Conference Theme

The theme of our conference, "You Matter: Believe, Excel, & Celebrate" is a powerful reminder of the vital role you play in the lives of your students as ESOL teachers. Every day, you are the bridge that connects your students to a world of language and opportunity. Believe in your ability to inspire, empower and advocate for students. Continue to help them excel. Celebrate all the successes you achieve. This conference is about recognizing that you as educators truly matter. 

Call for Papers

We are excited to invite submissions for the KSU ESOL Conference 2025, centered around the theme: "You Matter: Believe, Excel, & Celebrate.” This theme highlights the profound impact that educators have on their students and their communities at large. In a world where multiple voices and experiences enrich our classrooms, you, ESOL educators, are at the forefront of fostering excellence in teaching and nurturing language learners. The theme "You Matter" highlights the significance of acknowledging your vital contributions, recognizing your dedication, and exploring how your work impacts both students and the broader educational landscape. This year’s conference has a strong emphasis on pedagogies that empower teachers and students to excel in their work and shape transformative ESOL teaching and learning experiences. This conference provides a platform for educators, researchers, and administrators to reflect on and share their experiences, insights, and innovative practices. 

Strands

We encourage submissions that explore a wide range of topics under the “You Matter” theme, including the following strands:  

  • "You Matter" signifies the recognition of the whole teacher and student, which aligns with a holistic approach to health and wellness. This includes not just physical health but also social and emotional health. Sessions at the conference could focus on how educators can support teachers and learners in a comprehensive way— exploring the intersection of health, wellness, and language learning. This strand focuses on sharing practices and research that build strong and supportive communities that serve the overall mental and physical well-being of ESOL educators and students, ensuring a balanced approach to education that fosters both academic, professional and personal growth. 
  • You Matter" underscores the importance of recognizing each teacher and learner's unique needs, strengths, and experiences. Effective pedagogy involves tailoring instruction that is student-centered and accommodates different learning styles and backgrounds. By implementing innovative personalized learning strategies, educators can address the specific needs of each ESOL student, making their cultures, histories and languages feel valued and ensuring that their individual learning requirements are met. This year the conference has a special emphasis on the intersection of ESOL in two areas: Special Education and Science of Reading. Contributions should highlight effective pedagogical approaches in these areas that inspire, engage, and challenge students to reach their full potential.  
  • As technology advances, teachers examine its role in enhancing language learning and teaching. Submissions should focus on how adaptive technology, digital tools and AI are transforming the ESOL classroom, enabling students and educators to overcome language barriers to connect, learn, and celebrate achievements in new and meaningful ways. Educators share innovate practices that can ensure that each ESOL learner receives instruction that is appropriate for their level and pace, reinforcing the idea that every teacher and student matters by having access to equal opportunities to participate and succeed. 
  • Effective leaders in education prioritize inclusive practices, ensuring that learners receive the support they need to succeed. Leaders who actively advocate for resources, professional development, and policies that address the specific needs of teachers and students provide examples of how visionary leadership can drive educational excellence. Session topics may include ways of investing in the development of teacher leaders and programs and the impact of advocacy on shaping school culture for student success.  
  • The theme “You Matter” highlights the critical role of families and communities in supporting ESOL education. Presentations should explore strategies for building strong partnerships that foster family engagement and recognize their unique cultural and linguistic assets to build an environment where students feel valued, supported, and motivated to excel. We encourage you to share resources and pathways that demonstrate how schools are invested in and are willing to partner with families to support students thus forging stronger bonds between families and schools. 

These strand descriptions are designed to inspire submissions that align with our theme and contribute to the advancement of ESOL education. We look forward to your insights and expertise. 

Types of Presentations: Individual Presentation, Research Panel, Poster Session

woman engaging with audience
An individual presentation is a structured talk or lecture delivered by a single speaker to an audience for roughly 50 minutes. It typically involves the speaker sharing insights, research findings, or expertise on a specific topic, often supported by visual aids like slides. The goal is to inform, educate, or inspire the attendees, followed by a Q&A session to engage with the audience.
panel discussion
Panel presentations are groups of three (3) teachers sharing and discussing various aspects of EL pedagogy and practice. We encourage proposals that include unique perspectives, practical strategies, and innovative approaches. The conference organizers will group individual submissions into similar panels. Panels are 50 minute sessions. Each panelist has approximately 15 minutes to present. Panel discussions will be moderated by a facilitator.  

Poster are visual displays that show effective educational strategies. Poster sessions provide an opportunity for individual presenters to display and discuss their work with conference attendees in an informal, interactive environment. A template and instructions are provided below:

presentation poster
presentation poster

 

  • Posters should be 36” x 48” (standard size) if printed at Office Depot or a similar business.  
  • Posters can also be printed at school or home and placed on a standard trifold.  
  • Photos, student drawings, lesson plans, and other relevant materials can be included where desired 
    • Project Title 
    • Presenter information including presenter names, teacher title (e.g., fifth grade teacher), school and district affiliation 
    • Introduction 
    • Goals of project  
    • Description of project  
    • Outcomes or results 
    • Conclusion 
    • Future work 
    • References 
    • Acknowledgements