INTESOL: A Conference Worth Remembering

I recently had the privilege of attending the INTESOL conference, and it was an experience I won't soon forget. From insightful presentations to thought-provoking discussions, the conference was packed with valuable learning opportunities.

Keynote Speech: ELL Policy

The keynote speech by Dr. Morita on ELL policy set the tone for the entire conference. Her expertise and passion for the topic were evident, and I left the session feeling more informed and empowered to advocate for my ELL students.

ESL Pronunciation: A Primer

Next, I attended a session on ESL pronunciation led by Dr. Swanso from Purdue University. As an ESL teacher, I am always looking for ways to improve my students' pronunciation skills, and this session provided me with some valuable strategies and resources.

Dealing with Microaggression

Another highlight of the conference was a session on dealing with microaggression led by Dr. Garcia, my mentor. This session was particularly relevant to me as I work in a diverse classroom setting. Dr. Garcia provided practical tips on how to identify and address microaggressions, which will undoubtedly help me create a more inclusive learning environment for all students.

Perceptions of Students in Raising Questions in Classrooms

I was also impressed by a presentation by Samanhr, a doctoral student from Cambodia, on the perceptions of students in raising questions in classrooms. His research study was simple yet effective, and his findings were insightful. I was particularly interested in his discussion of the role of cultural factors in classroom participation.

Networking and Making Connections

In addition to the formal presentations, I also enjoyed networking with other educators at the conference. I had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world, and I learned so much from their experiences.

Overall Impression

Overall, the INTESOL conference was an invaluable experience. I learned a lot, met some amazing people, and had a lot of fun. I highly recommend this conference to any educator who works with ELL students.

Additional Thoughts

• The food at the conference was delicious, especially the lunch.
• I would have liked to have more time for networking.
• I am grateful to my faculty for providing me with some of the budget to attend the conference.

P.S: Here's a pic I stole from Dr. Morita lol. Thank you!