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

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

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

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

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