Jane Miller, Senior English Language Fellow 2002-2003, was the brainchild behind the ETRC. Her team of ten English-language teachers, from three institutions, designed the Center together to see this dream realized. The Center is a joint project of the U.S. Embassy in Moldova and the State Pedagogical University “Ion Creanga”.
It took three and half months to turn two ordinary classrooms into a spacious library and seminar area equipped with four computer workstations, a TV set with a multi-system VCR, an overhead projector; several tape recorders, and a photocopy machine.
On March 14 and 15, 2003 the English Teaching Resource Center (ETRC) opened its doors to the public. Many teachers from Chisinau and other cities and towns came to the opening of the center, timed to coincide with the national English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ conference. Many distinguished guests were present are the ERTC’s opening: American Ambassador to Moldova Pamela Hyde Smith, UK Deputy Chief of Mission Tony Kay, U.S. Public Affairs Officer Aleisha Woodward, high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Education, U.S. Regional English Language Officer Patricia Sullivan, administrators from the State Pedagogical University “Ion Creanga”. Ambassador Smith gave opening remarks.
On the opening day, the ETRC book collection consisted of 110 books on methods and techniques of English teaching. The library had no audio- or videocassettes at that time. Every month since then, the library grows with new additions of books and audio/videocassettes. Presently, the ETRC has about 1,000 books in its collection. There are thirty-eight videocassettes and about fifty audiocassettes. In addition, the ETRC has the accompanying audiocassette(s) or CD for almost every book on teaching listening, speaking and pronunciation.
In the past year, the ETRC has become a well-known institution throughout the republic of Moldova. Over 350 teachers have visited and used its resources. The ETRC conducts regular trainings and seminars for university- and pre-university teachers. The ETRC cooperates with U.S. Peace Corps volunteers, English Language Assistants, English Language Fellows, and Fulbright Scholars to offer top-quality seminars and workshops to Moldovan teachers of English.