TESOL 2015

Knox Porter, proud TESOL member

My 2015 journey involved encounters with valued colleagues – past and present. I am thankful for the stimulation, input, & encouragement given by each TESOL member I salute here. Absorbing the ideas in plenary messages, and interacting in concurrent sessions, has practically helped in my professional growth and in

making me a lifelong learner.

October, 2015

Teaching and Learning: Hand in Hand

ConnectionsI endeavored to represent my employer, Education First, well at two TESOL conferences. My lapel pin shows that I also wanted to represent my graduate school, Georgia State University, where I am a member of the …

Graphic Organizers: Journeys With Teaching & Learning

Hand In HandThe premise of my concurrent session is simple: be useful to teachers by sharing practical methodology which is easy to implement. My rooms, both in Atlanta & Myrtle Beach, were filled to capacity with attentive instructors. Here I share how using Oglethorpe University Museum of Art is helpful in building oral language & critical thinking.

Georgia Piedmont Technical College

Diane Hunter, coordinator of Adult ESL, was a marvelous leader during my four years there. She expertly guided the program and held her head high on all occasions. Diane is a sterling example of an educator and a human being.

Marion Kriwanek, who photobombs, is an enthusiastic professional education worker. Marion always continually supported me, affirmed me, and cheered me on.

Dr. Mary Lou McCloskeyIn 1985, Dr. McCloskey was my Georgia State University professor in the ESL endorsement program. She, and her marvelous colleagues, gave me a most wonderful professional gift; one which I am still using today as I endeavor to be useful to international students. It was great to attend Mary Lou’s session and to know that we both remain active in TESOL and with English learners three decades after coursework at GSU.

Vamshi Rudrapati

“Mr. V.” is the Director of Federal Programs of South Carolina’s Charter Schools. Both of us are passionate about quality education. At each conference our conversations are always lively, extremely positive, and highly stimulating. I was honored to have such an important, respected official attend my session.

Dr. Mark Johnson

Dr. Johnson ,of East Carolina University, is seated in the upper right hand corner. He was elected to the Carolina TESOL Board. Previously he worked with my GSU professor, Dr. McCloskey in Peru. I was pleased to become associated with an erudite young man. He will be a good leader for our organization.

Ken Pransky M.A.

Ken , a lifelong teacher, is with the Collaborative for Educational Services in MA. A thought provoking plenary speaker, I was greatly honored when this author attended my concurrent session. Ken was seated on the back row.

I am gratified that all the teachers were so attentive.

Connie BanksConnie Banks is South Carolina’s greatest multi-tasker. The Past President of Carolina TESOL, she recently served as conference chairperson. At the 2013 conference Connie kindly attended my session. Later, another speaker left early. She quickly found me and pushed me into a room to repeat my program. I was affirmed that she appreciated my contributions.

Richard McCabe, PresidentIn 2013, I attended Carolina TESOL as a total stranger. Richard McCabe always saw that I had people to dine with and socialize with. His southern hospitality and genuine warmth opened the door to numerous stimulating relationships with dedicated teachers. I appreciate the fine way Richard leads by example. F. Scott Fitzgerald describes his type as “fundamentally decent.”

Jack Hellenbrand

Three conferences ago, Jack Hellenbrand, was immensely helpful in getting my session & PowerPoint up and running. His helpfulness to many is evident at each conference. I am proud to have a warm association with such an energetic TESOL Board member.

The perfect tie for Myrtle Beach