A free development course for English Language Teachers
Empowering Educators to Motivate Students
The American Center in Moscow invites English teachers to explore the materials for the professional development course “Empowering Educators to Motivate Students.”
Organized by the Regional English Language Office (RELO) and the American Center in Moscow, this practice-oriented course was grounded in current research and designed to help English teachers enhance student motivation, support social-emotional learning, effectively manage mixed-ability classrooms, and create engaging, low-anxiety learning environments.
Throughout the series, participants explored:
- Teacher wellness routines paired with student motivation and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities
- Practical strategies for integrating these routines into daily lessons and classroom practices
- Ready-to-use English language teaching tools and techniques
- The neuroscience and learning science behind effective classroom practices
- Classroom-ready activities and action plans that could be implemented immediately
Below, you’ll find the course materials, resources, and practical activities to help you implement these evidence-based strategies in your own classroom.
This workshop isn’t another program—it’s a transformation. It equips teachers with hope-driven tools that reduce teacher stress, boost student motivation, and build a thriving school culture.
"Quest for Purpose: Connecting to Our Why"
"Quest for Purpose: Connecting to Our Why"
Start LearningHarnessing Hope: Transforming Problems Into Possibilities
Harnessing Hope: Transforming Problems Into Possibilities
Start LearningFlipping the Script: Conquering Sabotaging Self-Talk
Flipping the Script: Conquering Sabotaging Self-Talk
Start LearningMind–Body Mastery: Strengthening Responsiveness
Mind–Body Mastery: Strengthening Responsiveness
Start LearningHeart of Teaching & Learning: Cultivating Connections
Heart of Teaching & Learning: Cultivating Connections
Start LearningPutting It All Together
Putting It All Together
Start LearningSafe & Trusting Learning Environments
Safe & Trusting Learning Environments
Start LearningEmotional Intelligence + Growth Mindset
Emotional Intelligence + Growth Mindset
Start LearningRestorative Community & Collaborative Problem-Solving
Restorative Community & Collaborative Problem-Solving
Start LearningBelonging & Motivation Through Hope
Belonging & Motivation Through Hope
Start LearningReflective Awareness: Reframing Obstacles & Refining Pathways
Reflective Awareness: Reframing Obstacles & Refining Pathways
Start LearningAbout the English Language Specialist
Dr. Donita Grissom, Senior Lecturer at the University of Central Florida and U.S. State Department English Language Specialist, is an international consultant and CEO of Best Questers. Author of High Five to Thrive and the forthcoming BOOST Playbook, she brings extensive global experience in teacher training.
Ready to Make English the Best Part of the Week?
Motivated Learners
Engaged and ready to grow.
Confident Teachers
Supported and stress-free.
Memorable Lessons
A space where English thrives.
Looking for new strategies? Start Learning Now!
Ready to grow as an educator? Continue your professional learning with the materials from this course and discover practical, research-based strategies to motivate students, support well-being, and create engaging learning environments.