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

A Cultural Iceberg Project

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

C-110

Culture is more than food and music, so how do we get our students to dive deeper? This session will present a project-based learning activity built upon the framework of Hall’s Cultural Iceberg theory, designed to foster cross-cultural sharing and support Culturally Responsive Teaching.

Speakers

Audra Lord

Highline College

Audra Lord currently serves as a tenure-track faculty member in Highline College’s ELCAP program. She holds a Master’s of Linguistics and has taught ESOL in New Zealand, Thailand, and the USA.

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT
C-110

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

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

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

10:30am PDT

Teaching Revising Processes as a Concept to College Multilingual English Writers

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

C-113

This study explores teaching revision as a scientific concept through Concept-Based Language Instruction (C-BLI) to improve multilingual writers’ revision skills. The results revealed that systematic guidance fosters metacognitive awareness and improvement in writing quality.

Speakers

Terrence Zhang

Gonzaga University

I am an ESL teacher, teacher educator, and researcher. I earned my MA in TESL from Penn State and completed my Ph.D. in Language, Literacy and Culture at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, I serve as an assistant professor in the MA TESL program in the Department of Teacher... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 10:30am - 11:15am PDT
C-113

Instructional Strategies, Research/Report

Target Audience Higher Ed. Intensive English, Teacher Educators

11:30am PDT

AI-Powered Pathways: Enhancing ESOL Learning in the Digital Age

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

C-103

Explore how AI can transform ESOL instruction by enhancing language acquisition, critical thinking, and digital literacy. This session provides practical strategies for integrating AI tools into ESOL classrooms, offering innovative approaches to create personalized, engaging, and effective learning experiences for students.

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 →

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
C-103

Instructional Strategies, Research/Report

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

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

Social-Emotional Learning in Action: Engaging Practices for Adult English Learners

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

C-109

This session shares ways of creating a nurturing and community-based environment for adult learners at various English proficiency levels. The presenters demonstrate their instructional practices, such as scaffolds, group activities, routines, and class projects for promoting integrated language skills and social-emotional competencies, supported by evidence-based research and student work samples.

Speakers

Kara Elizabeth Padgett Freeman

Highline College

Kara Elizabeth teaches at Highline College and South Seattle College in the Seattle, Washington area. Her calling to teach started as a form of activism to support immigrants with varying statuses. She received her bachelor’s degree in English in her home state, Oklahoma and her... Read More →

Wing Shuen (Alice) Lau

Renton Technical College

Wing Shuen Lau, Ph.D., is a multilingual instructor and researcher. She holds a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and a Bachelor’s in Translation. Her research work has connected perspectives in culturally responsive practices and social-emotional... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm PDT
C-109

Instructional Strategies, Workshop

Target Audience Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators

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

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

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

Return of the English Language Proficiency Standards and CASAS Steps

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

Library C-202

Standardized tests are changing, making the English Language Proficiency Standards more crucial than ever. How can you support your adult ESOL students and increase their measurable skills gains? This session will provide practical classroom activities to teach the standards.

Speakers

Annette Acosta

Western Regional Manager, Cambridge University Press

Annette has 25+ years of experience in the field of ESL and publishing. She began her work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger, West Africa and that was followed by working as a classroom teacher, and a trainer in the world of ESL publishing. She has extensive experience working with... Read More →

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

Instructional Strategies, Informational Session

Target Audience Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators, Administrators

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

ESL Podcasting Project: Speak, Share, and Shine

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

C-109

Podcasting involves distributing audio content via the Internet. This session showcases innovative integration of podcasts into the ESL speaking and listening curriculum. The presenter will describe the learning outcomes, share planning phases, play student work samples, and discuss takeaways. Additionally, a framework for successful implementation will be provided.

Speakers

Weina Sun

ESL Instructor, Bellevue College

Weina Sun is an ESL instructor who has been working at Bellevue College since 2016. She values educational equity, appreciates diversity, and deeply understands the importance of building community. She is willing to make transformative changes to enhance student achievement and advance... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
C-109

Instructional Strategies, Teaching Demonstration

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

3:30pm PDT

Integrating Realia and TBL in Teaching Adult ESL

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

C-102

This session explores the integration of realia and Project-Based Learning (PBL) to teach functional language in adult ESL classrooms. Participants will learn practical strategies for creating hands-on, real-world tasks using realia and PBL, promoting language acquisition and learner engagement.

Speakers

Jiqing Xiang

Gonzaga University

Jiqing Xiang has three years of hands-on experience as an English teacher in K-12 education. She is currently a MA TESOL graduate student in Gonzaga University, and the coordinator of the GECO (Gonzaga ESL Community Outreach) program. Her enthusiasm for learning English and Spanish... Read More →

Saturday November 2, 2024 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
C-102

Instructional Strategies, Informational Session

Target Audience Adult Refugee/Immigrant

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