecuador.
Topic: “Educational Neuroscience – Understanding the Brain: The Birth of a Learning Science”
Abstract:
Educational neuroscience is the discipline that combines neuroscience, pedagogy, and psychology bringing the current research from how the brain learns, behaves, and relates to instructional practices in the classroom. Every class, assignment, and experience shape the
human brain.
Understanding how the brain processes information into learning and knowing more about what it takes for students’ brains to be engaged, responsive, and alert are fundamental to the teaching and learning process.
Speaker: Julio Valladares (PERU)
Biodata:
Julio Valladares, holds his MA in TEFL and Bacherlor’s degree in Education. He also holds a diploma in Competencias Directivas from the Business School of Universidad de Piura (PAD) and a diploma in Critical thinking by the University of Oregon.
He has been a teacher of English for more than 35 years. He has worked for Británico, Richmond, Camelot as teacher and teacher trainer; He has delivered academic lectures in different places in Peru and in Bolivia, Mexico, China and USA.
He is currently working for Universidad de Piura. He is in charge of the Teacher Development Unit of the language school; and Centre Manager for Cambridge Exams.
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Speaker: Daniel Cazco (ECUADOR)
Biodata:
He has been working as an ELT consultant and teacher trainer since 1994 and has been a speaker at TESOL and IATEFL conferences in Canada, Mexico, Bulgaria, Central and South America, Taiwan and China.
Topic: Rethinking English Language Education in the age of AI
Abstract:
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming education and challenging traditional approaches to English Language Teaching (ELT). AI-powered tools such as generative chatbots, automated feedback systems, and adaptive learning platforms are reshaping how students access information, practice language, and produce written and spoken texts.
This keynote presentation invites educators to rethink the role of English language education in the age of AI. Rather than perceiving AI as a threat, the talk explores how it can be integrated as a pedagogical ally to enhance communicative competence, learner autonomy, and critical thinking. It also addresses key challenges, including ethical use, academic integrity, and digital literacy. By examining practical classroom applications and emerging trends, the presentation highlights how teachers can harness AI to design more innovative, inclusive, and meaningful language learning experiences while maintaining the essential human dimension of language education.
Speaker: Giuliana Robles
Biodata:
She is a graduate of Universidad Cayetano Heredia and continued her professional education through an MA in Educational Psychology from the same University. She’s a Certified YLE and Main Suite speaking examiner from Cambridge Qualification and holds a C1 Advanced and CELTA certificate from Cambridge.
In 2012 she joined Universidad del Pacifico Language center as English Assessor. She worked for almost 10 years in Cambridge University Press and Assessment and now, she´s working as Key Account & Academic Support Manager in Helbling English Perú, where she oversees teacher professional development programs and the growth of their English programs.
Topic: “Teaching with Heart in the Age of AI: Bringing Emotion Back to the Classroom”
Abstract:
In the age of artificial intelligence, nurturing genuine human connections in the classroom is more essential than ever. This workshop highlights the importance of the emotional factor in learning and how it can coexist with the use of AI tools. Teachers will receive practical, ready-to-use activities designed to foster empathy, engagement, and meaningful interaction, helping them create a more
human-centered and emotionally supportive learning environment.
Speaker: Indira León
Biodata:
An experienced English instructor with 20+ years teaching all CEFR levels, Indira León has seen the steps English students take from the very beginning in their learning process until they get international certifications.
She has been a proctor and conducted interviews with candidates for international exams such as ECCE, ECPE, DELE and others. Her journey has also taken her to different cities around Peru to participate as a guest speaker for NatGeo Learning.
During her career at a binational center, she has participated in pilot programs to implement teaching techniques, delivered methodology and teaching practice courses as well as elaborated training material for new teachers. She is also a teacher trainer at the Specialization Program in English Language Teaching at Universidad Ricardo Palma.
Topic: “Effective Strategies for ELT: A Toolkit for learning”
Abstract:
As teachers, we are always trying to use activities adapted to the new changes of the educational landscape. In the process, though, we find traditional tasks that are still effective and new trends that promise to engage our students. Therefore, we always wonder, how do we choose what is best for our students? Are these strategies useful for learning beyond the classroom bounderies?
In this session, we will explore a toolkit designed to empower our students and boost their autonomy. We will dive into the most practical, research-backed approaches and their foundations considering ways to equip our students with essential life competencies through our English lessons.
