2024 WAESOL Annual Conference: Full Schedule

WAESOL, the Washington state affiliate of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), is a professional, non-profit organization whose purposes are to:

Promote scholarship
Disseminate information related to ESOL
Strengthen instruction, teacher training, and research in the teaching of English to speakers of other languages

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Add a Friday Pre-conference Workshop

Registration October 9th – October 24th:

$105 for WAESOL members
$145 for non-members (Become a member to save!)

Final Week Registration October 25th – November 2nd:

$120 for WAESOL members
$160 for non-members (Become a member to save!)

Registration includes morning refreshments and lunch.
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Meet our 2024 Keynote: Jessica Fagen.

We look forward to seeing you on November 2nd!

10:01am PDT

Poster: Using Wattpad as English Literature Project-Based Learning Medium

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:01am - 10:30am PDT

Building C Lobby

This project based-instruction is aimed to help MLs to improve their creative writing skills especially planning, drafting, revising/editing and creativity.

Speakers

Vicky Amadea

Gonzaga University

Was born in Indonesia June 28,1991. Graduated from Pelita Harapan University with B.Ed degree in TESOL on 2014 and has taught English for Multilingual learners for 10 years. Now, pursuing MA TESOL degree in Gonzaga University.

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:01am - 10:30am PDT
Building C Lobby 3000 NE 4th St Renton WA 98056

Instructional Strategies, Poster Session

Target Audience k-12

10:30am PDT

Best Practices for Supporting Newcomers

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT

Auditorium C-101

This session will provide an overview of newcomer programs and provide a discussion of five best practices for serving new arrivals. Attendees will consider what their district is currently providing for new arrivals and how they could best improve services for these students.

Speakers

Judith B. O'Loughlin

Education Consultant - Advocacy for ELs, Language Matters Education Consultants, LLC and Refugee Concerns IG Coordinator

Judith B. O'Loughlin has taught ESL at K-12, adult education, and graduate university endorsement programs in New Jersey and elsewhere. As a consultant, she focuses on standards-based curriculum, differentiated instruction and assessment, collaborative team-teaching, newcomers with... Read More →

Brenda Custodio

Consultant, Ohio State University

Dr. Brenda Custodio is a retired teacher for Columbus City Schools, and currently teaches at Ohio State University and serves as an educational consultant. She is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences on literacy for English learners, working with newcomers, students... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT
Auditorium C-101

Instructional Strategies, Informational Session

Target Audience k-12

10:30am PDT

Easy chatbot creation to support English language learning

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT

C-103

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has advanced tremendously in recent years, with chatbots being one of the most sophisticated tools available. Their intelligent capabilities offer numerous benefits for enhancing the student learning experience. This workshop aims to help teachers integrate chatbots into their lessons and design engaging learning activities.

Speakers

Tuti Hidayati

Washington State University

Tuti Hidayati is an English lecturer at State Islamic College (STAIN Meulaboh) located in West Aceh of Aceh Province, Indonesia. She is currently undertaking Ph.D study in language, literacy, and technology program at Washington State University. Her research interest includes English... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT
C-103

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Teacher Educators

10:30am PDT

Localizing Literacy to Build Confidence & Capacity

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT

C-111

Secondary multilingual learners often get stuck for years in literacy remediation programs. As an alternative to traditional interventions, this session describes a literacy framework grounded in students’ strengths and local needs. Participants will learn how to transform prescribed curriculum into community-engaged projects that build literacy skills and self-efficacy.

Speakers

Anny Fritzen Case

Gonzaga University

Anny Fritzen Case is a faculty member at Gonzaga University who previously taught ESL in K-12, community, and university settings. These days, she loves hanging out with her Gonzaga students and multilingual middle schoolers!

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT
C-111

Instructional Strategies, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Dual Language Programs, Bilingual Programs

11:30am PDT

Low and No Prep Activities You Can Use Today

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT

Library C-204

We all have days when we just need some ideas. Come learn about some activities and games you can add to your grab bag and use today!

Speakers

Laura Gillespie

Assistant Professor- Language Intensive Program, Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Laura has been teaching English for more than 20 years. She has an active WA State teaching certificate and has experience with all ages, especially at the college level. Laura has lived, worked, studied, and travelled to almost 40 countries,, and she especially loves learning about... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
Library C-204

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Dual Language Programs, Bilingual Programs

11:30am PDT

Teaching Four Simple Poems to Foster Identity & Build Community

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT

C-111

I demonstrate how to teach four simple poems for different levels and purposes—k-12, adult education, refugee & immigrant programs, and college writing classes. I provide lesson plans, original materials, and steps in creating class anthologies to build writing communities where learners tell their stories and claim lived experiences.

Speakers

LaVona Reeves

Professor of English, Eastern Washington University

LaVona Reeves, past WAESOL President & Board Member, TESOL Local Chair in Seattle, is Professor of English at EWU and has directed research projects and master’s theses on refugees from Afghanistan and other war-torn countries. She has taught ESL in NYC and Boise public schools... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
C-111

Instructional Strategies, Teaching Demonstration

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant

11:30am PDT

Transforming Preservice Teacher Education Through Indigenous Language Experiences

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT

Auditorium C-101

Teachers of multilingual students need to understand and value the intersection of language, culture, and identity. Participants learn about an innovative course involving experiences with indigenous teachers and languages. The purpose was to prepare educators with a critical understanding of SLA and a deeper awareness of inequitable school systems.

Speakers

Naomi Hagen

ELD, Title III K-12 TOSA, Spokane Public Schools/ELD Department

Naomi Hagen is a dedicated teaching professional with 20 years of experience in the field of education including teaching, administration, and teacher training. Naomi has served on the WAESOL board for over five years as a member at large, assistant treasurer, treasurer, and recording... Read More →

James Hunter

James Hunter has taught ESL/EFL for over 30 years and is the director of TESOL Programs at Gonzaga University. He has a PhD in Applied Linguistics from the University of Birmingham, UK, and his research interests include Second Language Acquisition, corpus linguistics, instructional... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
Auditorium C-101

Issues of Equity, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Teacher Educators

11:30am PDT

U.S. High School English Teachers' Attitudes on ChatGPT in Instruction

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT

C-102

This study explores U.S. high school English teachers' perceptions of integrating ChatGPT in instruction. Survey results show general receptiveness, especially among newer teachers appreciating reduced workloads. However, concerns about accuracy, ethics, and pedagogical quality persist. Addressing these concerns with training and resources is crucial for effective AI integration.

Speakers

Dr. Brandy Simmons

English Teacher, Dupo High School District 196

Dr. Simmons is a dedicated high school English teacher in Southern Illinois and an adjunct instructor at a community college. She received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (2012) and a Master of Arts in Education (2018). Holding a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy with a focus... Read More →

Dr. Cara Bertelmann

Secondary English Teacher

Dr. Cara Bertelmann holds a Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (2015), a Master's in Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University (2018), and a Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy with a specialization in English Language from... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
C-102

Research, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Teacher Educators

11:30am PDT

Introducing Magic School AI Tools for Enhanced ESL Teaching

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT

C-110

With AI all around, let us learn how MagicSchool AI`s lesson planning and text leveling tools can be used to enhance ESL instruction. This session will provide educators with practical examples to improve students` experiences inside the classroom

Speakers

Maryam Kriama

PhD Student, Washington State University

Libyan ESL instructor at a Libyan university namely Zawiya University, ESL Teacher trainer & a PhD student at Washington State University majored in language literacy and technology.

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
C-110

Technology, Workshop

Target Audience k-12

1:30pm PDT

Resilient Writing Practices to Improve Writing Fluency and Student Success

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

Library C-202

This workshop empowers participants with tools to foster resilient writing practices. Through introspective writing, individuals can express their emotions, share their diversity, and fosters inclusivity. Practical techniques will be presented to improve writing fluency and confidence. These practices enable teachers to better understand students, facilitating academic and personal growth.

Speakers

Bob Nguyen

English Language Teacher / Education Consultant, Project Bob Learning

Bob Nguyen has taught English language skills for over a decade in the US, Japan, Ethiopia, and Türkiye. He graduated from the California State University of Sacramento with an MA in TESOL in 2019 and recently returned from the English Language Program hosted by Ege University School... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
Library C-202

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators

1:30pm PDT

Transforming Teaching: Reflective Practices and AI-Powered Insights

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

C-110

Discover strategies and frameworks for enhancing teacher reflection and engagement. This session introduces innovative AI tools to support reflective teaching practices, offering educators actionable insights for continuous improvement and effective classroom management.

Speakers

Mazen Alyobi

Ph.D Candidate, Washington State University

Mazen Alyobi is a Ph.D. candidate in the Language, Literacy, and Technology program at Washington State University's College of Education. His current research focuses on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to support educators' reflective practices, particularly in language teaching... Read More →

Mohammed Shebili

Mohammed D. Shebili is a current PhD student in Language, Literacy, and Technology (LLT) at Washington State University, Washington State University

Mohammed Shebili is a student in the Language, Literacy, and Technology program at Washington State University and a lecturer at Jazan University. His academic interests include variation in the Arabic language, pragmatic transfer, and EFL/ESL curriculum design. Mohammed is passionate... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
C-110

Instructional Strategies, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators

1:30pm PDT

From Presentation to Publication: Transforming Your WAESOL Conference Presentation into a Peer-Reviewed Article

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

C-113

Presenting at a professional conference is a significant achievement, but its reach is often limited. This session will guide WAESOL presenters in transforming their presentations into articles for the WAESOL Educator journal. Participants will learn submission guidelines, article types, and the peer-review process, empowering them to expand their impact.

Speakers

Ahmed Fahad

Highline College

Ahmed Fahad is a full time faculty at the ELCAP department, Highline college. He is an educator with a background in ESL/EFL teaching and educational technology. He has worked extensively in developing innovative curriculum solutions that leverage emerging technologies, including... Read More →

James Hunter

Grace Inae Blum

Seattle Pacific University

Grace Inae Blum is an Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on ELL/Bilingual Education at Seattle Pacific University. Before becoming a teacher educator, she taught in both bilingual and mainstream elementary classrooms in public schools throughout the greater... Read More →

Ali Asiri, PhD

Technology Manager, Washington State University

Ali Asiri is a Ph.D. candidate in the Language, Literacy, and Technology program at Washington State University. He has a BA in English Language, an MA in Teaching English as a Second Language from Gonzaga University, and he is now pursuing a Ph.D. degree with a focus on Educational... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
C-113

Other, Informational Session

Target Audience k-12, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators

1:30pm PDT

Supporting Immigrant Students with Trauma Backgrounds

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

Auditorium C-101

Many learners arrive in U.S. schools having faced traumatic experiences affecting their ability to become academically successful. This session reviews how trauma impacts learning and provides specific suggestions to make schools more culturally, socially, linguistically, and educationally supportive for trauma-impacted learners. Presenters provide research-based suggestions helping students build internal resilience.

Speakers

Judith B. O'Loughlin

Education Consultant - Advocacy for ELs, Language Matters Education Consultants, LLC and Refugee Concerns IG Coordinator

Brenda Custodio

Consultant, Ohio State University

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
Auditorium C-101

Refugee and Migrant Issues, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Teacher Educators, Administrators

1:30pm PDT

School and Public Library Partnership: Supporting Multilingual Students & Families

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

C-109

This needs assessment highlights the benefits of partnership between public schools and public libraries to support multilingual students and their families. The findings show that some benefits of such partnerships include increasing awareness of library resources, literacy improvement, community building, increasing involvement of multilingual families, and attending to students' needs.

Speakers

Marjeta Bejdo

Marjeta Bejdo is an Albanian-American and teaches Kindergarten in a public school district near Seattle, Washington. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood with an EL and a Special Education Endorsement at Elmhurst College (now Elmhurst University) in 2017, and her... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
C-109

Research, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators, Administrators

1:30pm PDT

Supporting Our Teacher Colleagues Through Structured Collaboration

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT

C-102

A recent study conducted in a school district in BC, Canada, presented first-hand stories from the teacher participants through their six-week structured collaboration with their EL co-teachers. Those stories help us understand our colleagues’ different collaboration experiences, therefore, to support each other’s work and our multilingual learners better.

Speakers

Jaimie Bin Li

Dr. Jaimie Bin Li is a multilingual learner specialist based in British Columbia, Canada. Dedicated to fostering collaboration with mainstream educators, Dr. Li empowers multilingual students to thrive in the educational landscape. Committed to equity and inclusion, she works collaboratively... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:15pm PDT
C-102

Research, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Teacher Educators, Administrators

2:30pm PDT

Collaborative Summaries: A powerful strategy for MLs

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

C-113

This powerful teaching strategy coaches students in recognizing main ideas in a passage and summarizing it gradually progressing from individual to pair work to larger groups. Students learn to use evidence from the text to defend their interpretation of the main ideas, which becomes more challenging (but exciting) as groups expand. Through experiencing this strategy as "students," WAESOL participants will explore ways to adapt the approach at all levels (from grade 4 through college/adult education).

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT
C-113

Instructional Strategies, Teaching Demonstration

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English

2:30pm PDT

Decoding the Code for Language Acquisition

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

C-111

Enhancing instructional best practices and curriculum that when applied enhances and develops language acquisition. These instructional practices will help promote and enhance bidirectional transfer of students’ knowledge and language skills which will reinforce the value of the student’s voice.

Speakers

Bibiana Bermudez-Stosberg

Biliteracy Specialist, Savvas

Bibi is a Biliteracy Specialist at Savvas Learning. She served in the education sector through multiple roles including that of a Bilingual classroom teacher, Adjunct instructor, Family Specialist El /Bilingual literacy District Specialist and EL Programs Director. Most recently she... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT
C-111

Instructional Strategies, Informational Session

Target Audience k-12

2:30pm PDT

Supporting the Multilingual Assets and Identities of BIPOC Teachers and Students through Translanguaging

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

C-102

This workshop will present some specific ways Dual Language teachers enacted a translanguaging stance in their elementary science classrooms and through these practices they transpositioned their identities as teachers and students to create a language-just oriented culture of learning for themselves and for their students.

Speakers

Dr. Patricia Venegas-Weber

Dual Language Program Supervisor, OSPI

Dr. Patricia Venega-Weber is a former ESL, Bilingual and Reading Specialist teacher with over 20 years of experience. She has a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in Bilingual Education. She has also worked as an English/Spanish... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT
C-102

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Dual Language Programs, Bilingual Programs, Administrators

2:30pm PDT

Teaching Conversation through Theater

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT

Library C-204

Theatre offers a creative path to conversational skills. Participants in this workshop will try out drama activities through both improvisation activities and script-based performances. Skills targeted include pragmatics, pronunciation, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Speakers

Alice Savage

Professor of ESOL, Lonestar College

Alice Savage has over 25 years of experience as an author, English language teacher, and teacher trainer. She received her M.A. in TESOL from the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont and currently works as a professor at Lone Star College in Texas. Her current... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 2:30pm - 3:15pm PDT
Library C-204

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant

3:30pm PDT

Drama in the ESL class

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

Auditorium C-101

As a longtime English teacher for speakers of other languages and the host/creator of a comical self-help tv program, Roberta will show you how she uses drama in the ESL classroom to not only engage learners, but to truly help them become stronger speakers and meet their goals in all skill areas.

Speakers

Roberta Power

New Readers Press

Roberta is a longtime LINC Instructor. Now, she is the Educational Consultant in Canada for ProLiteracy, New Readers Press. Two years ago, she asked if she could be their rep for Canada after using their books in her class and witnessing how well-received they were. The materials... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Auditorium C-101

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators

3:30pm PDT

Multi-level Games for Fluency, Vocabulary, and Grammar

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

C-111

Let’s Play to Learn! This hands-on session provides teachers with a tried-and-true process to introduce, implement, and extend card games in your multi-level language or mainstream classroom. Resource lists, templates, and suggestions for adapting to various classroom environments will be provided.

Speakers

Joan Johnston Nelson, PhD

Executive Director, WAESOL

Dr. Nelson has worked with English language learners since 1986, teaching adults and children alike in k-12, adult literacy, university, and overseas programs. She is an active advocate, teacher trainer, and consultant, as well as a frequent presenter at local, state, and international... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
C-111

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant

3:30pm PDT

Promoting Autonomy through Formative Assessment Practices

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

C-110

Participants will be able to:
● Use learning goals that integrate content learning and language development through expert
roles.
● Use success criteria that integrate content learning and language development.
● Implement routines that elicit evidence of learning to inform ongoing formative feedback.

Speakers

Yvonne WIlliams

Director Of Ml Educator Engagement, Wceps

Yvonne, a dynamic leader and presenter, currently serves as the Director of Multilingual Learner Educator Engagement at WCEPS, where she plays a pivotal role in fostering collaboration with Local Education Agencies (LEAs). In this capacity, she engages intimately with educators, delving... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
C-110

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience k-12

3:30pm PDT

The Power of 'Language Portraits': Developing Linguistically Responsive Practices in P-12 Teacher Education

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

Library C-204

This study explores the development of linguistically responsive educators, emphasizing translanguaging as a pedagogical practice. Utilizing "Language Portraits" and qualitative methods, it highlights the need for teacher education programs to foster awareness of multilingualism and challenges monolingual norms to support diverse learners in P-12 education.

Speakers

Grace Inae Blum

Seattle Pacific University

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Library C-204

Research, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Teacher Educators

3:30pm PDT

Assessing Pre-Service Teachers' Readiness and Self-Efficacy for Integrating Generative AI

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT

Library C-202

This study explores pre-service teachers' readiness and self-efficacy in integrating Generative AI into teaching. Through surveys and focus group interviews, it examines their familiarity and comfort with GAI tools. Findings highlight different readiness levels influenced by technology comfort and ethical concerns, emphasizing the need for improved curriculum and practical training.

Speakers

Hadir Alderaan

Washington State University

Hadir Alderaan is an English Language Instructor at the University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and pursuing doctoral studies in the LLT program at WSU. Her research primarily explores the application of educational technology, with a focus on AI in education in the context of English... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Library C-202

Technology, Research/Report

Target Audience k-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators, Administrators