TIRF is excited to launch its new AI Show & Tell initiative, designed to support English language educators worldwide in exploring the innovative and practical use of AI tools in the classroom. This project reflects TIRF’s ongoing commitment to advancing English language education through research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

The AI Show & Tell project will create a dedicated virtual space where educators can discover AI tools that enhance teaching and learning. Each featured tool will come with a concise review card outlining its purpose, practical classroom applications, potential limitations, and a real-world example from teaching practice. Complementing these resources will be monthly tips and webinars, all aimed at giving teachers actionable strategies to integrate AI effectively.

The content for the AI Show & Tell space will be developed by a team of expert educators from diverse teaching contexts. This core group will identify tools and strategies to feature, generate short monthly video reviews, contribute review cards, propose webinar topics and speakers, and plan a rolling three-month schedule of activities.

Meet the AI Show & Tell Contributors

	Dr. Onur Burns holds a PhD in Applied Linguistics. He works as a language teaching instructor at The University of Arizona. He is also a CELTA certified instructor from The University of Cambridge. Before moving to Arizona, he worked as a Fulbright scholar at The University of California Santa Barbara. Beside language teaching, he is experienced in language teacher education. He facilitates professional development and collaborative learning experiences for language teachers, from K-12 to university level. His commitment to advancing the field also extends to scholarly work; in 2024 and 2025, he served as co-editor of the Journal of Second Language Acquisition and Teaching. Recognized for both his teaching and leadership, Dr. Burns has most recently received the Collaborative Teaching Award and the Centennial Achievement Award from the University of Arizona.
	Cristina de Vega Benavides works at CEIP Clemente Fernández de la Devesa in Medina del Campo in Spain, where she has served for over 12 years; she currently serves as the British Program Coordinator there. She teaches Literacy, Science, Social Studies, and Art at the Primary level. With a strong background in cooperative learning, reading, and hands-on methodologies, Cristina is dedicated to creating dynamic and engaging learning experiences. She is also an expert in ICT, with a particular focus on integrating AI into the classroom through active learning methodologies. Her innovative approach applies technology to boost student engagement and personalize learning.
	Dao Xuan Phuong Trang is a dedicated lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education and a researcher member of Center for Educational Research and Innovation of HCMC Open University. She holds a master’s degree in TESOL and is currently advancing her academic journey as a Ph.D. candidate at Open University. With a keen focus on enhancing language teaching methodologies, Trang has carved out a niche in several specialized areas, including English for Specific Purposes and the integration of technology in language teaching. Her contributions to the academic community are further enriched by her work as a textbook author and teacher trainer, where she combines theoretical insights with practical applications to support both educators and learners. As a researcher, Trang continuously explores innovative approaches to language education, making significant strides in the development of effective teaching strategies. She has been an active researcher, contributing her work to many national and international journals.
	Yiviri Rasifatu is a multi-award-winning English and Literature teacher and teacher educator from Cameroon. Her outstanding awards include the Fulbright Teaching and Excellence Achievement Program, the Hornby Scholarship, and the Commonwealth Scholarship. She is passionate about advancing education and fostering lifelong learning. Committed to empowering others, she devotes significant time to mentoring students and colleagues, guiding them to explore opportunities, sharpen their skills, and unlock their full potential. In this capacity, she serves as Partnerships Lead and mentor at Open Dreams and a mentor at The Africa ELTA Female Leadership and Mentorship Program. Yiviri is the founder of the Cameroon Multilingual Education Network (CAMEN), an initiative dedicated to advocating for multilingualism and equitable pedagogical practices in Cameroon. Her research interests include multilingual education, with a keen interest in inclusive and socially just pedagogical practices, as well as the potential of artificial intelligence in enhancing education in multilingual low-resource contexts.
	Raquel Ribeiro is a Certified Teacher Educator (British Council & City & Guilds) who specializes in AI-related teacher professional development training and webinars that promote dynamic, collaborative, and inclusive synchronous online classes. She coordinates and teaches at the online English program for the Brazilian Paralympic Centre, where she is also in charge of making the necessary inclusive adaptations for lessons, taking into consideration the para-athletes with total visual impairment or low vision having classes alongside sighted students. A recognized voice in the field, Raquel has shared her expertise at international conferences and live webinars for English teachers, including IATEFL, LABCI, and Google events. Her recent presentation on “Integrating GenAI into English Classes in Brazil” was featured at UNESCO Digital Learning Week 2024. She is also a co-author of the EVOLVE Teachers’ English Course book A1 & A2 and a contributor to “The World of Better Learning” blog, both by Cambridge University Press. Follow her work on LinkedIn and Instagram.
	Ana Petersen, an ESL specialist, has over 25 years of experience in teaching, coordinating, training, and curriculum development. She holds a degree in Business Administration and completed graduate studies in Advanced English, both from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, and earned a CELTA. She teaches in the Online English Program at the University of Central Florida and the English Language Institute at Seminole State College. Also, Ana directs an online language school. She is known for her enthusiasm, communication skills, empathy, and commitment to student success. As an AI pioneer, she creatively integrates innovative methods into language learning, enhancing ESL education through engaging, joyful, and meaningful experiences.

Through AI Show & Tell, TIRF aims to inspire educators to harness AI thoughtfully, enhance classroom practice, and build a global community of English language teachers sharing practical knowledge and innovation. The team’s work is already underway, with its first output expected later this year.

Continue to follow our updates for more information about this exciting initiative!