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.

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

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

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

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

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 →

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

Other

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