GOLD SPONSOR
Networking Event (AH 127)
English Language Programs, U.S. Department of State

Whether you are a past, present, or future participant -- or just want to meet others and learn more about this unique opportunity -- welcome! Stop in before other concurrent sessions get started, after they finish, or stay the whole time!

The English Language Programs is the premier opportunity for TESOL professionals to impact the way English is taught abroad. By completing projects designed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, English Language Fellows, Specialists, and Virtual Educators work closely with local teachers, students, and education professionals to improve English language teaching capacity overseas. Program participants serve as representatives and cultural ambassadors of the United States and, through a unique cultural exchange, they support the U.S. Department of State’s public diplomacy mission abroad.

Concurrent Sessions #3: Interest Section Meetings

2:25 - 3:15 pm

Come connect with colleagues from across Michigan to share experiences, best practices, and new information, and to pick up a few new resources! Our conversations will address updates in our field and how we can further support one another as we move forward.

Adult Education Interest Section (AH 131)
Karyn Goven, Adult Education IS Leader (MiSide)

K-12 Interest Section (AH 133)
Jessica Harmon, K-12 IS Leader (Dearborn Heights District 7)

Post-Secondary Interest Section (AH 332)
Virginia David, Post-Secondary IS Leader (Western Michigan University)

Concurrent Sessions #3: Standards

2:25 - 3:15 pm

SILVER SPONSOR
Teaching Language and Culture Through American Holidays (AH 104)
Alan Headbloom (Pro Lingua Learning)
For the forthcoming new edition of American Holidays: Exploring Traditions, Customs, and Backgrounds, the lead co-author demonstrates how to use the rich content of holidays to improve students' language skills and cultural knowledge. Participants explore the overlap of vocabulary, grammar, speaking and writing skills in this content-based approach. Materials provided.

Interest Sections: Adult Education, Post-Secondary, Curriculum/Materials Design

Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors: Looking at Children's Literature with an Equity Lens (AH 245)
Melissa Batts (Troy School District), Jodi Stiemel (Livonia Public Schools), Danielle Andresen (Troy School District)
Participants will learn to support their students' connections to literacy through an equitable lens using multicultural literature. With an emphasis on cultural connectedness and self-discovery, session presenters will model the reading strategy of Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Doors. Participants will leave with new equitable literacy strategies and lesson ideas that support all learners with an emphasis on English Learners in K-5. 

Interest Sections: K-12

Pure Michigan: Building Background and Community with our Local Culture (AH 330)
Amie Van Horn-Gabel (Livonia Public Schools)
Helping newly arrived immigrants connect to the history, geography, and customs of Michigan can create meaningful connections for them in their new home. This presentation provides attendees with a variety of resources to support academic and social language acquisition through the context of social studies content aligned with MDE standards.

Interest Sections: Adult Education, K-12, Post-Secondary, Curriculum/Materials Design

Leveraging Corpus Linguistics in ESP Instruction: Practical Techniques and Applications (AH 331)
Michael Pasquale (Cornerstone University)
Explore effective corpus linguistics application in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) classrooms, showcasing specific techniques: corpus data for needs analysis, authentic material design, domain-specific vocabulary activities, and data-driven language tasks. Gain practical examples and pedagogical strategies to enhance ESP instruction and meet learners' linguistic needs.

Interest Sections: Adult Education, Post-Secondary

Making Feedback More Efficient and Effective: Principles, Practices, and Tools (AH 333)
Matt Coss (Michigan State University)
Feedback is one of the most important elements in the teaching and learning cycle. It is also one of the most time-consuming for teachers, and is not always as effective as it could be. This session will take a deep dive into research- and practice-informed best practices for feedback and give attendees across diverse instructional contexts an expanded repertoire of feedback tools and strategies.

Interest Sections: Adult Education, K-12, Post-Secondary

Enhancing Motivation by Identifying and Incorporating Learners' Non-Scholastic Strengths (AH 335)
Brian White (Grand Valley State University)
Motivation is key to second language acquisition. Research indicates that enhancing students' sense of self-efficacy (their belief in themselves as language learners) can lead to enhanced motivation. This session will provide practical, research-based strategies for enhancing learners' self-efficacy by prioritizing and incorporating their non-scholastic strengths and assets in day-to-day instruction.

Interest Sections: Adult Education

Don't forget to join the 2023 Conference message board (members only!)

to share and download materials from concurrent sessions, sponsors, and invited speakers!

CONCURRENT #1  |  CONCURRENT #2  |  CONCURRENT #3  |  CONCURRENT #4

AT-A-GLANCE  |  ROUNDTABLES