The conference titled “Every Voice Matters: Creativity, Compassion, and Trust in Inclusive English Language Education,” organized by the English Preparatory School of Arkın University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD), brought together academics, educators, and students on the ARUCAD campus. Focusing on equitable approaches to English language teaching, the conference addressed the creation of inclusive, supportive, and transformative learning environments for individuals with diverse learning needs.
In her opening speech, ARUCAD Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Burcu Toker expressed her pleasure in hosting the conference organized by the ARUCAD English Preparatory School, noting that the event provided an important platform for strengthening the understanding of inclusive education. Emphasizing that today’s classrooms consist of students with diverse backgrounds, learning styles, and needs, Toker stated that every student has the right to be seen, heard, and valued. She added: “Educational environments should not be spaces where information is merely transmitted, but places where students feel safe, can express themselves, and build self-confidence. This conference offers a valuable opportunity for educators to collectively reflect on inclusive, creative, and compassion-based approaches.”
Speaking as the host of the conference, İnanç Uçaröz, Director of the ARUCAD English Preparatory School, explained that the starting point of the conference was a real and frequently encountered classroom experience. “When a student knows the answer but cannot speak, we are confronted with a crucial question: How do we teach a language to someone who has something to say but has not yet found the confidence to express it? This question showed us that education is possible not only through accuracy or achievement, but by creating spaces where students feel safe, can take risks, and make their voices heard. Behind every grade, every level, and every outcome, there is a story and a need. While designing this conference with the approach of ‘Every Voice Matters,’ our aim was to remind ourselves why we chose this profession and to strengthen an educational understanding that prepares students not only for exams, but for life. I believe that the ideas shared here today will inspire more inclusive, creative, and compassionate teaching practices.”
The keynote speech of the conference was delivered by Lou McLaughlin, Director of EAQUALS, who is internationally recognized in the field of language education. McLaughlin addressed the relationship between inclusive language education and quality standards, and evaluated the importance of trust-based pedagogical approaches in classrooms with diverse learner profiles. The program also featured presentations and workshops by Steve O’Farrell, instructors from the ARUCAD English Preparatory School, and other speakers, covering topics such as inclusive classroom practices, learner diversity, mediation skills, and teaching approaches for different learning needs.
Following the opening speeches, participants came together at a cocktail reception held at the ARUCAD Art Gallery, while presentations and workshops continued throughout the day with both theoretical and practical content. The conference offered a strong academic and professional platform that encouraged experience sharing among educators and placed inclusive education at its core.
Organized by the ARUCAD English Preparatory School, the conference stood out for its approach aimed at strengthening inclusivity in language education and creating learning spaces where every student’s voice is heard.
