Curriculum Vitae

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Sisay Bezabih Alemu

Education Consultant · English Language & Teacher Development Specialist · PhD in TEFL · Former National Focal Person, GEQIP I & II and ESDP VI

Portrait of Sisay Bezabih Alemu

Profile

Dr. Sisay Bezabih Alemu is an Ethiopian education specialist with more than 20 years of experience in English language education, teacher education, curriculum development and education policy. At Ethiopia's Ministry of Education he has served as Senior English Language Development Expert, Senior English Language Curriculum Development Expert and national focal person for the World Bank-funded General Education Quality Improvement Project (GEQIP I & II) and the Education Sector Development Programme VI (ESDP VI), and he now works on the accreditation of colleges of teacher education. He holds a PhD in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from Bahir Dar University and offers training, consultancy, research and English–Amharic translation and editing.

Professional experience

Oct 2025 to present
College of Teacher Education Accreditation and Renewal Expert Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Develops and reviews accreditation, licensing and renewal standards, guidelines and assessment tools for teacher education colleges
  • Conducts institutional accreditation and renewal assessments against national quality assurance standards
  • Monitors implementation of accreditation requirements and recommends quality improvement measures
  • Prepares technical reports, policy documents and quality assurance guidelines for evidence-based decisions
  • Trains education professionals on accreditation and quality assurance
Apr 2021 to Aug 2025
Doctoral Researcher in TEFL Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
  • Quasi-experimental, mixed-methods study with 80 first-year students at Kotebe University of Education
  • Findings published in PLOS ONE (2026) and presented at national and international conferences
  • Representative of the PhD cohort: coordinated research discussions and organized academic events
Aug 2017 to Mar 2021
Senior English Language Development Expert Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Developed guidelines, strategies and frameworks for nationwide English language programmes
  • Coordinated the English Language Improvement Program and the English Language Improvement Centers (ELICs)
  • Led training of trainers (ToT) for English teachers
  • Wrote proposals for large-scale language education initiatives
  • Monitored and evaluated programme implementation across regions
Nov 2014 to Jul 2021
National Focal Person, GEQIP I & II and ESDP VI Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Planned and allocated GEQIP I & II funds for directorate, regional, college of teacher education and university activities
  • Monitored and evaluated how the funds were used and activities delivered
  • Coordinated the annual mid-year re-planning of project activities
  • Contributed to the preparation of ESDP VI (2020/21 to 2024/25), including UNESCO-IIEP sessions in Paris
Dec 2016 to Aug 2017
Senior English Language Curriculum Development Expert Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Revised syllabi in line with national curriculum standards and competency-based education
  • Designed scope and sequence frameworks for progression across grade levels
  • Improved student textbooks for accuracy, readability and learner-focused activities
  • Upgraded teacher guides with lesson planning tools and assessment strategies
May 2013 to Nov 2015
Communication Officer Ministry of Education, Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Monitored and analysed media coverage and reported to management
  • Wrote speeches, talking points and key messages for senior officials
  • Wrote articles, press releases and feature stories for media outlets
  • Coordinated press conferences, media briefings and interviews
Sep 2006 to Mar 2013
English Language Teacher and Assistant Head of the English Department Lideta Catholic Cathedral School (primary and secondary), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  • Taught reading, writing, listening and speaking
  • Led the English Language Club: debates, competitions and interactive activities
  • Reviewed and edited mid-term and final English examinations as assistant head of department
  • Supported academic planning, exam administration and quality assurance
Oct 2004 to Jul 2006
English Language Lecturer Royal College, Adama, Ethiopia
  • Taught English courses for academic and communicative competence
  • Advised teacher-researchers on research design, methodology and reporting
  • Coordinated departmental committees and contributed to programme development

Education

Apr 2021 to Aug 2025
Doctor of Education (PhD) in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Course grades: CGPA 3.97 / 4 · Dissertation rated Excellent
Jun 2010 to Oct 2012
Master of Education (MEd) in TEFLBahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
CGPA 3.60 / 4 · Thesis rated Very Good
Sep 1999 to Nov 2003
Bachelor of Education (BEd) in English Language Teaching and LiteratureBahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Translation, editing & writing

2025
Education Management Information System (EMIS) Guidelines Translation · English → Amharic · Ministry of Education, Ethiopia
Nov 2025 to present
Peer review for the Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication Peer review · English · Bahir Dar University · 3 manuscripts reviewed
13 to 25 May 2026
Peer review for Advances in Curriculum Design & Education Peer review · English · Wisdom Academic Press · 2 manuscripts reviewed
Jul 2026 to present
Peer review for the Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies Peer review · English · Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies
Oct 2025 to present
Accreditation standards, quality assurance guidelines and technical reports for colleges of teacher education Technical & policy writing · Ministry of Education, Ethiopia
2017 to 2021
Guidelines, strategies, frameworks and proposals for national English language programmes Technical & policy writing · Ministry of Education, Ethiopia
2016 to 2017
Grades 1–8 English student books and teacher guides Learning materials · English · Ministry of Education, Ethiopia
Dec 2017 to Jan 2018
Classroom English (CRE) module Learning materials · English · Ministry of Education, Ethiopia
2013 to 2015
Speeches, talking points, press releases and feature stories Technical & policy writing · Ministry of Education, Ethiopia
2006 to 2013
Mid-term and final English examinations Exam review · English · Lideta Catholic Cathedral School

Publications & theses (4)

  1. Sisay Bezabih, Abiy Yigzaw, Birhanu Simegne, Dereje Assefa, Dawit Dibekulu. (2026). Enhancing EFL reading proficiency through mediated learning: Impacts on cognitive and metacognitive strategies. PLOS ONE, 21(4), e0337355. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0337355
  2. Yinager Teklesellassie, Ebabu Tefera, Getu Tefera, Andualem Tesfa, Fanta Etefa, Tadesse Hirpa, Sisay Bezabih. (2025). Practice and challenges of computer-assisted language learning in English classes at Ethiopian teacher education colleges. Ethiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication, 10(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.20372/ejlcc.v10i1.1904
  3. Sisay Bezabih. (2025). Teacher Educators' Mediation in the Development of Learner Autonomy in Learning EFL Reading Skills: A Focus on Freshman Pre-service Trainees at Kotebe University of Education (KUE) in Addis Ababa. Bahir Dar University.
  4. Sisay Bezabih. (2012). Learner autonomy in EFL speaking skills classroom: Exploring students' and teachers' perceptions and practices in three Catholic secondary schools in Addis Ababa. Bahir Dar University.

Trainings delivered, talks & presentations

6 to 8 Feb 2026
Teaching language skills, classroom management, assessment, lesson planning and digital technology Training of trainers for primary and middle school mother-tongue language teachers · Ethiopia
2026
Enhancing EFL reading proficiency through mediated learning: impacts on cognitive and metacognitive strategies 13th National Education Conference on the Quality of Education: "Revitalizing applied education, igniting innovation, empowering futures" · Dilla University · Ethiopia
12 to 14 Dec 2025
School-Based English Mentoring (SBEM) Training of trainers for middle and secondary school English teachers · Ministry of Education with the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Education Bureau · Ethiopia · In person
15 Jul 2025
Beyond the classroom: English for networking, presentation and collaboration International visiting lecture, English Language Education Study Program · Universitas Muhammadiyah Brebes (UMBS) · Indonesia
12 to 13 May 2025
The impact of teacher educators' mediation on the development of cognitive and metacognitive strategies in learning reading skills 5th African Graduate Students' Conference · Bahir Dar University · Ethiopia
3 to 22 Aug 2024
Teaching reading, speaking, listening, writing, grammar and vocabulary, and teaching English with ICT 96-hour national capacity-building training for secondary school English teachers · Ministry of Education with Kotebe University of Education · Ethiopia
10 to 11 Jun 2024
The impact of teacher educators' mediation on the development of cognitive and metacognitive strategies in learning reading skills 4th African Graduate Students' Conference · Bahir Dar University · Ethiopia
18 to 19 May 2024
Active learning strategies for primary school language teachers Short-term training for primary school language teachers · Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Education Bureau · Ethiopia · In person
26 to 28 Mar 2024
Pedagogy for exam preparation, research and thesis guidance, research presentation and the Ethiopian exit exam Training of trainers for university instructors · Fidel Education Consultant and Dereja.com · Ethiopia
28 Apr 2023
Teacher educators' mediation in the development of learner autonomy in learning EFL reading skills Friday Seminar, Faculty of Humanities · Bahir Dar University · Ethiopia
7 to 18 Dec 2020
Classroom assessment, classroom management, COVID-19 response, student discipline, current trends in education and ICT Capacity-building training for public school teachers · Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) · Ethiopia
20 to 22 Oct 2020
The system of education in Ethiopia IUNC Global Online 2020: International Universities Networking Conference on changes in international higher education and digitalization · Eastern European University Association · Russia · Virtual
17 to 21 Feb 2020
Capacity development sessions for Ethiopia's education sector plan (ESDP VI) UNESCO-IIEP capacity development sessions · UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) · France · In person
17 to 27 Jun 2016
Listening, speaking, reading and writing, and teaching, learning and language Training for primary school English teachers · Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Education Bureau · Ethiopia · In person
27 Jan to 5 Feb 2016
Listening, speaking, reading and writing, and teaching, learning and language Training of trainers for secondary school English teachers · Oromia Regional Education Bureau · Ethiopia · In person
2 to 6 Jul 2015
Technical feedback for new English teachers in their practicum Peace Corps Ethiopia pre-service training practicum · Peace Corps Ethiopia · Ethiopia · In person
5 Apr 2013
Teaching reading skills and preparing teaching aids Practical workshop for English, junior and elementary school teachers · Lideta Catholic Cathedral School · Ethiopia · In person

Peer review & professional service

2026 to present
Peer reviewerAsian Journal of Education and Social Studies
2026
Peer reviewer (two manuscripts)Advances in Curriculum Design & Education (Wisdom Academic Press)
2025 to present
Peer reviewerEthiopian Journal of Language, Culture and Communication (Bahir Dar University)
2026
Cluster head, national examination (4 to 19 June 2026)Mattu University
2021 to 2025
Cohort representative, PhD programme in TEFLBahir Dar University

Awards & recognitions

19 Jun 2026
Certificate of recognition for exceptional leadership as cluster head for the national examinationMattu University
16 Sep 2025
Recognition for proofreading, editing and translating the EMIS GuidelinesMinistry of Education, Ethiopia
13 May 2025
Certificate of recognition as presenter, 5th African Graduate Students' ConferenceBahir Dar University
11 Jun 2024
Certificate of recognition as presenter, 4th African Graduate Students' ConferenceBahir Dar University
28 Apr 2023
Certificate of recognition for a research presentation at the Friday SeminarFaculty of Humanities, Bahir Dar University
22 Oct 2020
Certificate of appreciation as speaker on the system of education in Ethiopia, IUNC Global Online 2020Eastern European University Association

Certifications & training

6 Apr to 24 May 2026
Foundations of Artificial Intelligence (6-week online programme)Youth Empowerment and Economic Accelerator Platform (YEEAP) with Florida University Southeast and InnoLearn Systems
16 to 21 Mar 2026
International Faculty Development Programme on Research Methodology in English Studies (Grade A)University of Allahabad, Department of English and Modern European Languages, with the World Association of Authors and Researchers
27 Feb to 27 Mar 2026
Android Fundamentals (Global Chapters, Ethiopia)Udacity
7 Feb to 7 Mar 2026
Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals (Nanodegree program)Udacity
20 Jan to 20 Feb 2026
Programming Fundamentals (Nanodegree program)Udacity
11 Jan to 11 Feb 2026
Data Analysis FundamentalsUdacity
17 to 21 Feb 2020
Capacity Development Sessions for Ethiopia's Education Sector Plan (ESDP VI)UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP)
8 Nov 2017
Expert Training on the Revised Grades 1–8 English Language CurriculumUSAID READ TA project (RTI International)
1 Mar 2017
Formative Assessment of the Revised Mother Tongue Curriculum: from desk study to write-upUSAID READ TA project (RTI International)
4 to 5 Mar 2016
Empowerment through Knowledge: English as a Cultural and Educational Gateway Connecting AfricaU.S. Embassy, Addis Ababa
27 to 30 Aug 2014
Evidence-Based Planning and Decision MakingMinistry of Education with Kotebe University of Education
7 to 15 Aug 2014
Preparation for Teaching, Module 1: Cognitive Development and Literacy Skills at Colleges of Teacher EducationFlorida State University reading experts with the READ TA project
3 to 13 Dec 2013
Project Planning, Implementation, Monitoring and EvaluationEthiopian Management Institute
12 Sep to 8 Dec 2012
Basic Computer SkillsServer Computer and Language Training Center, Addis Ababa
7 Apr 2011 to 10 Jun 2012
Teaching English (Primary Level): teacher development programmeBritish Council, Addis Ababa

Languages

Amharic: Native language

English: Proficient user: C2 in listening, reading, speaking and writing

Skills

Education & Training: English language teaching (TEFL), Teacher education and mentoring, Training of trainers (ToT): design and facilitation, Active learning and learner-centred pedagogy, Classroom assessment and exam review, Curriculum, syllabus and materials development

Programme & Policy: Education sector planning (ESDP VI), Project planning, monitoring and evaluation, Work planning and fund allocation (GEQIP), Accreditation and quality assurance, Policy analysis and technical reporting, Proposal writing and stakeholder coordination

Research & Data: Quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research, Quasi-experimental design, Surveys, interviews and classroom observation, Data analysis with SPSS, Excel and EViews, Academic writing and peer review, Risk assessment and risk management

Language & Communication: Translation between English and Amharic, Editing and proofreading, Interpretation (English and Amharic), Speech, press release and feature writing, Public speaking and workshop facilitation, Digital tools for teaching (ICT, AI fundamentals)