Morocco Hosts First Ertiqaa Conference on English Teaching

Teachers are facing a rapidly changing world, and Morocco just brought hundreds of them together to share what's actually working in their classrooms.

The Ertiqaa International Conference 2026 brought educators, researchers, and training institutions to Casablanca for focused conversations about teaching English in the age of artificial intelligence and digital learning. The timing aligns with Morocco's 2030 vision, which includes expanding English instruction in public schools.

Ahmed Chalabi, Vice President of Ertiqaa, pointed to the speed of change in education. "The world is changing consistently, and the speed at which the world moves should actually alert us to act quickly," he said, referring to the shift from traditional classrooms to remote learning and AI integration.

The conference stood out for its emphasis on practical application over theory. Noureddine Khizani, co-founder of English Castle in Bouskoura, organized workshops showing teachers how to bring innovation directly into their lessons. "Innovation should be seen and visible in teachers and learners," he explained.

Research presentations tackled challenges educators face daily. Mohammed Abouria shared a study on teacher wellbeing in private schools, revealing how administrative burdens affect instructional quality. His findings highlight the need for trained leaders who can reduce these pressures on teaching staff.

International perspectives enriched the discussions. Anna Machura, an educator from Ireland, demonstrated how therapeutic techniques, neuroscience, and cyber psychology can be woven into everyday teaching. These approaches benefit both students and teachers, she noted.

Why This Inspires

The conference wasn't just about adults talking to adults. Teenagers from English Castle took the stage to speak about kindness, confidence, failure, and social issues. Public speaking trainer Zakaria ElHariri works with students to help them "stand on stage, convey messages, and make impact."

The strong turnout confirmed something important. Teachers want spaces where they can exchange real experiences and practical knowledge with colleagues from different backgrounds and countries. The collaborative energy in the room showed educators hungry for connection and solutions.

Ertiqaa representatives said they plan to return to Morocco for future conferences. The panels, workshops, and networking sessions reinforced a simple truth: innovation in education works best when it's grounded in what actually happens in classrooms, supported by research, and shared generously among educators who care.