Professional Development Conference (PDC) 2025

Schedule

Session Guide: 

Teaching Techniques in the Classroom	Leadership and Management
AI in Teaching & Learning	Standards, Regulations, and Compliance
Innovative Programming	Curriculum Development
Professional Development

January 31, 2025

[all times Eastern Time; links to sessions will be provided to registrants the day before]

Welcome Session
11:00 – 11:10 am (ET)

Join EnglishUSA leadership in preliminary remarks to kick off the 17th Annual Professional Development Conference!

Session One
11:15 am – 12:00 pm (ET)

 Empowering Diverse Voices: Inclusive EFL Teaching through UDL and Culturally Responsive Practices

This session focuses on inclusive English language teaching strategies that integrate Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and culturally responsive practices. The aim is to provide equitable educational experiences for students from diverse backgrounds by creating an accessible and inclusive learning environment that respects and values their unique contributions. [Presenter(s):Amy Gooden, Lesley University and Harvard University]

 Making Online Collaboration Work

Most research suggests that meetings and collaboration via video-conferencing are less productive and yield fewer novel ideas than face-to-face interaction. The presenters engage the audience in various discussions, and a short group task experiment, to develop criteria for effective “Zooms” for a variety of project constellations. [Presenter(s): Sigrun Biesenbach-Lucas, Georgetown University; and Suzanne Matula, Georgetown University]

 Taming the Dinosaur Within: Pathways to Program-Wide Pedagogical Innovation

This session will demonstrate how to introduce pedagogical innovation program-wide and how to  encourage faculty on board. The session will discuss why programs should innovate,  the value to program, students, and faculty, and provide a roadmap for implementation. Importantly, this session will demonstrate how to tame the dinosaur within! [Presenter(s): Aviva Katzenell, Intensive English Institute, Florida Atlantic University]

 Prompting Principles for Materials Creation using Generative Artificial Intelligence

This session will introduce participants to six foundational principles of effective AI prompting. Attendees will explore sample prompts, collaborate in breakout rooms to create their own, and evaluate the success of prompts for various tasks. The session will also cover strategies for refining prompts and improving AI tool interactions. [Presenter(s): Andy Mattingly, Embry-Riddle Language Institute]  

Session Two
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm (ET)

  Encouraging a Growth Mindset in ELLs

Having only some control of factors that affect student success in the classroom, ESL teachers should have a fundamental knowledge of Dweck's growth mindset theory and be able to employ aspects of it in teaching to affect student motivation, achievement, and outcomes, as well as help students reach their goals. [Presenter(s): John Catlett, Saint Joseph's University]

 Leveraging Student Focus Groups to Enhance Services

This interactive session explores the utility of student focus groups and helps identify and collect targeted student feedback to improve student services at the center/school. We provide specific examples within the context of two IEPs. Participants will have the opportunity to explore leveraging feedback groups within their own school settings. [Presenter(s): Kathleen Hylen, ELS Chicago, Dominican University; and Lee Hunt, ELS Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati]

 Navigating the AI-generated Disinformation Daze to Build Language and Media Literacy

While AI has made it increasingly challenging to distinguish real from fake information, teaching media literacy is critical, and offers highly compelling, engaging, opportunities for language learning. Teaching students to recognize deepfake videos, AI-generated photos, social media and news creates opportunities to develop language through the lens of media literacy.  [Presenter(s): Maureen Smith Martindale, U.S. State Department English Language Programs] 

Session Three
1:15 pm - 2:00 pm (ET)

 TikTok as a Teaching Tool

TikTok is creating a linguistic repertoire, allowing access to authentic language, pronunciation guides, and live interaction with English language learners and native speakers. This presentation will demonstrate how teachers can utilize TikTok as a tool for supplemental language practice while avoiding potential pitfalls of this popular social media platform. [Presenter(s): Lynn Wolfe, University of Nevada; and Toni Juart, Indiana University]

 Paths to Leadership in University-Governed Intensive English Programs

The Intensive English Program administrator assumes a challenging role that calls for flexibility, adaptability, and equilibrium in response to internal and external conditions. The result of a doctoral research, this session will share how IEP leaders prepare for a multi-faceted role, and understanding of  the pathways to  successful IEP leadership. [Presenter(s): Mariana Syrotiak, Gannon University]

 Linking EAP with First Year Curriculum in Pathway Programs

The presenters will discuss a case study of curricular integration between EAP and an introductory sociology course in the context of a pathway program for first year undergraduate students. The topic of AI as a social phenomenon was used in both courses to meet curricular and program objectives.  [Presenter(s): David Lind, International Programs, Syracuse University; and David Patent, College of Professional Studies, Syracuse University]

 AI in English Language Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Future

This session explores the evolving role of AI in English Language Programs (ELPs), focusing on three critical areas: policy, classroom applications, and creation of instructional and marketing materials. [Presenter(s): Kateryna Forynna, University of North Carolina Wilmington; Catherine Madden, North Carolina State University; Todd Beard, University of Tennessee; and Amanda Dascomb, University of Tennessee]

Break

2:00 pm - 2:45 pm (ET)

Open Forums

Informal open discussions on various topics!

2:45 pm - 3:30 pm (ET)

• How Your ELPs Found New Paths Forward
  Facilitator: Cheryl Delk-Le Good, EnglishUSA
• Learn More About EnglishUSA
  Facilitator: Kim Andersen, Empire State English and Hannah O'Dell, EnglishUSA Association Assistant
• Social Meet-Up
  Facilitator: Katherine Shibata, Pearson Test of English Academic and Caroline Gear, International Language Institute of Massachusetts
• Brainstorming Session Ideas for Joint Presentations
  Facilitator: James Stakenburg, PACE- English Language Institute, New York; and Daryl Bish, University of Florida English Language Institute

Session Four
3:45 pm - 4:30 pm (ET)

 Building Communicative Awareness Beyond Academics – the Rhetorical Triangle

The presenter will demonstrate how the rhetorical triangle helps students assess their and others' written and oral communication based on purpose, audience, and message. Using the rhetorical triangle, attendees will analyze messages, discuss ways to incorporate the method beyond just writing classes, and devise an activity for their classes. [Presenter(s): Genie Smiddy, St. John's University]

 Administrative Practices on Learning Differences in an intensive English Program

Adult ESL students who repeatedly struggle to meet learning outcomes pose a significant challenge for educators. This session offers an IEP director's perspective on addressing this issue, focusing on a referral process, diagnosis of learning disabilities, intervention and accommodation strategies, and final administrative decisions. [Presenter(s): Seo Hyun Park, Divine Word College; and Cindy Ehrlich, Divine Word College]

 Developing English Language Skills Through Community Engagement

By implementing equity-based curriculum design, presenters offer strategies, examples, and resources to creatively engage students in service learning while improving English skills and understanding community issues. Participants examine and discuss community-based projects and their practical applications ranging from one lesson to a session-long project. [Presenter(s): Kirsten Stauffer, Georgetown University; and Barbara Flocke, University of Colorado Boulder]

 Clarifying What We Mean: Popular Concepts in Education Today

Creativity, critical thinking, and 21st-century skills are common buzzwords among English teachers today. It is important to look behind the labels and discuss the meaning of these terms. Through interactive discussion, participants will develop a more nuanced perspective of these concepts and their application in English language classrooms. [Presenter(s): Karin deJonge-Kannan, Utah State University] 

Session Five
4:45 pm - 5:30 pm (ET)

 Supporting International Students Experiencing Mental Health Crises

This presentation explores how IEP faculty and staff can recognize and support international students experiencing mental health challenges. Through discussion of a case study, attendees learn strategies for identifying signs a student is in distress, how to provide support, and where to turn for campus, community, and professional resources.[Presenter(s): Katherine Brinkmeyer, Indiana University Indianapolis; Thomas Upton, Indiana University Indianapolis; Carrie Hall, Indiana University Indianapolis; and Emilija Zlatkovska, University of Southern Indiana]

 Creating Industry-Specific English Curriculum for Targeted Workforce Training

This session explores strategies for developing industry-specific ESL programs that meet workforce needs. Participants learn how to design tailored curricula, engage learners with real-world materials, and implement effective teaching techniques. The session highlights the benefits of these programs for enhancing job readiness, workplace integration, and employee performance. [Presenter(s): Lena Shaqareq, LENa Institute Founder] 

 Maintaining Quality across Educational Program Types

Foreign language, youth, and teacher training certificate programs fall within the scope of accreditation by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). Data on the types of educational programs accredited by CEA, including those delivered by distance education will be presented along with a summary of common compliance issues. [Presenter(s): Rachel Herman, Commission on English Language Program Accreditation; and Emily Vandermade, Commission on English Language Program Accreditation]

 Beyond Presentations: Boosting Oral Discourse Skills in Higher Ed ELLs

The presenters will describe activities they have developed to help their EAP students practice and acquire diverse academic discussion skills. These activities include active listening, extemporaneous speaking, student-led discussions, and other varied types of discussion. The presenters will also describe their multi-layered assessment strategies for these discourse skills. [Presenter(s): Kathleen Philpott Costa, Georgetown University; and Leslie Sheen, Georgetown University]

 ELT and Plurilingualism

The presenters will facilitate group and room discussions regarding the benefits of knowing other languages when teaching and learning English in intensive programs. The participants will develop working definitions of plurilingualism (multilingualism) and plurilingual teaching methods and compare them with current CEFR notions of plurilingual and pluricultural competence. [Presenter(s): Gonzalo Isidro, EF International Language Campus Honolulu; and Marc Kets, EF International Language]  

Session Rooms:
EnglishUSA PDC sessions will be 45 minutes in length (including Q & A). We will be using Zoom; each presenter will be responsible for providing a Zoom link (meeting format).

• Kim Andersen, Empire State English
      Open Forum Session: Learn More About EnglishUSA
• Todd Beard, University of Tennessee
      Session: AI in English Language Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Future
• Sigrun Biesenbach-Lucas, Georgetown University
      Session: Making Online Collaboration Work
• Daryl Bish, University of Florida English Language Institute
      Open Forum Session: Brainstorming Session Ideas for Joint Presentations
• Katherine Brinkmeyer, The Program for Intensive English at IU Indianapolis
      Session: Supporting International Students Experiencing Mental Health Crises
• John Catlett, Saint Joseph's University
      Session: Encouraging a Growth Mindset in ELLs
• Amanda Dascomb, University of Tennessee
      Session: AI in English Language Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Future
• Karin deJonge-Kannan, Utah state University
      Session: Clarifying what we mean: Popular concepts in education today
• Cheryl Delk-Le Good, EnglishUSA
      Open Forum Session: How Your ELPs Found New Paths Forward
• Cindy Ehrlich, Loras College and Morningside College
      Session: Administrative Practices on Learning Differences in an intensive English Program
• Barbara Flocke, University of Colorado Boulder
      Session: Developing English Language Skills Through Community Engagement
• Kateryna Forynna, University of North Carolina Wilmington
      Session: AI in English Language Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Future
• Amy Gooden, Lesley University and Harvard University
      Session: Empowering Diverse Voices: Inclusive EFL Teaching through UDL and Culturally Responsive Practices
• Carrie Hall, The Program for Intensive English at IU Indianapolis
      Session: Supporting International Students Experiencing Mental Health Crises
• Rachel Herman, Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
      Session: Maintaining quality across educational program types
• Lee Hunt, ELS Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati
      Session: Leveraging Student Focus Groups to Enhance Services
• Kathleen Hylen, ELS Chicago, Dominican University
      Session: Leveraging Student Focus Groups to Enhance Services
• Gonzalo Isidro, EF International Language Campus Honolulu
      Session: ELT and Plurilingualism
• Toni Juart, Indiana University
      Session: TikTok as a Teaching Tool
• Aviva Katzenell, Intensive English Institute, Florida Atlantic University
      Session: Taming the Dinosaur Within: Pathways to Program-Wide Pedagogical Innovation
• Marc Kets, EF International Language
      Session: ELT and Plurilingualism
• David Lind, International Programs, Syracuse University
      Session: Linking EAP with First Year Curriculum in Pathway Programs
• Catherine Madden, North Carolina State University
      Session: AI in English Language Programs: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Future
• Andy Mattingly, Embry-Riddle Language Institute
      Session: Prompting Principles for Materials Creation using Generative Artificial Intelligence
• Suzanne Matula, Georgetown University
      Session: Making Online Collaboration Work
• Seo Hyun Park, Divine Word College
      Session: Administrative practices on learning differences in an intensive English program
• David Patent, College of Professional Studies, Syracuse University
      Session: Linking EAP with First Year Curriculum in Pathway Programs
• Kathleen Philpott Costa, Georgetown University 
      Session: Beyond Presentations: Boosting Oral Discourse Skills in Higher Ed ELLs
• Lena Shaqareq, LENa Institute Founder
      Session: Creating Industry-Specific English Curriculum for Targeted Workforce Training
• Leslie Sheen, Georgetown University
      Session: Beyond Presentations: Boosting Oral Discourse Skills in Higher Ed ELLs
• Katherine Shibata, Pearson Test of English Academic
      Open Forum Session: Social Meet-Up
• Genie Smiddy, St. John's University
      Session: Building communicative awareness beyond academics – the Rhetorical Triangle
• Maureen Smith Martindale, U.S. State Department English Language Programs
      Session: Navigating the AI-generated Disinformation Daze to Build Language and Media Literacy
• James Stakenburg, PACE- English Language Institute, New York
      Open Forum Session: Brainstorming Session Ideas for Joint Presentations
• Kirsten Stauffer, Georgetown University
      Session: Developing English Language Skills Through Community Engagement
• Mariana Syrotiak, Gannon University
      Session: Paths to Leadership in University-Governed Intensive English Programs
• Thomas Upton, The Program for Intensive English at IU Indianapolis
      Session: Supporting International Students Experiencing Mental Health Crises
• Emily Vandermade, Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, University
      Session: Maintaining quality across educational program types
• Lynn Wolfe, University of Nevada
      Session: TikTok as a Teaching Tool
• Emilija Zlatkovska, University of Southern Indiana
      Session: Supporting International Students Experiencing Mental Health Crises