2025 Spokane Regional ESL Conference: Full Schedule

Saturday, March 8th, 2025
Cataldo Hall Globe Room at Gonzaga University

We hope to see you there!
Thank you to our Silver Sponsor: Data Recognition Corp. (DRC) / LAS Links

Registration Prices:

$75 - February 28th to March 8th
$25 - Student with discount code (Contact us if you have questions or need the code.)

To register for the conference, please Sign up for SCHED or Log in to your SCHED account.

8:00am PST

Check-in with Coffee/Tea/Pastries and Networking

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Pick up your badge and conference program. Then join your colleagues for coffee, pastries and conversation as you peruse the exhibitors.

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Networking

8:00am PST

Meet the Exhibitors

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Grab your coffee and pastry as you see what English Language products and services are available for the Spokane Region. Don't forget to check out the local non-profit partners as well.

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Networking

8:00am PST

Clock Hour Sign-in

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Be sure to sign in for Clock Hours at the WAESOL Clock Hour Table. There are up to 6 clock hours available for today's conference. If you plan to request clock hours, or even if you're not sure, sign-in. You MUST be signed in at the clock hour table to receive clock hours for today.

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Other

Target Audience k-12

8:45am PST

Welcome & Keynote Panel: Interweaving Language, Identity, Culture, and Pedagogy: Voices from the Community

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:45am - 10:00am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

A panel of professionals representing the Marshallese and Rwandan communities of Spokane will share insights into indigenous ways of teaching and learning and how to integrate these perspectives into formalized educational contexts. They will discuss their role in the development and implementation of culturally-derived language learning experiences in K-12 and adult learning environments. These perspectives provide a fresh outlook on how school systems can actualize their stated commitment to valuing the inextricable link between language, identity, culture, and pedagogy.

Presenters

Dean Batuma

Language Specialist, Spokane Public Schools

Dean Batuma is a polyglot with years of experience in the field of interpretation and translation for the African Great Lakes community. He is the French, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, and Kirundi Language Specialist for Spokane Public Schools as well as a guest professor in the Gonzaga... Read More →

Dorcas Taidrik

Spokane Public Schools

Dorcas Taidrik is a community leader and the Marshallese Heritage Language instructor for the newly developed Marshallese Heritage Language Program in Spokane Public Schools. She has served as an interpreter, translator, and community liaison in various organizations in Spokane including... Read More →

Rick Kabua

Spokane Public Schools

Rick Kabua is the Marshallese Student Support Specialist for Spokane Public Schools and a founding member of the Marshallese Heritage Language Advisory Board. He is originally from the capital atoll of Majuro in the Ratak chain of the Marshall Islands and is the president of the Marshallese... Read More →

Doresty Daniel

Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington

Doresty Daniel is the Community Wellness Program Manager for the Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington (PICAWA) here in Spokane. She is a former Bilingual Specialist and Language Specialist for Spokane Public Schools and a founding member of the Marshallese Heritage... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 8:45am - 10:00am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Keynote Panel

Format Panel Discussion

10:00am PST

Visit Exhibitors

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Refill your coffee and visit the exhibitors before heading off to your first session.

Exhibitors

Annette Acosta

Western Regional Manager, Cambridge University Press and Assessment

Annette Acosta began her career in the Bilingual classroom and training teachers in the Peace Corps in West Africa. She has been a teacher trainer and educator in the ESL publishing world for over 28 years.

Refugee and Immigrant Connections

Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane

OSPI - Multilingual Education

Norma Godina-Silva

Data Recognition Corp. (DRC) / LAS Links

During her 38 years in education, Dr. Godina-Silva has collaborated extensively with educators across the nation to support second language acquisition and dual language programs. She believes that the right use of data can ensure linguistic and academic progress and success for English... Read More →

Manzanita House

Gonzaga University Center for Lifelong Learning & Graduate Programs

At Gonzaga University’s Center for Lifelong Learning & Graduate Programs, we are passionate about supporting educators and lifelong learners in their professional growth. Whether you’re a teacher looking to earn clock hours, interested in advancing your expertise with our Certificate... Read More →

Barton English Language School

Mara Schwartz

Customer Manager, BurlingtonEnglish

Mara graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. in Spanish and certificates in TESOL and Global Cultures. She taught for six years in Boston Public Schools, focusing on upper elementary English. Passionate about empowering students, Mara moved to Seattle in 2021 to pursue... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Networking

10:01am PST

(Poster) Insight of anxiety of Chinese English learners

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:01am - 10:30am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

This study focuses on new Chinese students’ anxiety reasons and strategies for alleviating it, and through interviews to explore their opinions from students’ perspectives. Findings highlight the significance of emotional connection, social guidance, and some strategies of pedagogic support.

Presenters

Ray Xu

Gonzaga University

I come from China. I have more than 20 years of work experience in marketing, media, and film and TV project produce fields, and 2 years of teaching experience in children’s quality education after school. Now I am a MATESOL student in Gonzaga.

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:01am - 10:30am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Community Voices and Storytelling

Target Audience Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Dual Language Programs
Format Poster Session

10:01am PST

(Poster) Chinese Learning program: Yanxueshe

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:01am - 10:30am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Yanxueshe is a content-based, free Mandarin Chinese classroom founded in March 2023 by MA-TESOL Chinese students at Gonzaga University. Open to everyone on and off campus, the program invites participants to explore Chinese language and culture in a collaborative and engaging environment.

Presenters

Ziyue Hu

Gonzaga University

Ziyue Hu (Cecilia) is an MA-TESOL student at Gonzaga University and the one of the coordinators Yanxueshe, a Chinese learning program. With a background in language education and instructional design, Cecilia leverages her TESOL training to create inclusive and engaging learning experiences... Read More →

Xuezheng Sun

Gonzaga University

Xuezheng Sun is a graduate of the MATESOL program at Gonzaga University. She has a strong passion for exploring innovative educational methods. Sun's project focuses on leveraging technology and interactive storytelling to teach English through immersive experiences. She hopes that... Read More →

RanJun Wang

Gonzaga University

Roger Wang holds an MA in TESOL and has over 2 years of experience teaching adult ESL to students from diverse cultural backgrounds. His research focuses on multimodal instruction, particularly the use of music as a tool for improving phonological awareness and pronunciation in language... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:01am - 10:30am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Professional Learning and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Target Audience Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators, Administrators
Format Poster Session

10:01am PST

(Poster) Translanguaging in Teacher Education Programs

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:01am - 10:30am PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

This study focuses on preservice teachers' attitudes toward multilingualism and translanguaging within a teacher education program. It also explores how language background, teaching experience, and training influence the integration of home languages in multilingual classrooms.

Presenters

Jiqing Xiang

Gonzaga University

Jiqing Xiang is a graduate student in the MA TESOL program at Gonzaga University. With three years of K-12 English teaching experience and volunteer work with various ESL programs in Spokane, she also served as the GECO (Gonzaga ESL Community Outreach) coordinator for one year. Her... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:01am - 10:30am PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Research

Target Audience Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators, Administrators
Format Poster Session

10:30am PST

Evolving English Language Ideologies

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST

Jepson 123

The speaker discusses her progression in English literacy and ideologies throughout her journey as an international multilingual student and later as an international faculty member/scholar at U.S. higher education institutions.

Presenters

Yu-Kyung Kang

Associate Professor of English, Gonzaga University

Yu-Kyung Kang is an associate professor in the Department of English at Gonzaga University. With an MATESOL and PhD in Writing Studies, her research and teaching interests include transnational literacy, second language writing, language ideology, linguistic justice, and global Englishes... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
Jepson 123

Community Voices and Storytelling

Target Audience Higher Ed. Intensive English
Format Research/Report, Panel Discussion

10:30am PST

PAWS: A Helpful Mnemonic for Accessible Lessons

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST

Jepson 109

Differentiating can be overwhelming and seemingly impossible. How do we differentiate? PAWS - a mnemonic device used to keep differentiation in the forefront for educators to utilize, helping to ease teacher load and increase language and content gains. PAWS supports classrooms for success!

Presenters

Betsy Casteel

Eld Teacher, Central Valley School District

Betsy Casteel has been the English Language Development Specialist/Teacher at North Pines Middle School in the Central Valley School District for almost 20 years where she advocates for multilingual learners at all levels. A graduate of Eastern Washington University (BAEd 2003) and... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
Jepson 109

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience K-12
Format Workshop

10:30am PST

Top Ten Warm-ups for Presentation Skills

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST

Jepson 122

The presenter shares quick, easy warm-up activities designed to support engaging presentation skills. Attendees will practice each warm-up and learn how to modify them for different student populations.

Presenters

Ellen Sherrifs Hall

Mukogawa US Campus

Ellen Sherriffs Hall is an experienced teacher, program coordinator, and presenter. She teaches in the English and Cultural Studies, Education, and School of Business Administration programs at MUSC in Spokane.

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
Jepson 122

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience Higher Ed. Intensive English
Format Teaching Demonstration

10:30am PST

Understanding and Implementing Differentiated Instruction

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST

Jepson 108

This presentation explores key elements of differentiation and effective strategies to meet the needs of all students, including multilingual learners, special education, and gifted students. Participants will gain an understanding of differentiation and practical tools for adapting lessons.

Presenters

Thereza Vahlstrom

ELD Teacher, Mead School District

Thereza Vahlstrom holds a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language and a Bachelor’s degree in Letters. She is currently an ELD teacher at the Mead School District and occasionally teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at Whitworth University. In the past... Read More →

Heidi Kieper

Special Education Teacher, Mead School District

Heidi Kieper is a National Board Certified teacher with a Master’s in Special Education, a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, Reading and French, and is trained as a Child Life Specialist. She was raised bilingually (German and English) and has a great love for languages and... Read More →

Ireland Mayfield

Special Education Teacher, Mead School District

Ireland Mayfield is a Special Educator with a Bachelor’s in Special Education and Elementary Education who is pursuing her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. She has 6 previous years of experience working with individuals with disabilities at Easterseals Camp Stand By Me... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
Jepson 108

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience K-12, Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators
Format Workshop

10:30am PST

Developing a Marshallese Heritage Language Program

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST

Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

The Marshallese Heritage Language Advisory Board for Spokane Public Schools presents on their experiences developing a credit-bearing heritage language program for integration in the public high school setting of the United States. In an overview presentation on the program, they share key rationale, core cultural concepts, procedures, local and international partnerships, and more.

Presenters

Darrell Enos

Marshallese Language Specialist, Spokane Public Schools

Dorcas Taidrik

Spokane Public Schools

Doresty Daniel

Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington

Rick Kabua

Spokane Public Schools

Rose Kabua

Marshallese Heritage Language Advisory Board

Rosa Kabua, wife of Rick Kabua, is from Kwajalein atoll in the Marshall Islands and is a Patient Account Representative at Kaiser Permanente. She is a current member of the Marshallese Heritage Language Advisory Board, and a former member of the Marshallese Community Advisory. She... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

Other

Target Audience K-12, Teacher Education, Bilingual
Format Informational Session

10:30am PST

ChatGPT: Friend, Not Foe

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST

Jepson 111

This presentation offers practical lesson plans and teaching ideas for those interested in incorporating ChatGPT into the language-learning classroom, with a particular focus on writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking.

Presenters

Audra Lord

ELCAP Faculty, Highline College

Audra Lord is a tenure-track ESOL instructor at Highline College (Des Moines, WA).. Previously, she served as Academic Director of ALPS Language School in Seattle, where she designed curricula, supported and trained teachers, and taught all levels of ESOL. Other highlights: serving... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 10:30am - 11:15am PST
Jepson 111

Technology

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant
Format Teaching Demonstration

11:30am PST

Following Great Grandfather Don Bex's Footsteps

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST

Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

Based on fieldwork in Guatemala with Q’eqchi' Mayans, this study followed the villagers' seasonal sowing events. The story weaves three episodes of sowing rituals culminating in sealing the union of the Mayan sacred plant, maize, and collective humanity.

Presenters

YiShan Lea, Ed.D.

Professor of Bilingual Education and TESOL, Central Washington University

YiShan Lea is a Professor of Bilingual Education at CWU. Her Ed. D. is in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University, Idaho. Her research background is in teacher education and education cultural ethnography. She has published many peer-reviewed articles and 3 book chapters... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST
Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

Community Voices and Storytelling

Target Audience Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators
Format Research/Report

11:30am PST

Understanding Spelling: Linguistic Rules and Insight

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST

Jepson 108

Revitalize your approach to teaching spelling with reliable, linguistically-based rules and fresh insight into morphology. Get a firmer grasp of the reasoning and patterns behind the seemingly random spelling of English words, and take away valuable tools for instilling this knowledge in students.

Presenters

Wendy Talené

Wendy Talené holds a BA in Applied Linguistics and worked at Canada Institute of Linguistics before becoming a mother. She has been a home educator for several years, developing a fresh approach to teaching spelling.

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST
Jepson 108

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience K-12
Format Informational Session

11:30am PST

Open Forum: Allyship at Eye Level

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST

Jepson 122

Local professors and community partners of the Marshallese Heritage Language Advisory program offer honest insights into the role of allyship in developing collaborative partnerships that decentralize whiteness and decolonize educational systems in the pursuit of equity.

Presenters

Anny Fritzen Case

Gonzaga

Anny Fritzen Case has been involved in K-12 and adult ESL instruction and teacher training for over 20 years. Her scholarship focuses on multilingual learners, in particular, ways in which schools intentionally and unintentionally limit immigrant and refugee students’ access to... Read More →

Naomi Hagen

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

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

Director, TESOL Programs, Gonzaga University

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 March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST
Jepson 122

Other

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators
Format Informational Session

11:30am PST

Preparing Educators for Excellence in ESL: Competency Based Design

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST

Jepson 111

This session explores a practicum course at Washington State University for ESL endorsement candidates. Focused on 10 core competencies, the course culminates in a portfolio showcasing mastery through lesson plans, reflections, and tools. Learn how this model provides excellence in preparing preservice ESL educators.

Presenters

Kelli Dahmen

ELD Specialist, Pullman School District

I have over 15 years of experience in ESL education, including 8 years at Washington State University's Intensive American Language Center and 7 years as an ELD Specialist with Pullman Schools. I hold a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education, a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST
Jepson 111

Professional Learning and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Target Audience K-12, Teacher Educators, Administrators
Format Informational Session

11:30am PST

Heritage Language Gatherings Support SDOH

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST

Jepson 123

Cultural consideration for the social determinants of health is essential for promoting mental health equity among immigrants. Manzanita House’s Heritage Language Gatherings create places of belonging that provide social connection & reduce isolation, supporting immigrant mental health.

Presenters

Teresa Schock

Manzanita House

With 30 years teaching in settings that varied from high school Spanish, to preschool, to university ELD courses, Teresa Schock now connects the Spokane community more deeply with refugee and immigrant newcomers as the MH Community Engagement Coordinator.

Samantha Walters

Manzanita House Spokane

Irshad Rahimi

Manzanita House

Dr. Irshad Rahimi serves as MH Cultural Engagement Navigator, linking Spokane Public School’s ELD families with enrichment activities. He has degrees in dentistry and public health and speaks Dari, Urdu, Pashto, Hindi, and English.

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST
Jepson 123

Refugee and Migrant Issues

Target Audience K-12, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators
Format Informational Session

11:30am PST

Integrating Service Learning in a Teaching English Course

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST

Jepson 127

This research examines a service-learning project in a Teaching English Through Language Arts course, involving BEED students, ALS students, and teachers. It highlights ALS learners' need for improved communication skills and the positive impact on BEED students' teaching abilities.

Presenters

Cailvin Reyes

Gonzaga University (USA), Don Honorio Ventura State University (Philippines)

Cailvin D. Reyes is an assistant professor at Don Honorio Ventura State University, specializing in English and research subjects in teacher education. He holds a PhD in English Language Studies and has published research in Scopus-indexed journals. He has also presented his work... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 11:30am - 12:15pm PST
Jepson 127

Research

Target Audience Higher Ed. Intensive English, Teacher Educators, Administrators
Format Research/Report

12:15pm PST

Lunch Catered by Feast World Kitchen

Saturday March 8, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Lunch is provided by Feast World Kitchen.

Feast World Kitchen is a nonprofit restaurant, catering company, and food wholesaler in downtown Spokane, Washington. Our mission is to elevate and empower immigrants and former refugees as leaders, using international cuisine as a platform for economic resilience, holistic growth, and culture-sharing. As they share flavors from their original home cultures, the Chef Entrepreneurs in our programs learn career skills, earn the income from their food sales, and build community connections.

Saturday March 8, 2025 12:15pm - 1:15pm PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Other

1:15pm PST

Embodied Storytelling: Marshallese Biit

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

Jepson 122

In this session, members of the Marshallese Heritage Language Board engage their audience in a structured language learning experience through the Marshallese cultural practice of embodied storytelling called “biit”—a Pacific tradition of embodied storytelling through dance and movement. Participants will learn language, story, and cultural values from the iconic tales of the riMajel.

Presenters

Dorcas Taidrik

Spokane Public Schools

Doresty Daniel

Pacific Islander Community Association of Washington

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
Jepson 122

Community Voices and Storytelling

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators
Format Teaching Demonstration

1:15pm PST

Storytelling: Sounder, Trail of Tears, & Lakota Teen

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

Jepson 109

Gafar (2024) found that “storytelling…is entertaining, interesting, and memorable.” This session demonstrates how Cherokee, African American, and Lakota elders tell stories in films to reinforce language learners’ identity while increasing listening, reading, and speaking skills. Materials are provided.

Presenters

LaVona Reeves

Professor of English, Eastern Washington University

LaVona Reeves, past WAESOL President and board member, is an Eastern Washington University Professor of English & Gender Studies. She has taught English Language Learners in the NYC & Boise public schools and at Boise State, the University of Wyoming, Osaka University, and Harvard... Read More →

Blair Benton

Education Student, Eastern Washington University

Blair Benton is an undergraduate at Eastern and loves to write—especially stories of her life and her family’s lives. She brings many lived experiences to her writing and responding to peers in her literature class. Blair has not declared a major yet, but she is considering... Read More →

Angus Trousdell

Education Student, Eastern Washington University

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
Jepson 109

Community Voices and Storytelling

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant
Format Teaching Demonstration

1:15pm PST

AI in University Writing via TESOL and EAP Frameworks

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

This session presents research in progress on perceptions of generative AI in university writing. Preliminary findings reveal varied views on its role in fostering autonomy and accuracy versus concerns about originality. Strategies for first-year writing curriculum design will be discussed.

Presenters

Brandy Bippes

University of Utah Asia Campus

Brandy Bippes, Associate Professor at the University of Utah Asia Campus, directs the English Language Lab and teaches writing, rhetoric, and technical communication. A technology advocate, she explores how generative AI transforms writing instruction. She holds a PhD TESOL from The... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience Higher Ed. Intensive English, Teacher Educators, Administrators
Format Research/Report

1:15pm PST

Flipping Off AI

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

Jepson 111

Motivating new-to-English students to flip off the AI on their phones requires instructors to decrease the perceived threat posed by errors. Flipped classrooms that use visual arts, music, and games can create such motivation. This panel elucidates such a pedagogy.

Presenters

Tracey McHenry

Professor of English, Eastern Washington University

Tracey McHenry teaches linguistics, grammar, and pedagogy to English Studies majors and pre-service ESL teachers.

Lynn Briggs

Dr. Gina Petrie

Director, Global Student Services, Eastern Washington University

Gina Mikel Petrie is a professor of English as a Second Language and Director of Global Student Services at Eastern Washington University. She enjoys researching and contemplating the changing contexts of teaching and teacher education.

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
Jepson 111

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience Teacher Educators
Format Panel Discussion

1:15pm PST

Refugee & Immigrant Services & Volunteer Opportunities

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

Jepson 108

Learn about the services and programs offered by Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS) that connect refugee and immigrant communities to the resources they need as they establish their roots in Spokane. Participants will also learn about open volunteer opportunities at RICS.

Presenters

Renee Kenney

Marketing & Development Director, Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane/Spokane Community College

Renee works with Refugee and Immigrant Connections Spokane (RICS) and Spokane Community College. At RICS, she serves as the marketing and development director, and at Spokane Community College, she teaches ESL. She has also taught teacher preparation courses through Eastern Washington... Read More →

September Htoo

Refugee and Immigrant Connection Spokane

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
Jepson 108

Refugee and Migrant Issues

Target Audience Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators, Administrators
Format Informational Session

1:15pm PST

AI As Teaching Assistant: Working Smarter, Not Harder

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST

Jepson 123

Learn to use AI tools as your teaching assistant to create differentiated materials, provide targeted feedback, and adapt content for various proficiency levels. This hands-on workshop provides practical strategies for reducing teacher workload while maintaining instructional quality.

Presenters

David Herman

Clinical Assistant Professor of ESOL/Bilingual Education, University of Florida

Spokane native, David Herman, Ph.D., received his MA in ESOL from EWU and Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Technology from WSU. He currently works as Clinical Assistant Professor of ESOL/Bilingual Education at the University of Florida's College of Education where he teaches in the... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 1:15pm - 2:00pm PST
Jepson 123

Technology

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant
Format Workshop

2:15pm PST

Rwandan Storytelling: The Difference Between Knowledge and Wisdom

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

Jepson 122

Guest professor Dean Batuma provides a structured language learning experience in Kinyarwanda, engaging the audience in the storytelling practices of “The Land of a Thousand Hills.”

Presenters

Dean Batuma

Language Specialist, Spokane Public Schools

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
Jepson 122

Community Voices and Storytelling

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators
Format Teaching Demonstration

2:15pm PST

Interactive Activities to Build Communication Skills

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

Jepson 123

Communication skills are a key to success in college, the workplace, and in everyday activities. The session focuses on classroom strategies and examples that prepare students for successful conversations and opportunities for collaboration.

Presenters

Annette Acosta

Western Regional Manager, Cambridge University Press and Assessment

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
Jepson 123

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience Adult Refugee/Immigrant
Format Workshop

2:15pm PST

Let’s Read Outloud and Answer the Questions Together!

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

Participants will review and practice the instructional strategy of reading outloud and answering questions together in small groups. The session includes a short review of reading theory, research, and practice. Then, working in pairs or small group, participants practice and discuss the strategy.

Presenters

Terry Knudsen

Full Time Faculty, Mukogawa U.S. Campus

Terry Knudsen has taught ESL at CCS, Eastern Washington U, Gonzaga U, Seattle Pacific U, Washington Academy of Languages, and Whitworth U. She is presently full-time faculty at Mukogawa US Campus. She holds a BA in Lit, an MFA in Creative Writing with ESL classes, and a Masters of... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

Instructional Strategies

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

2:15pm PST

Tools for Better Serving Newcomers and SLIFE Student

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

Jepson 127

This session provides educators, administrators, and support staff with practical insights and resources to enhance the educational experiences and outcomes of newcomers and students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE).

Presenters

Katie Sperling

Multilingual Program Supervisor, OSPI

Katie Sperling, MIT - Multilingual Program Supervisor – OSPI Katie Sperling is a passionate advocate for Multilingual Education. She has taught in and led K-12 language development programs on the East and West sides of Washington State for the past 24 years.

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
Jepson 127

Instructional Strategies

Target Audience K-12, Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators
Format Informational Session

2:15pm PST

Power in Community: Conversations of Advocacy, Engagement, and Opportunity for MLs

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

Jepson 109

Feedback Survey

Multilingual learners (MLs) interact in spaces everyday with the greater community outside of the familiar welcoming spaces of our classrooms. As educators and advocates, we not only teach, but aid our students by forwarding resources or sharing important community information. Bringing together a panel of community organizations that serve BIPOC and immigrant/refugees will explore the intersection of learning, advocacy, and community engagement for our learners. We also propose actions to support our students and community in an even more increasingly challenging environment for education and MLs.

Presenters

Asians for Collective Action

Carl Maxey Center

Latinos in Spokane

Exhibitors

Manzanita House

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
Jepson 109

Policy and Advocacy

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Teacher Educators
Format Panel Discussion
Subject Advocacy

2:15pm PST

Creating Audio and Video Resources with AI Tools

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST

Jepson 108

Discover how to create engaging audio and video resources for teaching English using AI tools. This hands-on workshop will empower educators to design personalized materials that enhance learning while exploring practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in education.

Presenters

Geraldine Werts

Instructional Designer, Educator, TESOLCREATIONS LLC

Geraldine W., founder of TESOLCREATIONS LLC, graduated with an MA in Education, an MA in English Language, and a BA in English Language. With 10+ years of experience, she has taught in the Philippines (Ateneo), Japan (JET Program), and Seattle Colleges. She was also a Fulbright FLTA... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm PST
Jepson 108

Technology

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

3:15pm PST

Using Language Assessment Data to Impact EL Success

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST

Jepson 108

Advancing educational opportunities for ELs must include language assessment data to guide and monitor program implementation and track student language growth over time. This session will highlight the role of assessment and accountability to guide instruction and monitor student progress.

Presenters

Norma Godina-Silva

Data Recognition Corp. (DRC) / LAS Links

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST
Jepson 108

Other

Target Audience K-12, Dual Language Programs, Bilingual Programs
Format Workshop

3:15pm PST

Does Morphology Matter for Multilingual Readers?

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST

Jepson 127

Students in middle schools need strong literacy skills across the content areas and engage with dense academic vocabulary. Come learn about a research study that examines morphology as a component of L2 English reading and discuss how we can use these insights to help guide multilingual readers.

Presenters

Melissa Tobey LaBelle

Visiting Asst. Prof. of Secondary Education/Educational Leadership, Bridgewater State University

Dr. Melissa Tobey LaBelle is a former world language teacher—also trained to instruct English, ESL, and reading—who now focuses on training teachers. A native of Massachusetts, she is new to the Pacific Northwest and excited to meet fellow educators and collaborate with them to... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST
Jepson 127

Research

Target Audience K-12, Bilingual Programs, Teacher Educators
Format Research/Report

3:15pm PST

Multilingual Identity Development

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST

Jepson 111

How can we implement systems which develop multilingual identity and culturally responsive pedagogy? Although it is easier said than done, success can only be achieved through collaboration across educational domains with student-centered intention.

Presenters

Joselyn Pierce

Whitworth University

Josie Pierce is an Assistant Director for graduate studies at Whitworth University. Prior to her time at Whitworth, she worked as an English Language instructor at the Global Language English Education (GLEE) Center in Gapyeong, South Korea. Josie will finish her M.Ed. this summer... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST
Jepson 111

Research

Target Audience K-12, Higher Ed. Intensive English, Teacher Educators
Format Informational Session, Research/Report

3:15pm PST

Building Digital Confidence with BurlingtonEnglish

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST

Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

In this session, we will explore how BurlingtonEnglish immerses students in a complete digital experience with standards-based, teacher-led instruction to develop English proficiency while integrating essential digital literacy skills that learners need to achieve success in a digital world.

Presenters

Mara Schwartz

Customer Manager, BurlingtonEnglish

Exhibitors

Mara Schwartz

Customer Manager, BurlingtonEnglish

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST
Jepson 124 BurlingtonEnglish Room

Technology

Target Audience Higher Ed. Intensive English, Adult Refugee/Immigrant, Administrators
Format Informational Session

3:15pm PST

Quick AI-Powered Strategies for ML Classroom Success

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST

Jepson 123

Discover how AI tools like ChatGPT can transform your teaching! This session equips educators with quick strategies to build background knowledge, vocabulary, and oral language opportunities for multilingual learners. Leave with practical ideas and tools for your tier 1 classrooms.

Presenters

Bridget Clark

K-6 ML Instructional Coach, Eastmont School District

Bridget Clark is an ML instructional coach with a background as both a classroom and ML teacher. She specializes in aligning ML instruction with tier 1 practices by designing resources along a structured Support Continuum. Bridget is passionate about integrating technology, such as... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST
Jepson 123

Technology

Target Audience K-12, Teacher Educators
Format Workshop

3:15pm PST

Selecting Web 2.0 Tools for ESL Classroom Engagement

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST

Jepson 109

This session introduces a practical framework for selecting Web 2.0 tools in ESL based on task engagement facilitators. Learn how to evaluate tools like Kahoot and Padlet for authenticity, interest, and interaction, and discover strategies to enhance learner engagement and language acquisition.

Presenters

Wayan Yana

English Teacher, Washington State University

Wayan Yana is an English teacher and researcher pursuing a Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Technology at Washington State University. With a strong interest in integrating technology into language learning, his research focuses on enhancing learner engagement through Web 2.0 tools... Read More →

Saturday March 8, 2025 3:15pm - 4:00pm PST
Jepson 109

Technology

Target Audience Teacher Educators
Format Informational Session

4:15pm PST

Grants, Door Prizes, Closing

Saturday March 8, 2025 4:15pm - 4:45pm PST

Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Saturday March 8, 2025 4:15pm - 4:45pm PST
Globe Room - Cataldo Hall

Networking