Conference news: Czech Republic
PARK Conference 2026: A Celebration of Teacher Development and Assessment Expertise
On 28 March 2026, the 32nd edition of the PARK Conference brought together English language teachers, academic experts and education professionals in Brno for a dynamic day of professional development, collaboration and inspiration. Widely regarded as the largest teacher conference in the region, the PARK Conference continues to play a vital role in shaping classroom practice and supporting excellence in English language teaching.
Image courtesy of www.parkconference.cz
A Leading Event for English Language Educators
Over more than three decades, the PARK Conference has established itself as a cornerstone event for teachers seeking practical ideas, fresh perspectives and meaningful professional connections. Each year, it attracts educators from across the Czech Republic and beyond, offering a rich programme of workshops, plenaries and networking opportunities.
The 2026 conference was no exception. Alongside contributions from major ELT organisations and publishers such as Cambridge University Press & Assessment and Macmillan Education, the event featured a wide range of expert-led sessions designed to enhance teaching effectiveness and deepen understanding of language assessment. Events like this remain essential in a rapidly evolving educational landscape, equipping teachers with the tools and confidence to support modern learners.
Margaret Cooze: Expertise in English Language Assessment
A highlight of this year’s conference was the contribution of Margaret Cooze, a highly respected figure in the field of English language teaching and assessment.
With an MA in Applied Linguistics and an MSc in English Language Teaching Management, Margaret brings a wealth of academic and practical expertise to her work.
Her distinguished career includes senior roles at Cambridge English Language Assessment and Cambridge Assessment International Education, where she has contributed significantly to the development and delivery of internationally recognised English qualifications. She is also the author of a number of ELT resources published by Cambridge University Press, alongside the Writing Masterclass series published by Prosperity Education.
Margaret attended the conference with the support of Prosperity Education and delivered her workshop, ‘Cambridge Writing Masterclass: How to utilise the Cambridge mark scheme in the classroom’. The session drew on her Writing Masterclass series, which takes a focused approach to exam preparation by covering individual Cambridge writing task types and aligning closely with official marking criteria.
During the workshop, Margaret explored how teachers can make more effective use of the Cambridge mark scheme in their day-to-day teaching. By clarifying assessment expectations and demonstrating practical classroom applications, she provided attendees with useful strategies to help students develop greater confidence and control in their writing.
Inside one of Margaret’s sessions
Prosperity Education and Teacher Development
Prosperity Education’s involvement in the conference reflects its broader interest in supporting teachers and contributing to professional dialogue within the ELT community. By collaborating with experienced authors and practitioners, and by engaging with events such as the PARK Conference, we remain connected to the realities of the classroom and the evolving needs of teachers.
At the conference, our books were made available through our regional distributor, MegaBooks. Operating for over 30 years in the Czech market, MegaBooks specialises in the import and distribution of foreign-language and professional literature, working closely with schools, universities and language institutions across the country. Their presence at the event helped ensure that teachers could explore and access a wide range of ELT resources, including ours, directly at the conference.
Daniel Mikeš and Radka Lexová at the Megabooks stand
Why Conferences Like PARK Matter
Teacher conferences such as PARK are more than just events — they are opportunities for reflection, exchange and professional growth. They provide a platform for sharing best practices, exploring new methodologies and staying up to date with developments in language teaching and assessment.
In an era of continuous change in education, the value of high-quality professional development is clear. The PARK Conference continues to stand out as a flagship event in Central Europe, offering teachers not only practical ideas, but also a sense of community and shared purpose.
Looking Ahead
As the 32nd PARK Conference comes to a close, its impact will continue to be felt in classrooms across the region. Teachers return to their students with new insights, fresh approaches and renewed motivation.
Events like PARK serve as an important reminder of the role that collaboration, expertise and ongoing professional development play in supporting effective teaching and meaningful learning outcomes.
We are already looking forward to our next event!
