ELT FOR SUSTAINABILITY

About Us

ELT for Sustainability is an initiative and annual conference that brings together educators, researchers, and changemakers in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT) to explore how language education can contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable world.

Rooted in the belief that education plays a vital role in shaping a just and sustainable future, our initiative creates a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. We focus on integrating the principles of sustainability, social justice, and environmental responsibility into English language teaching, curriculum design, teacher training, and classroom practice.

Whether you're a teacher, trainer, materials writer, or policymaker, ELT for Sustainability provides space to share innovative ideas, reflect on the challenges we face, and reimagine the role of ELT in addressing the urgent global issues of our time.

Our Goals:

• Promote sustainability literacy in ELT contexts

• Empower educators to integrate sustainability themes into language education

• Foster global collaboration and knowledge exchange

• Support the development of practical resources and sustainable teaching practices

Join us in building a global community committed to transforming language education for a better future.

Founders

ELT for Sustainability was founded by two teachers passionate about English language teaching and sustainability, Aleksandra Popovski Golubovikj and Sabina Skenderovic.

Aleksandra is a passionate educator, materials writer, and leader in the global ELT community. With over 25 years of experience in English language teaching, she brings deep insight and a forward-thinking vision to her role as President/Vice President of the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL).

Born in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina but now based in Skopje, North Macedonia, Aleksandra’s journey in ELT began with a love of literature and language. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an MA in Professional Development for Language Education from the University of Chichester, UK. Her professional interests lie in areas such as multimodal literacy, inclusive materials design, and using English language education as a tool for social and environmental awareness.

Known for her commitment to diversity and teacher empowerment, Aleksandra advocates for a “no single story” approach—championing the inclusion of voices, texts, and perspectives often underrepresented in ELT materials. Her work frequently explores how learners can engage with language through multiple modes—visual, verbal, and digital—and how teachers can create meaningful, real-world communication in the classroom.

As a speaker and trainer, she regularly contributes to conferences and webinars worldwide, and she remains an active voice in the ongoing conversation about the role of English language education in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

At the heart of all her work is a simple, powerful belief: that teachers are agents of change, and that language education—when inclusive, purposeful, and collaborative—can help build a more just and sustainable future.

Sabina is an experienced English language teacher, school founder, and educational leader based in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As the founder and director of Big Ben Center for Foreign Languages, Tuzla she has dedicated her career to providing high-quality language education, empowering young learners, and fostering regional collaboration in ELT.

After earning her degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Tuzla in 2007, Sabina went on to complete her master’s degree in 2013 and is currently pursuing her PhD. 

Sabina is known for her innovative and people-centered leadership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she successfully transitioned her entire school online within just two days—ensuring continuity and care for her students and staff. Under her guidance, Big Ben has become a hub for international collaboration, most notably through a cross-border project connecting students and teachers from the Balkans, the UK, and the USA in interactive, volunteer-led sessions.

Beyond language teaching, Sabina is committed to community engagement and youth empowerment. She actively promotes humanitarian values, soft skills development, and learner autonomy—preparing her students not only to succeed in English, but also to thrive as responsible global citizens.

With a strong belief in collaboration, inclusion, and lifelong learning, Sabina continues to shape Big Ben Center into a dynamic space for education, innovation, and meaningful change.

Aleksandra Sabina