Santo Domingo, D.R. — The Teacher Development Center at Universidad Domínico Americano (UNICDA) successfully completed the Professional Development Week, a central component of the Boosting English program, a formative initiative designed to strengthen the pedagogical competencies of English teachers across the country.

 

This component was developed within the framework of the strategic alliance between UNICDA and SIT World Learning, with the sponsorship of the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, reaffirming the shared commitment of both nations to advancing excellence in English language teaching in the Dominican Republic.

 

More than 200 teachers enrolled in this professional development experience, which stood out for its flexibility and practical approach. Participants had the opportunity to choose between one and two short courses of 8 training hours each, tailored to their pedagogical needs and interests.

 

The training offering was implemented by SIT World Learning in a hybrid format that integrated both virtual and in-person sessions, giving teachers access to up-to-date content on communicative methodologies, reflective classroom practices, and student-centered teaching strategies.

 

The training week culminated in a reflective closing session, during which participating teachers were accompanied by Lois Scott-Conley, Senior Consultant at SIT World Learning and a recognized international specialist in curriculum development and teacher training.

 

In this space, participants shared their learning journeys, exchanged experiences about applying new strategies in their classrooms, and outlined goals for professional growth. Scott-Conley emphasized the importance of ongoing reflection as a driving force for teacher development and highlighted how strengthening English instruction in Dominican classrooms directly impacts students’ educational, professional, and economic opportunities.

 

The Professional Development Week reaffirms the mission of the Teacher Development Center at UNICDA: to train teachers of the English language in the Dominican Republic through innovative, specialized programs aligned with international best practices.

 

Every trained teacher becomes a multiplier of opportunities, equipping their students with the tools they need to successfully engage with key sectors of the economy, such as tourism, business services, technology, and international trade.

 

UNICDA extends its sincere gratitude to SIT World Learning and to the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo for their invaluable collaboration, as well as to all participating teachers for their commitment to educational excellence and their dedication to transforming English language instruction in the country.