Interview with Julián Serrano Heras

1) What is your connection to the REAL network and why is the REAL Network important to FEAPF? 

On a personal level, I have been working in the world of non-profit organisations since 1985 at very different levels. As President of the FEAPF, I participated in a feasibility study as part of the REAL1 Project, and my role in this second phase is to share my experience and my knowledge of associations and federations. As an organisation, the FEAPF is in charge of the ‘quality assurance’ aspect of the project in collaboration with the Centre international d’études pédagogiques (CIEP), and for the organisation of a seminar about ICT and task-based and project-based approaches which will take place in 2011 in Madrid.

2) What are the benefits of a European Network of Language Teacher Associations?

 A European network like REAL has the qualities and the flaws of Europe itself: a diverse union which finds strength in pooling both its similarities and its differences.
Such a network should be a relay between all the language teacher associations in Europe and between these associations and the European authorities. It should raise awareness of associations’ expectations and accomplishments, as well as their views on linguistic policy, plurilingualism and training at a European level. Exchange and dialogue on these issues are the very essence of REAL.

3) What is the biggest challenge for language teachers in Europe, in your opinion?

I think that the biggest challenge for teachers of languages in Europe is to find out about and to work towards the goal of plurilingualism in Europe.
The biggest challenge for our project is to encourage associations with their many differing interests, concerns and visions of reality to come together to work in the same direction.
For us, the fundamental issue is to transform this challenge, which could be considered as a handicap, into a force for creation, construction and action. This is the only way, in my opinion, that progress can be made in the creation of a truly plurilingual Europe.

4) Where do you imagine the REAL network will be in five years’ time?

I don’t imagine, I see a consolidated institution representing the majority of associations of all the languages taught in Europe; an institution esteemed and respected by its members, its interlocutors, national organisations and the European Union.

Julián Serrano Heras

Julián is a university lecturer, president of the Fédération espagnole d’associations de professeurs de français and of the Association de professeurs de français de Cuenca. He also is involved with the work of the Fédération internationale des professeurs de français (FIPF) as Secretary General of the Europe Commission and as member of the Administrative Council.

Fédération espagnole d’associations de professeurs de français

The FEAPF brings together around thirty associations from the provinces and the independent communities of Spain. It has three principle objectives: the promotion of the French language and culture; the demand for a coherent language policy; and the professional development of its members.