Babak Jahanaray

Babak Jahanaray is an English language teacher and teacher trainer with over 13 years of experience in the field. He has worked with a wide range of learner profiles, from very young learners to adults and professionals, in various educational contexts. Babak holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an MA in English Language Teaching. He is also CELTA- and Delta-qualified, and has completed additional certifications focused on teacher development and training.

In addition to his extensive classroom experience, Babak has worked as a CELTA tutor for two years, guiding and assessing prospective teachers through their initial training. He currently mentors newly recruited teachers at his institution, supporting their development and helping them implement more effective, student-centered teaching practices.

He has delivered numerous training sessions for early-career English teachers, with a particular focus on student-centeredness, pronunciation, speaking, writing, and a range of classroom management techniques. His professional interests lie in fostering student engagement and designing practical, interactive learning experiences that promote authentic communication.

Abstract

Let Them Do the Work 

This practical session offers high school English teachers a set of engaging classroom techniques designed to boost student participation, promote meaningful interaction, and support language development. Participants will experience a variety of adaptable activities that encourage collaboration, critical thinking, and communication—especially suited for teenage learners in private school settings. The session will also include tips on implementation, classroom management, and adapting tasks to different proficiency levels. Teachers will leave with ready-to-use ideas that bring energy, focus, and purpose to both reading and speaking lessons.