Calendar and Speakers - Annual Convention - 2023
PANAMA TESOL CONVENTION 2023
“Inspiring Innovation in English Language Teaching”.
Monday, September 18, 2023
First session 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm
Keynotes Speakers
Dr. Debra Suarez | Tesol International Association: Innovations in Leadership: Teachers and Responsible Leadership in Schooling |
Nancy Reeves | Pearson: Find a unique ally in ChatGPT |
Glenn Mathes | Vista Higher Learning: The Roaring Twenties: Zooming to Robots |
Mauren Guevara | Quality Leadership University: AI….InnovAIting : are you up to the challenge? |
Debbie Psychoyos | ELT Innovation: Let»s Make it About Our Students! |
Grazzia Mendoza | Contributing to Learner Agency, Empowerment and Long-life Independent Learning |
The Future of ELL Assessment: How can we survive AI? by Alejandro Gil
Alejandro Gil
Understanding the use of Artificial Intelligence for English language assessment involves exploring the various applications and techniques that leverage AI to evaluate language proficiency.
Nowadays we have seen that terms like Natural Language Processing (NLP), Data analytics and progress tracking or Natural Language Generation (NLG) can be perceived as daunting by members of our teaching communities.
During this talk, we will explore the benefits and use of AI in English Language testing and we will discuss how technology should be used to augment and support traditional teaching methods rather than replace them.
M.S. in Education with Teacher Leadership specialization, Alejandro has been an academic for over 15 years as full-time teacher, English coordinator, and higher education programmes director in different private institutions in Mexico. He worked as Regional Academic Manager for ACT Education Solutions training teachers in competences under the Global Assessment Certificate programme. During 4 years as Head of Exams Business Development at the British Council Mexico, he developed and delivered the market led, integrated cross portfolio Business Development and Sales strategy in Mexico and the Caribbean cluster.
Currently as Head of Assessment for LATAM at Pearson Education, Alejandro is responsible for the sales strategy consultancy and positioning of the assessment portfolio for the world’s leading learning company in 18 countries in the region
Second session 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm
Discovering our own teaching philosophy by Gonzalo Diaz
Gonzalo Díaz
It is paramount for educators to be able to single out the features that make them who they are. Thought-provoking questions will be put forward so as to ignite what’s in their inner selves. Problem-solving moments might rise as part of the discussion in order to make us reflect on this issue of discovering our own teaching philosophy.
Gonzalo Díaz graduated as a teacher of English from Universidad Nacional de Tucuman – Argentina. He is also an US Embassy Alumni from different programs that allowed him to deep dive into XXI Century education. With his motto “Teachers never stop learning”, he´s been proactive to share what he has learned with colleagues worldwide
Audience Focus: College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
Effective ways to use AI in teaching student-led research by Prumel Barbudo
Prumel Barbudo
This presentation will explore a classroom-tested approach to teaching student-led research, with the transformative potential and risk of artificial intelligence (AI) in mind. Students will be given more agency to help them feel more personally invested in the writing process for one semester. This poster will suggest ways teachers can increase student engagement and strengthen their approaches to teaching basic research writing with the increasing popularity and power of AI in open education.
Prumel Barbudo is works at the National Institute of Technology, Matsue College in Shimane, Japan. He is a Specially Appointed Associate Professor for the Global Engineer Development Project and the former chapter president of West Tokyo JALT. He has a master’s degree in English Education and was a former Japanese Government Monbukagakusho (MEXT) scholar on teacher development research. He has extensive experience teaching at all levels of education in Japan and the Philippines for over 19 years. His research interests include ethnography in education, teacher cognition, metacognition, and interlanguage pragmatics.
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school
Session Type: Talk / lecture
Fostering Sustainable Practices Through ELT
Marcela Villan
During the pandemic, both academic and affective support were key for the success of the learning process. This presentation will analyse an experience at an Argentinean teacher training college where students participated in a podcast forum project for the subject Oral Discourse Practices. Through the use of collaborative feedback and feedforward, students experienced substantial benefits, including improved language fluency, increased motivation and active participation which helped keep social bonds in lockdown.
Specialist teacher in English Language from Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN) with a Diploma in the Pedagogy of Phonetics from Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM). Teacher trainer (English Language Teaching and Learning, and Phonetics and Phonology) at ISFDyT N° 55 in Escobar, BA, Argentina. Assessment specialist, item writer and content creator. National and International speaker. Graciela received the Mabel Gallo Award presented by Argentina Tesol in 2023
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school,Middle school,Elementary
Session Type: Talk / lecture Talk / lecture
Podcast Forums: A Collaborative Approach to Language Learning
Graciela Martinez
During the pandemic, both academic and affective support were key for the success of the learning process. This presentation will analyse an experience at an Argentinean teacher training college where students participated in a podcast forum project for the subject Oral Discourse Practices. Through the use of collaborative feedback and feedforward, students experienced substantial benefits, including improved language fluency, increased motivation and active participation which helped keep social bonds in lockdown.
Specialist teacher in English Language from Universidad Tecnológica Nacional (UTN) with a Diploma in the Pedagogy of Phonetics from Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM). Teacher trainer (English Language Teaching and Learning, and Phonetics and Phonology) at ISFDyT N° 55 in Escobar, BA, Argentina. Assessment specialist, item writer and content creator. National and International speaker. Graciela received the Mabel Gallo Award presented by Argentina Tesol in 2023
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
Demonstrating the Power of Extensive Reading on Standardized Test Achievements by Catherine
Cheetham and Melody Elliott
Under certain conditions, it is plausible that extensive reading (ER) could improve standardized test achievements, which would serve as a powerful attractor for both learners and educators. This talk will address the challenges of an ER program that aims to encourage reluctant readers to read more extensively through research which attempts to correlate reading achievements with measurable academic gains.
Catherine Cheetham is an Associate Professor at Tokai University in Japan with over 20 years experience in EFL. Her main interests are extensive reading and materials development.
Melody Elliott is a Professor at Tokai University in Japan with over 20 years of EFL teaching experience. Her educational interests include extensive reading, ESP, and content-based instruction.
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school
Session Type: Talk / lecture Talk / lecture
Third session 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Not Your Grandma’s Grammar: The Role of Grammar in Content and Language Integrated Instruction by Dr. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds
Dr. Kate Mastruserio Reynolds
In this plenary session, the presenter will suggest that grammar plays an important role within content and language integrated instruction. She will introduce the content/forms continuum with examples of grammar form instruction at each part of the continuum to lend support to her proposal. The presenter will illustrate ways to teach grammar within a balanced approach to content and language integration using examples drawn from K-12 content readings. A “secretly structural” teaching strategy for implicit form, meaning, and use inclusion within content classes will be shared, so educators can provide form-related instructional support for multilingual learners of English.
Kate Mastruserio Reynolds (Ed.D. University of Cincinnati, 2000) is a Professor of TESOL/Literacy at Central Washington University. She has taught educators in the US and abroad at universities and public-school districts and ESL/EFL in elementary, middle schools and universities various in contexts as well. Dr. Reynolds’ publications include Introduction to TESOL: Becoming a Language Teaching Professional, Research Methods in Language Teaching and Learning: A Practical Guide, and Approaches to Inclusive English Classrooms: A Teacher’s Handbook for Content-Based Instruction. She has contributed her expertise in presentations regularly at TESOL International Association, American Association of Applied Linguistics, National Association of Bilingual Education (NABE), and TESOL affiliates. In 2022, she was inducted onto the TESOL International Association’s Board of Directors and will serve until 2025.
Tuesday September 19,2023
First session 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm
From WHAT? To WOW! in Language Assessment by Gonzalo Diaz
Gonzalo Díaz
In this presentation, the concept of language assessment and its benefits will be developed following the What? To Wow! sequence by Prof. Matthew Murrie from What if…? Curiosity-based learning. Participants will also be presented with concrete tools to assess their students´ progress to ultimately build continuing learning communities.
Gonzalo Díaz graduated as a teacher of English from Universidad Nacional de Tucuman – Argentina. He is also an US Embassy Alumni from different programs that allowed him to deep dive into XXI Century education. With his motto “Teachers never stop learning”, he´s been proactive to share what he has learned with colleagues worldwide
Audience Focus: College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
Groundwork for Creative Writing
Kilda Palacios
Enhancing writing practices is a challenging task for EFL/ESL learners and instructors. The writing process requires a variety of linguistic elements in order to be successful. As instructors, our role is key to emphasizing and providing learners with engaging tools for the development of their writing skills in the early stages of learning English. This talk/lecture proposal intends to provide a list of specific strategies and updated resources helpful to enhance a solid groundwork for creative writing in the classroom.
I see myself as a committed professional, interested in language teaching and learning, with 7+ years of experience as an EFL teacher in Panama. I have experienced teaching in all levels of education and contexts (rural and urban areas) including, a position of a teacher trainer, supporting colleagues with specific knowledge in lesson planning and classroom management. In recent years, I have been focused on improving my skills in technology, communication, and leadership applied to language teaching and learning. Getting a master’s in applied Linguistics and another in Virtual learning environments have consolidated my purpose of improving my teaching practice to motivate and support my students. As a language learner I have been gathering experience in 4 other languages: French, Korean, German, and Japanese. Gaining experience and Knowledge through different language have helped me to understand from different perspectives and depth of language learning.
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school
Session Type: Talk / lecture Talk / lecture
Good habits for effective teachers
Isabel Cubilla
The majority of teachers are passionate about the work they do with their students. They love to inspire other teachers to facilitate effective and enduring learning. They are naturally engaged with the classroom environment and give their students the best possible educational experience they can have. This presentation is based on effective teachers’ habits that make students succeed.
Isabel Cubilla is an English Language Educator who has taught English for more than 20 years. She has a Master’s Degree in Language Teaching Methodology. She actively participates in different PD activities as an organizer, presenter, and mentor. She is a Tesol member who promotes English national and international teaching and learning. Also, Mrs. Cubilla is passionate about using technology to support language teaching and learning.
Audience Focus: Higher education, College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary, PK
Session Type: Talk / lecture
“Inquiry-guided Adventures for the development of metacognitive competencies”
Romina Estalles
Inquiry-guided instruction challenges traditional education encouraging teaching practices which promote the development of 21st. century skills. In this workshop, the audience will be invited to explore the benefits of introducing very young learners to metacognitive reflection through inquiry-guided learning. Practical ideas will be made available for the participants to design innovative topic units which pose problems to be solved.
Romina Estalles is a graduate ESL Teacher from Argentina with more than 20 years of experience working at private and public schools. As EFL Coordinator for “Secretaría de Educación y Empleo” in Vicente López, a northern district in BA, Argentina, she has become involved in the development of public policies and curriculum design. She currently leads state-run EFL Projects reaching more than 2000 kindergarten and primary school students
Audience Focus: Elementary, PK
Session Type: Talk / lecture, Workshop / Demonstration
Nurturing Inclusion and Motivation in Your English Class
Lorena Ojeda
In this session, teachers will explore the pedagogical benefits of storytelling as a tool to engage and connect students with their experiences and emotions to create a safe class environment that supports empathetic class discussions. By discovering a variety of strategies, teachers will be able to create a safe classroom environment for students to express their feelings and develop empathy, compassion and mutual understanding
Lorena Ojeda holds a bachelor’s in English Teaching and another in English with a major in Literature and Linguistics. She holds a TESOL certificate. She has worked as an ESL teacher in the USA. She is the Curriculum Support Manager at the US-based editorial, Our Storyscape by Voces Digital.
Audience Focus: All levels
Session Type: Workshop
Second session 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm
Empowering English Learners in Panama: Language Proficiency and Cultural Fluency
Christian Schoepke
«Empowering Panama’s English Learners: Strategies for Proficiency and Cultural Fluency. Explore innovative teaching methods, address challenges of Spanglish influence and pronunciation, sustain motivation, and advocate for English as a career tool in Panama’s global economy. Join us to nurture language skills and empower non-native English speakers.»
Christian Schoepke is an accomplished educator with a strong background in language and social studies. He attended Gymnasium «Otto-von-Guericke» in Magdeburg, earning his High School Diploma. As an exchange student at Sherburne-Earlville Central High School in New York, he obtained his Senior Year High School Diploma.
Christian continued his education at Martin-Luther-Universität, completing a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Education, specializing in grammar schools. He gained practical experience through a teacher traineeship at Gymnasium «Albert Einstein» in Magdeburg.
His professional journey began at Gymnasium «Albert Einstein,» where he taught English and Social Studies. Later, he became a university teacher in English, German, and Social Studies at Otto-von-Guericke Universität.
Christian’s dedication to education led him to international teaching in Panama City, teaching German. He currently shares his expertise in German as a foreign language and Business English at the Hamburg Business School of Panama.
Christian Schoepke’s career is marked by a commitment to teaching and a passion for nurturing student growth across diverse cultural settings.
Audience Focus: Higher education, College-level high-school, Middle school, Other
Session Type: Forum including Q&As, Panel discussion, Talk / lecture, Workshop / Demonstration
Thinking routines as a springboard to reading, writing and speaking
Daniela Saine
Learners should be provided with strategies that allow them organize their thoughts. Thinking routines are tools for promoting understanding and thinking, and at the same time, making that thinking visible. They are simple to use every day and provide scaffolding while students reinforce their macro skills and become critical thinkers about their learning processes and their understanding of the world.
Daniela is a college professor at the English teaching training course. She is a dedicated educator who is passionate about helping future teachers achieve their full potential. She holds a master’s degree on teaching English as a foreign language. Moreover, she is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to engage trainees and help them plan motivating and inclusive lessons. She has also done research on the active pause and teaching comprehension.
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school,Middle school
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration
Designovation, Unleashing the Art of Thinking
Albert Fernandez
Unleashing the Creative Power of Design Thinking! Embark on a transformative journey that combines empathy, ideation, and iteration to fuel revolutionary problem-solving. Witness the artistry of design thinking as it sparks imaginative solutions, empowers collaboration, and shapes a brighter future. Join this workshop in redefining possibilities and unleashing the creative force that lies within design thinking’s core principles.
His name is Luis Albert Fernandez, he is an experienced educator with a bachelor’s degree in Pedagogy from Tlaxcala, Mexico, and a Graduate Degree in Education from Universidad de Los Ángeles Puebla. With a passion for teaching and a focus on language instruction, Luis Albert Fernandez has a diverse background in language schools, foundations, and educational centers. He has coordinated and taught English as a Second Language, developed curriculum, promoted cultural integration, and facilitated international exchanges. Currently serving as the General English Coordinator at Fundación Providencia, Luis Albert Fernandez also acts as an EducationUSA Adviser, promoting educational opportunities and scholarships for Mexican students.
Audience Focus: College-level high-school, Middle school
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration
Simple Present, Third-Person Singular Grammatical Structure Acquisition in Writing
Jean Carlo Núñez Jiménez and Karol Paola Hernández Gómez
This study aimed at analyzing how EFL learners improve the acquisition of the simple present, third-person singular grammatical structure in writing. The research method is a case study. To collect the data, an interview, a questionnaire, and a diagnostic test were applied. Some of the results showed that carelessness errors and rule generalization errors are the most common students face.
Karol Hernández Gómez holds a Bachelors in English Teaching from Universidad Nacional, Campus Coto and a Masters in Social Sciences. She is currently taking a Masters in Applied Linguistics in English Teaching as a Foreign Language. She worked at Universidad Nacional in 2019. She has worked at Universidad de Costa Rica since 2020 and at Ministerio de Educación Púbica as an English teacher in a Technical High School since 2022.
Professor Jean Núñez Jiménez holds a Bachelors in English Teaching from Universidad Nacional, Campus Pérez Zeledón and a Masters in Social Sciences. He is currently taking a Masters in Applied Linguistics in English Teaching as a Foreign Language. He worked at Centro de Idiomas de la Universidad Nacional from 2019 to 2022. He has worked as an English Professor at Universidad Nacional and at Universidad de Costa Rica since 2022.
Audience Focus: Higher education, College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary
Session Type: Talk / lecture
Third Session 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Teacher Habits that Inspire and Boost Learning
Francisco Brizuela
«Connect first, teach then» is not a quote to me but a belief that has significantly changed the way I teach. This session aims to revitalize your teaching practices in a way you could inspire your students to take controlled risks, build character, and grow smarter. The ultimate goal is to help you build habits of a happy teacher.
Francisco Brizuela is a ten-year-experience teacher who currently works at Happy Days School & Freedom High School in San Pedro Sula, Cortés, Honduras. He is a Writing Specialist accredited by The Reading and Writing Project: Columbia University, NY. He believes in the power of Students´ Agency to build stronger Learning Communities. In addition, he includes technology, reading, and creative writing into his daily lessons. He has recently discovered the way to connect, teach, and lead trough PBIS
Audience Focus: Middle school, Elementary
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration
21st Century skills to foster agency
Marcela Danowski
There is a growing demand to prepare students with vital academic and social skills for success. These 21st-century skills require nurturing in classrooms to empower students. In this talk, the audience will learn practical methods and activities applicable across all subjects, promoting critical thinking, collaboration, leadership, creativity, and metacognition in students.
Marcela Cecilia Danowski is a graduate Teacher of English. She holds a Diploma in English Phonetics and Phonology and Educational Management. She is currently completing a postgraduate degree on English Language.
She has been teaching General and Business English for more than 15 years in different private institutions, as well as carrying out coordination roles. She also works as a Speaking Examiner for various English Language Assessment Institutions.
She holds the chair for ‘Prácticas Discursivas de la Comunicación Oral I’ and ‘Introducción al Inglés con Fines Académicos’ at the St. Trinnean’s Teaching Training College, San Isidro.
For the last years, she has delivered talks at local, regional and international conferences as a freelancer and published articles in academic journals.
Audience Focus: College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary
Session Type: Talk / lecture
Translanguaging –vs- Code Switching
Ricardo Roman
I will argue that translanguaging is a relatively new theory in pedagogy. In contrast to code-switching and word mixing, translanguaging is an emerging concept to offer another explanation for how people use language. Translanguaging uses both languages in a strategic way that creates a new meaning with no direct translation in either of the two languages. We will look at both theories and discuss the pros and cons of both TLAN and CS.
My name is Ricardo Roman Jr. I am from Chicago, Illinois. I have been teaching English and business writing courses for QLU in Panama for over 18 years. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Latin American and Caribbean Studies (LACS) from Florida State University, a Master´s in Business Administration (MBA) from NOVA Southeastern University, and a Master of Arts degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland.
My viewpoint on teaching is simple, have a strong belief on student growth and participation. My responsibility is to engage the students to try to relate class materials based on their previous experiences and their future goals.
I am also very interested in conducting research. Research helps me with memory restoration and maintenance as well as numeracy and problem-solving abilities. Conducting research has helped me to develop advanced professional skills in industry oriented based issues for higher capacity to learning.
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school
Session Type: Talk / lecture Talk / lecture
Wednesday, September 20,2023
First session 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm
"Empowering Educators: A Workshop on Social-Emotional Learning"
Luis Fernando Rincón
In today’s diverse and fast-changing educational landscape, teachers play a critical role in shaping the social and emotional development of their students. This workshop will equip educators with the knowledge and tools needed to foster well-rounded individuals.
This interactive workshop will provide teachers with a comprehensive understanding of the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) aspect and its profound impact on the classroom environment. Participants will engage in discussions, practical exercises, and explore the core competencies of SEL, including self-awareness, self-regulation, interpersonal skills, and empathy.
Through examples and best practices, attendees will rediscover effective SEL strategies which can be incorporated into different teaching methodologies. Additional topics to be covered: classroom management, conflict resolution, and inclusive learning environments to support SEL.
Join this workshop and empower yourself with the skills and insights to nurture your students with the social emotional skills needed to be successful both academically and personally.
Let’s explore the transformative potential of SEL in the classroom, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for both teachers and students.
Luis Fernando is a valuable member of Vista Higher Learning, where he serves as an International and New Markets ELT Specialist. With a remarkable career spanning over 17 years in bilingual education, he possesses extensive expertise in teaching English as a second language and North American literature in bilingual schools located in Bogota. During his tenure, Luis Fernando has skillfully designed and implemented reader plans, enriching the curricular programs of these institutions. Notably, his ability to incorporate artistic and historical events into the classroom has yielded exceptional results.
Luis Fernando holds a bachelor’s degree in modern languages with a specialized focus on business. Furthermore, he has acquired a diploma in translation from the esteemed EAN University. To enhance his instructional abilities, he has pursued certification in instructional design for E-Learning from IT Madrid Business School. Combining his passion for education with his diverse skill set, Luis Fernando strives to make meaningful contributions to our country’s education system. As a devoted father, he finds constant inspiration in his two amazing children, further fueling his dedication to improving the learning experiences of students nationwide.
Second session 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm
Empowering Academic & Professional Learners: Tailoring Language Instruction Effectively
Cesar Correa
Unlocking Success: Tailoring Language Instruction for Academic and Professional Excellence. This workshop delves into English for Specific Purposes (ESP) and English for Academic Purposes (EAP), highlighting strategies to address learners’ specific language needs in diverse academic and professional contexts.
Cesar A. Correa holds a Diploma in TESOL, Diploma in TeacherTrainer and Advanced Diploma in Neuroscience of Education with a special degree in Physiology and Morphology of the Brain in Education. He lived and studied in London for more than 2 years. He has worked in many Educational and Global Companies around the globe. He has been a speaker in Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia, IATEFLYLTSIG, EGI immersion weekends for TESOL/TEFL teachers and the Middle East to name a few. He currently works as a teacher trainer and tutor at Univerdad Tecnologica del Uruguay, UTEC and Ceibal Maestros as well as being an Academic Consultant for Colegio Areteia Secondary and Primary sectors.He was shortlisted for the Best Dedicated Teacher Award, 2022 and 2023 by Cambridge University.
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school,Middle school
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
Finding Inspiration through Innovations in Professional Learning
Raichle Farrelly
This session explores innovative approaches to continuing professional development (CPD) for TESOL practitioners. The presenter introduces seven guiding principles of effective CPD then showcase four effective models spanning geographic regions and educational contexts. Attendees will engage in dialogue about existing and aspirational models of CPD for their respective settings.
Raichle Farrelly is an Associate Teaching Professor and Director of the TESOL Program at the University of Colorado Boulder. She offers courses on principles and practices in TESOL, teaching L2 oral skills, pedagogical grammar, and introduction to Linguistics. Farrelly co-edited Educating Refugee-background Students: Critical Issues and Dynamic Contexts, the Handbook of Research on Cultivating Literacy in Diverse and Multilingual Classrooms, and Continuing Professional Development of TESOL Professionals: A Global Landscape.
Audience Focus: Other, please specify
Session Type: Forum including Q&As Forum including Q&As
Fantastic Free Tech Tools for Language Teachers
Eva Ramos
Do you like to incorporate technology in your classes? If your answer is yes, this workshop is for you! If your answer is not really, this workshop is also for you! This workshop will provide you with tools that are free, simple to use, and engaging. Your work will be easier and the results amazing.
Ms. Eva Ramos, a Hubert H. Humphrey program alumna, has more than twenty years of experience as an EFL teacher and trainer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English and a M.A. in TESOL from the University of Panama. Ms. Ramos holds certifications as an EFL/ESL teacher and as Elementary Science Teacher from SIT and University of South Florida, respectively. She currently works at the Ruben Dario School and at OTEIMA University.
Audience Focus: College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary, PK
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
From bread to filling: essential ingredients for an engaging class
Cecilia Bonavetti
As teachers, we know that student participation is key to a successful class. The aims of this talk are to review the benefits of student participation, revisit the basic stages of a lesson, and share practical strategies on how to foster students’ active participation throughout the class.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching and a master’s degree in teaching English as a Foreign Language. With over 20 years of experience, mainly in university contexts, I have taught diverse age groups and proficiency levels. I’m an accomplished EFL materials writer and have conducted workshops and talks, contributing from my experience to the field of English education
Audience Focus: Middle school,Elementary,PK
Session Type: Talk / lecture Talk / lecture
Title The Alpha and Omega of Next-Gen Teaching and Learning
Silvia Breiburd
21st century students’ collective identity poses unprecedented challenges to ELT practitioners. This very interactive presentation will connect specific language objectives with students’ present learning requirements. Participants will find out ways of reaching students’ interest through less stressful teaching that also includes generative AI tools and their take-away will include five keys for achieving successful outcomes with GenZ and Alpha students.
Silvia Breiburd is a teacher and researcher with wide experience in primary and secondary teaching and managerial positions. A prolific writer, international lecturer and teacher trainer at INSPT Universidad Tecnológica Nacional and ISFDyT Pedro Poveda; Silvia advocates generational-friendly sustainable leadership, teacher empowerment through action research and the adjustment of ELT to new educational paradigms.
Audience Focus: Primary and Secondary teachers. School administrators.
Session Type: Practice-oriented session
Third session 8:00 -9:00 pm
A Practical Guide to Strengthen a Classroom Community
Kilda Palacios
After the pandemic teachers have faced multiple challenges to integrate and motivate students back into a classroom community, due to the abrupt shift students and teachers experienced from distance learning back to a face to face learning. This talk/lecture proposal relies on understanding the concept of a classroom community, its significance, and a guide of practical tools and strategies to strengthen a classroom community in an EFL/ESL classroom.
I see myself as a committed professional, interested in language teaching and learning, with 7+ years of experience as an EFL teacher in Panama. I have experienced teaching in all levels of education and contexts (rural and urban areas) including, a position of a teacher trainer, supporting colleagues with specific knowledge in lesson planning and classroom management. In recent years, I have been focused on improving my skills in technology, communication, and leadership applied to language teaching and learning. Getting a master’s in applied Linguistics and another in Virtual learning environments have consolidated my purpose of improving my teaching practice to motivate and support my students. As a language learner I have been gathering experience in 4 other languages: French, Korean, German, and Japanese. Gaining experience and Knowledge through different language have helped me to understand from different perspectives and depth of language learning.
Audience Focus: Higher education, College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary, PK
Session Type: Talk / lecture, Workshop / Demonstration
Sparking Very Young Learners' Curiosity in the English Classroom
Monica Aguilar
Preschoolers are usually characterized by asking very deep questions related to nature and our environment. As educators, we can take advantage of that natural curiosity to foster their interest for science. During the session, we’ll explore how the framework of Universal Design for Learning and other strategies can be valuable resources to make our (STEAM) lessons effective and very enjoyable.
Mónica Aguilar is a sociologist and teacher trainer based in Guatemala, working for the country’s binational center Instituto Guatemalteco Americano IGA. Mónica hasworked in the EFL field for over a decade, holds an SIT TESOL certificate, and has also had the experience of coordinating language and professional development programs. Her main areas of interest are identity, culture, and language acquisition.
Audience Focus: PK, Elementary
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
Enhancing Language Acquisition through Educational Technology
Kayla Timmons and Fanny Giuliani
In this session, we’ll explore strategies with edtech for differentiating instruction for English Language Learners. Discover how to adapt teaching methods and materials to meet diverse student needs, promoting language development and academic success. Explore practical techniques, resources, and interactive exercises to enhance the learning experience and create engaging classes!
Kayla Timmons is an ESL teacher with three years of teaching in a K-12 setting at Northwest Allen County Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Secondary English Education from Ball State University and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in TESOL at Huntington University. In addition to her teaching experience, Kayla has dedicated her time to volunteering as an ESL instructor for adult learners. Her passion lies in empowering both students and educators by providing innovative and engaging learning situations. Currently Kayla serves as an international sales development representative at nearpod. Leveraging her TESOL and ESL skills, she connects with potential customers from various countries and cultures. Through her role, she demonstrates how nearpod can transform classrooms and improve educational outcomes.
Audience Focus: Higher education,College-level high-school,Middle school,Elementary,PK
Session Type: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
Relative Clauses in Written Hong Kong English: A Corpus-Based Study
Chi Wui Ng
This study verifies predictions of hypotheses about second language learners’ development of English relative clauses (RCs) with data of written Hong Kong English (HKE) and identifies quantitative and qualitative differences in attributes of RCs between HKE and British English (BrE) by using data from the Hong Kong and Great Britain components of the International Corpus of English.
Audience Focus:Higher education
Session Type: Forum including Q&As, Panel discussion, Talk / lecture
Chi Wui NG is a versatile Hong Kong Chinese who is a doctoral student in the Academic Unit of Social Contexts and Policies of Education, the University of Hong Kong. Prior to commencement of his doctoral studies, he completed a co-terminal double degree programme in English Studies and English Language Education along with a Linguistics minor during his undergraduate studies and completed a research Master’s degree in Applied English Linguistics while serving as a full-time Graduate Master in aided secondary schools in Hong Kong. His research interests in the field of educational studies are higher education, doctoral education, and social reproduction whilst his research interests in the field of applied linguistics are English grammar, second language development, second language instruction, pedagogical grammar, grammar of Hong Kong English, and corpus linguistics.
3T's Of Crypto
Manuel Rivera III
I will discuss what I have «coined» as the «3T’s of Crypto» – Training – Trading – Transactions Training and education is key in this space. Educating on what blockchain is and than training on how to operate in it. As there are many blockchains to discuss Bitcoin and the XRPL are the main focus of this section. Trading one asset for another. How to purchase an asset, trade an asset, secure an asset. – This is quite important when interacting in this new world of crypto. Understanding what a good trade is and how to complete it knowing what the true cost is (ie: Gas fees) Transactions.
Audience Focus: Higher education, College-level high-school, Middle school
Session Type:Talk / lecture
Manny Rivera discovered his talents on his family computer while programming, tinkering, and of course breaking it. He’s now been in the business for almost 20 years. Manny later progressed to high school where he attended Howell Cheney Technical High School in Manchester, CT. There he earned his Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and the honor of being one of Connecticut’s youngest certificate holders by the age of 17. After he graduated he went on to work at numerous data centers across the state, working with major companies like Cigna, UTC and even Microsoft as a consultant. In 2007 Manny along with his wife Diana, created the MD TECH TEAM. The MD TECH TEAM prides themselves as an expert in the creation of Joomla websites.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
First session 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm
What If? Motivating Learners in All Classrooms
Jair Felix
The use of stories and hypothetical situations have been an established part of communication skills and intercultural skills training for many years. Asking learners, ‘What if you were in this situation?’ provokes discussions and gets students talking and sharing in ways that improve fluency and encourages personal reflection. This talk explores how we can use these activities to motivate and engage students in all classrooms
Jair Félix is a National Geographic Learning Senior ELT Academic Consultant for Latin America. He has a B.A. in TEFL from Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa in Mexico and a Post-Graduate Degree on Teachers’ Development from The College of St. Mark & St. John, Plymouth, UK. Jair has been involved in language teaching and teacher training for over 23 years and has conducted workshops on various topics such as lesson planning, discourse analysis for language teachers, action research, educational technologies, and 21st century skills, among others. Jair also holds a Diploma in Teaching English for Specific Purposes (DipTESP) and the E-Tutoring Certificate from the British Council. He is a frequent presenter at ELT conferences throughout Latin America
Audience Focus:
Session Type:
Second session 6:45 pm to 7:45 pm
Using the Teaching and Learning Cycle to Scaffold Expressive Skills
Fernando Gonzalez
Participants will be able to get familiar with an approach that helps scaffold writing and speaking in EFL classrooms. Participants will explore one approach taken by an ELL elementary educator to introduce grammar concepts, and scaffold expressive skills. Thinking beyond «I do, we do, you do;» this session highlight the importance of «building the field,» discourse exploration and student’s reflection.
Fernando Lesniak is a Ph.D candidate in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Second Language Education. He is an Adjunct Professor at Saint Cloud State University teaching US culture and English for Academic Purposes. He also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Linguistics and TESOL Methods at the University of Minnesota Teacher Licensure Program. His research interests include acoustic phonetics, teacher education, translanguaging, social justice and gender-just pedagogies.
Audience Focus: Higher education, College-level high-school, Middle school, Elementary
Session Type: Forum including Q&As
Shakespeare in the Twenty First Century: Using Instagram in Literature Analysis
Pilar Capaul
Instagram stories, hashtags and…Shakespeare? In this talk, Pilar is going to share her experience of making literature analysis for IGCSE Exams more enjoyable and engaging for pre-teen students by using social media to bridge the gap between their everyday lives and the intricate narratives of literary classics.
Pilar Capaul is a teacher from Argentina. She teaches English at International House Buenos Aires and Newlands school, and has delivered talks for International House, and TESOL in the last couple of years. She´s also the creator of @TeachersofEnglish_ on Instagram, a blog where she shares her daily teaching experience and useful ideas
Audience Focus: Middle school
Session Type: Talk / lecture
Scaffolding Thesis Writing
Araceli Salas
Writing a thesis can be a painful process for students and supervisors. During this presentation, we will go through the stages in which supervisors can scaffold thesis writing, especially undergraduate ELT students. The presentation will go from selecting a thesis topic to going over ethical considerations when carrying out research. Hopefully, attendees will identify useful ideas to scaffold thesis writing.
Araceli Salas has a PhD in Language Science and an M.A. in ELT. Dr. Salas is a professor/researcher at BUAP, México. She has been a speaker in international events and published several articles and chapters in the field. Dr. Salas serves as the editor-in-chief of Lenguas en Contexto (BUAP) and an associate-editor of the MEXTESOL Journal. Her research interests include teacher-education, Discourse Analysis and Leadership in ELT.
Audience Focus: Higher education
Session Type: Talk / lecture
Fusion between Old School and New Age Teaching
Lissa Ramirez
The use of technology needs to be merged with old school instructions. As much as we want to reduce our intervention to 10 percent, and empower students into taking the reins of their learning process, we teachers must still set some boundaries on when students are going to use the different tools available to them, giving them structure and purpose.
I have been a Teacher for 17 years, in multiple levels, and in multiple subjects offered in English, subjects such as Science, Speech, Literature, Human and Organizational Development, Tourism and Business. Teaching is my way of paying forward the opportunity that was given to me at a very young age.
Audience Focus: College-level high-school,Middle school,Elementary,PK
Session Type: Forum including Q&As,Talk / lecture Forum including Q&As,Talk / lecture
Implementing Context-Based Learning: The Book Launch Case Study
Giselle Donalicio
Contextualization is an approach in which skills are taught with direct reference to real-life situations in order to make the skills meaningful to students. In this presentation we will look into a case study where learners were expected to publish a book and language literacy skills were developed in the process such as semantics, syntax, and pragmatics.
Giselle Donalicio is an American Literature Professor at QLU. She is the author and curriculum designer of the Literature undergraduate program at UDI and a high school English teacher at Balboa Academy. She holds a BA. In Humanities, a postgraduate in Higher Education and a Matesol She´s been active in the areas of didactics and research for over 9 years. A passionate educator with an interest in inspiring upcoming generations.
Audience Focus: College-level high-school
Session Type: Talk / lecture
Motivate While You Manage: Four Student-Centered Activities to Inspire Engagement
Virginia Nicolai
Student-centered teaching strategies inspire English language learners to actively participate in their learning. Learn about four essential concepts from the Online Professional English Network (OPEN) Program’s online course “Fostering Student Motivation and Engagement,” and an example activity for each concept from the American English website. The presenter will explain how each activity, which can be adapted for various levels and contexts, encourages student motivation while supporting classroom management.
Virginia Nicolai has a Master of Arts in Applied Linguistics and nearly twenty years of experience teaching English on five continents around the world. She has served as an English Language Fellow in Cameroon and most recently as an English Language Specialist with the U.S. Embassy in Panamá. She is currently an Associate Professor of English as a Second Language at Colorado Mountain College in the USA and a member of the Board of Directors of Colorado Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (CoTESOL). She has presented at conferences and workshops for various teacher associations, including CoTESOL, Cameroon English Language and Literature Teachers’ Association, Africa ELTA, and TESOL International Association.
Third session 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Saturday, September 23rd, 2023
Innovations in Leadership: Teachers and Responsible Leadership in Schooling Contexts
Debra Suarez, PhD, MS-TESOL, MBA
TESOL/TEFL Career Professional, National Adviser, International Educator, TESOL International President-elect
Teachers are often seen as providers of knowledge in the classroom, responsible only for their own students. However, in many schooling contexts around the world, TESOL teachers are expected to undertake administrative and programmatic responsibilities, in addition to their teaching duties. In essence, TESOL teachers are called-upon to provide school leadership. However, most teacher education programs do not prepare teachers for these additional leadership roles. This presentation will discuss innovations in leadership and apply these innovations to schooling contexts. In recent years, the notion of «Responsible Leadership» has risen as a multi-level construct to not only address perceived deficiencies in common leadership theories, but also to better realize the benefits of those leadership approaches. «Responsible Leadership» is grounded in stakeholder theory, and its basics tenets are: Justice, care, accountability, empathy, ethics, and impact. How can teachers use Responsible Leadership to be more effective leaders in their programs and schools? This presentation will discuss the tenets of Responsible Leadership and explore the usefulness of Responsible Leadership for TESOL teachers, as they progress in their roles in their classrooms, programs, schools, and beyond.
Dr. Debra Suarez is a distinguished professional with a wealth of experience in the field of TESOL/TEFL. As the President-elect of the TESOL International Association, she stands at the forefront of global education. With an impressive array of credentials, including a Ph.D., an MS in TESOL, and an MBA specializing in education business management, Dr. Suarez’s journey has been one of relentless dedication to empowering English language learners, minorities, immigrants, refugees, and ELT professionals.
Throughout her career, Dr. Suarez has worn various hats—classroom teacher, university professor, international educator, and senior federal leader. Her impactful influence extends from university campuses, such as the University of Maryland College Park, to prestigious institutions like the US Department of Education and White House Initiatives. She’s played pivotal roles in advancing equity and access for marginalized populations.
Notably, Dr. Suarez’s contributions to the White House Initiative for Asian Americans and the US Department of Education have been instrumental in championing language access and promoting educational excellence among minority communities. Her involvement with federal efforts, including the White House Task Force for New Americans and the Office of English Language Acquisition, underscores her commitment to a brighter future for all learners.
As an international educator, Debra’s reach is truly global. She has served as an English Language Specialist under the US Department of State and crafted innovative MA-TESOL programs across Southeast Asia and Latin America. Her leadership extends to the Board of Directors for TESOL International, where she contributes to shaping the field’s trajectory.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Dr. Suarez was honored with the Maryland TESOL Lifetime Achievement Award, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. As a passionate advocate, she focuses on cultivating the next generation of TESOL advocates through transformational leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Her presidency term from 2023 to 2026 promises to drive forward TESOL’s impact and reach new heights.
With nearly 13,000 members spanning 144 countries, TESOL stands as a global force for advancing ELT professionals’ expertise. Dr. Suarez’s unwavering dedication and visionary leadership position her as a beacon of inspiration in the field, driving progress and empowerment on a global scale.
Find a unique ally in ChatGPT
Nancy Reeves
Integrating ChatGPT in the classroom has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn. By providing tailored support and promoting inclusivity through natural interaction that accommodates different learning styles and eliminates engagement obstacles, ChatGPT enables educators to focus on more impactful interactions and innovative teaching techniques. However, it is crucial to utilize AI ethically to preserve the human element of education. In conclusion, ChatGPT enriches the learning experience, empowering both instructors and learners in their pursuit of knowledge and growth
Nancy Reeves holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Spanish from Penn State University, and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, as well as postdoctoral studies in Research from the University of Leicester and in Curriculum from Panamerican University. She has taught in different academic settings, from elementary to university level in different countries. She has also given lectures in several countries. She has worked in curriculum design in several institutions. She joined the Pearson family as Product Specialist for Central America in 2017 and works as Academic Coach for Latin America.
Vista Higher Learning: The Roaring Twenties: Zooming to Robots
Glenn Mathes
This decade has already brought us a wealth of tech innovations in education in just a few short years. We have arguably seen more ed tech advancement in the first few years of this decade than ever before. Some of these innovations have influenced our teaching because of the pandemic, while some have been brought about by advances in technology that were already in the works. Either way, these technological advances in education are bound to change the way we teach in the future. In this presentation, we’ll talk about how technology has changed our teaching so far and delve into some of the really big technological advances that are changing, or are destined to change the way we teach moving forward. We will examine the rise of distance and online learning (including hybrid and blended), the benefits of adaptive learning and assessment, advances in student engagement through technology, and the rapid growth of AI (artificial intelligence).
Glenn Mathes has been a K-12, higher education, adult education, and workplace English teacher. He
has also been a teacher trainer, program coordinator, writer, editor, presenter, publishing manager, and
director. He has worked in editorial at Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press ELT.
Glenn is now ELT Editorial Product Director at Vista Higher Learning and is based in New York City.
AI....InnovAIting: are you up to the challenge?
Mauren Guevara - Quality Leadership University
Artificial Intelligence in Education has given a completely new perspective in how we teach. During this presentation, we will explore how to use AI to promote learning, to streamline the process of assessing student work by providing timely feedback, and to foster student engagement and critical thinking.
Mauren Guevara García holds a master degree in English Teaching, a master in Project Management, master in Business Administration, and currently studying a master in Education Technology and Innovation. She also holds specializations in virtual learning environments, instructional design, virtual tutoring and leadership and management in higher education. She has 18 years of experience in higher education. Currently, she is the head of Programa de Integración y Articulación Educativa, and English professor at Programa Institucional de Idiomas para el Trabajo, Universidad Técnica Nacional (UTN), Costa Rica.
ELT Innovation: Let's Make it About Our Students!
Dr. Debbie Psychoyos - Fundación Proed
In the presentation, “ELT Innovation: Let’s Make it About Our Students!» we explore the transformative power of student-centered methodologies in ELT. Emphasizing the importance of innovation, we examine practical strategies and technologies that create engaging, personalized learning experiences, empowering students to thrive in the language classroom.
Audience Focus: Workshop / Demonstration Workshop / Demonstration
Dr. Debbie Psychoyos is an esteemed educator with a distinguished professional path spanning over 40 years. Her strong commitment to lifelong learning has been the cornerstone of her notable career. As the visionary creator and CEO of The ProEd Foundation, an esteemed non-profit, nongovernmental organization established in 2007, Debbie’s mission centers around bridging the gap of educational inequity and championing the advancement of public education in the Republic of Panama.
Contributing to Learner Agency, Empowerment and Long-life Independent Learning
Grazzia Mendoza
Agency, Empowerment and Long-life Learning paths are diverse and will depend on the travelers journey. This keynote will highlight approaches and techniques in which learners build skills and capabilities that influence their growth. The presenter will share varied strategies to support learner empowerment and agency to build long-life learning. Participants will leave with specific ideas that can be adapted to their own contexts and realities
Grazzia María Mendoza Chirinos
Former TESOL Board of Directors Member
Founder and former President HELTA TESOL
Former President LAC TESOL
Researcher at University of Wisconsin-Madison/WCER/WIDA where she develops complex research project for bi/multilingual programs and learners. Former Education Specialist at USAID Honduras where she managed and designed education projects to support the Ministry of Education to ensure access, quality of education and safe learning spaces. She has been a language educator for 30 years, is a consultant and teacher trainer. She holds a M.Ed. in international education and a M.A. in TESOL. She has held a variety of positions in K-12 as well as Higher Education and trained teachers worldwide for 15 years. She is a US State Department Alumna recognized for project development for teachers’ professional growth and recognized by TESOL International Association for Scholarship and Service through the Virginia French Allen for Scholarship and Service and the Outstanding Advocate Awards in 2018 and 2023 respectively.
Partners
1. US Embasssy – RELO Office https://pa.usembassy.gov/relo/
2. Quality Leadership University https://qlu.ac.pa/maestrias-en-panama/maestria-en-linguistica-aplicada-con-enfasis-en-tesol/
3. Pearson https://www.pearson.com/languages
4. Vista Higher Learning https://vistahigherlearning.com/