intro

BETEA stands for Basque English Teachers' Association. It was formed in 1995 because a group of teachers felt there was a scope for an organization which would satisfy the need that many teachers had expressed to get together to promote English teaching activities. In June that year BETEA was constituted and registered as an association.

BETEA in the past
BETEA had about 250 members and it was open to any teachers from all educational levels: Nursery, Infant, Primary, Secondary, University and Academies as well as freelance teachers, both from public and private institutions.

BETEA also published a magazine which came out once every four months during the school year. Twelve numbers were issued till the year 2000. From the third one on, the magazines were published through OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, Spain.

There were also two conversation groups which used to meet every Friday in the 'Caf� Boulevard' in Bilbao and 'La Uni�n Artesana' in Donostia, in order to provide an opportunity for local teachers to practise their English. These meetings were open to anybody wishing to speak a little English. There was also a Film Club offering films in English. The first session took place in San Sebastian-Donostia and in Vitoria-Gasteiz on 29th January and in Bilbao-Bilbo on 5th February.

Undoubtly, the most ambitious project put into practice by BETEA was the BETEA Teachers' Days. The first of these was held in Donostia in December 1995 and was a complete success. Four more Teachers' Days were organised till 1999 (further information about them can be found in Activities).

BETEA today
The Association was run by a Committee in charge of the organization at all levels of its activities. Unfortunately, after the last Committee members had either resigned, ceased or intended to leave, BETEA did not manage to get enough new members to join the Committee. That is why it was announced to all the members in the Association that BETEA would be at a stand-by, which means that no activities will be organised, but the Association's name will continue legally as such, either until a new Committee is formed or the remaining funds are spent. Both the name of the Association and the membership list will be maintained, in case a new team decides to give BETEA a new boost in the near future.

Nevertheless, the conversation group is still alive and kicking in Donostia, where a group of people meet every Friday evening from 6.30 till 8 o�clock in 'La Uni�n Artesana'. Everyone interested in chatting in English will be welcome!