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NJTESOL/NJBE
  • Home
    • Voices Weekly and Annual Journal
  • Membership
  • Spring Conference
    • Keynote Speakers
    • Invited Speakers
  • Scholarships
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    • Online Teaching Resources
    • Parent Resources
    • Advocacy
    • Seal of Biliteracy
  • Executive Board
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2023 Spring Conference Preliminary  Schedule

See the Spring Conference page for more about the keynote speakers, registration, Awards Reception, and hotel reservations.

See below for Wednesday, Thursday & Online Library.

Tuesday, May 23

Keynote: Dr. Andrea Honigsfeld is TESOL professor at Molloy University, Rockville Centre, NY. She is the coauthor or coeditor of over 25 books and numerous chapters and research articles related to the needs of multilingual learners and teacher collaboration.

TitlePresentersInterest Section
Keynote - To Collaborate or Not to Collaborate: That is NOT the Question!Dr. Andrea HonigsfeldElementary Education
Keynote Breakout - Partnership Building: One Day at a TimeDr. Andrea HonigsfeldElementary Education
Make Word Work More FunIvelis SanfilippoPre-K - K
Redesign of Kindergarten ACCESS for ELLsLynn Shafer Willner, PhDPre-K - K
Advocating Collaboratively for Multilingual LearnersKathleen Fernandez, Sonya Bertini, & Jeff HutchesonElementary Grades 1-4
Grammar Walls and Story ProblemsClaire DonohueElementary Grades 1-4
Sponsor Session - Pacific Learning: The Science of Reading in a Spanish Dual Language ClassroomNancy HerreraElementary Grades 1-4
Using Technology and Scaffolding to Support ELL's in ELASharon Kernan CumiskeyElementary Grades 1-4
Language of Math - The Forgotten StandardJeff BranchekElementary Grades 1-4
Strengthening Collaboration Between Teachers Through Scaffolds
and Differentiation
Jenna Maneri, & Daryl PerkinsElementary Grades 1-4
Engaging Elementary-Level MLs in Literacy through Explicit InstructionKatie Williver, & Denise FurlongElementary Grades 1-4
Family Engagement Through a DEI LensNeel Desai, & Dr. Alex GrayElementary Grades 1-4
Deepening Understanding of the WIDA Key Language UsesMaggie Churchill, & Lynn Shafer Willner, PhDElementary Grades 1-4
Poster Session - Script Writing as a Vehicle for Conflict ResolutionJennifer OstregaElementary Grades 1-4
Invited Speaker - Trauma Informed Practices for Teachers of Immigrant and Multicultural StudentsAmanda AdamsBilingual Education
Lift Every Voicekiina dordoni, & Cecilia VilaBilingual Education
Rising to the Top: A Dual Language ProgramVivian Rodriguez, & Damian O. Medina, Ed D.Bilingual Education
Poster Session- Bringing the Science of Reading to Light for ELLsElsa MenaBilingual Education
Poster Session - Leveraging ELLs' skills with photo promptsKatelyn DatoBilingual Education
Sponsor Session - ClassHero: Add Language to the EquationJaclyn GochocoBilingual Education
Reading is FUNdamental!Luigina Finneran, & Tara CollinsMiddle School
A Team Effort: Supporting Newcomers and SLIFEsMaryellen Fitzpatrick, & Tara WeitzmanMiddle School
Developing Empathy, Gratitude, and Kindness with Teachers and StudentsHana PrashkerSecondary Education
Targeted Supports for creating NGSS/WIDA aligned assessments
for Multilingual Students
Mercy NoguerasSecondary Education
Restorative Practices in the ELL ClassroomDr. Johanna AmaroSecondary Education
U.S. History for ELLs: An Equitable ApproachDelfina Picchio, & Rebekah ButlerSecondary Education
Developing a Common Language for your ESL and Special Education TeamsJoAnne Negrin, & Julie OchoaSpecial education
Leading Toward an Antiracist and Culturally Responsive Communitykiina dordoniProgram Administration
Monitoring Former English Language LearnersAndrea Fontenez, & Damian MedinaProgram Administration
A Tale of Two Cities-How Irvington and Nutley are exploring solutions
for rapidly growing MLL popula
Julie Mitschow, & Keith PerkinsProgram Administration
State Initiatives in Bilingual/ESL Education NJTESOL/NJBE Executive Board MembersProgram Administration
How to S.E.E. Vocabulary Strategies in WritingLeah CarmonaTeacher Education
Windows, Mirrors & Sliding Glass Doors - Elevating Student Voice and
Shifting the Cultural Narrative
Dr Pedro J. RuizTeacher Education
Becoming a National Board Certified TeacherSandra Washington-Gayles, & Holly GambleTeacher Education

Wednesday, May 24

Keynote: Dr. Edward (Eddie) Fergus is a Professor of Urban Education in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University – Newark. Dr. Fergus has worked with over 120 school districts since 2004 on educational equity and school reform, specifically addressing disproportionality in special education and suspension.

President’s Awards Reception – 6:00 PM

TitlePresentersInterest Section
Keynote - The Climate of Educator Beliefs Surrounding MLLsDr. Edward FergusAll Areas of Pedagogy
Keynote Breakout - Disproportionate patterns of MLLs in special education and giftedDr. Edward FergusAll Areas of Pedagogy
Invited Speaker - Hecho en Colombia, Assembled in New JerseyCamilo Montoya-GalvezAll Areas of Pedagogy
Integrating Science Content Attainment and Language DevelopmentCecilia VilaElementary Grades 1-4
SOR and How It Relates to ELLsElizabeth Riello-ConnorsElementary Grades 1-4
The Science of Writing and how it Relates to ELLsElizabeth Riello-ConnorsElementary Grades 1-4
Culturally and Linguistically Informed IEPs for ELs with Special NeedsMaggie Churchill & Adela JoyceElementary Grades 1-4
NJTESOL/NJBE Parent ResourcesKathleen FernandezElementary Grades 1-4
Poster Session- WIDA Framework Aligned Unit of StudyLuz JohnsonElementary Grades 1-4
Poster Session- Guided Reading for Multilingual LearnersJessica Perdomo- O'HaraElementary Grades 1-4
Strategies and Resources to Maximize ComprehensionTina KernMiddle School
The Journey of a Bilingual EducatorGabriela ColonBilingual Education
A Celebration of MLLs in SpotswoodChristine FranciscoBilingual Education
Response to Intervention (RTI) for Multilingual LearnersKathleen BowmanBilingual Education
The Power of Effective Instructional CoachingMeri Petkovska & Angelica RodriguezBilingual Education
Sponsor Session - Imagine Learning: Creating an Equitable Computer Science Program that Fosters Language DevelopmentDaniel SavareseBilingual Education
YPAR: Creating Engaging Programs for MLLsLaura Arredondo & Dafne PerezBilingual Education
ELL STREAM Ahead!Dr. Johanna AmaroSecondary Education
Identifying and Addressing Implicit BiasAllison ConnollySecondary Education
Identifying Content Area Language DemandsAlex GuzmanSecondary Education
Supporting SIFE in the ClassroomDesir‚e MidbySecondary Education
Reflecting on Your Successful LessonsSoyoun OuhSecondary Education
Leading from the Middle: Building Administrative Capacitykiina dordoni & Cecilia VilaProgram Administration
State Initiatives in Bilingual/ESL Education NJTESOL/NJBE Executive Board MembersProgram Administration
Sheltered English Instruction: Supporting Newcomers in your DistrictSara Catedra & Yannery FerreiroProgram Administration
Panel- Establishing the Habit of Anti-Racist ActionClaire Fisher, JPB Gerald, & Dana CalvetProgram Administration
Collaborating to Implement Trauma-Responsive Practices for AdultsDavid HouselAdult Education
Meeting Educational Needs of Migrant Youth & AdultsKylie Davis & Vera LiangAdult Education
Sponsor Session - Are You Ready to Up the Bar?Susana Matos-KruckTeacher Education
Introduction to the WIDA Standards Digital ExplorerLynn Shafer Willner - Invited SpeakerTeacher Education
Building ELL support strategies for core/classroom teachersLaurence Gander & Livia LumajTeacher Education
Beyond Word Meaning: Teaching Word KnowledgeAnne Ediger & Mark RomigTeacher Education

Thursday, May 25

Keynote: Ms. Jacquelyn León is an educational thought leader, action advocate, and author who has nearly 25 years of experience and expertise as an accomplished solutions-focused, results-driven creator in the fields of public health, education, emergency school preparedness, and family & community engagement.

TitlePresentersInterest Section
Keynote Session - Yo Soy, I Am: At Promise for GreatnessMs. Jacquelyn LeónBilingual Education
Keynote Breakout - Yo Soy, I Am: El Cuento Sobre Mi NombreMs. Jacquelyn LeónBilingual Education
Promoting Equity for Multilingual Learners Pre-K to 3 by Leveraging Home Languages & CulturesLeighAnn MatthewsPre-K - K
Literacy Coaching for Teachers of English Language LearnersAlison Munoz-CassidyElementary Grades 1-4
Shared Reading and Vocabulary for Content Area ESLAmy Peabody-ChieffoElementary Grades 1-4
Vocabulary and Learning English: What the Research SaysKelly YangElementary Grades 1-4
Facilitate ELL participation in science-based discussionsLauren VentrescaElementary Grades 1-4
Creating Translanguaging Space in the ClassroomChiu-Yin (Cathy) Wong, & Christine DonatelloElementary Grades 1-4
Establishing a Bridge for Young ELs Through the Lens of an ESL SpecialistDawn Floyd, & Cindy JimenezElementary Grades 1-4
Tapping Into English Language Learners' Superpowers Through Creative StorytellingJoy Scantlebury, & Marina LombardoElementary Grades 1-4
Laundromat Literacy Program ?Wash & Learn? Empowers CommunitiesAnne Marie McMahon, Maritza Acevedo, & Gisela CianciaElementary Grades 1-4
Poster Session- Model Unit for the 2020 WIDA Standards FrameworkMary CallirgosElementary Grades 1-4
Poster Session - Using a K-5 ESL Book Club to Increase to Promote CommunityMargaret KazanciogluElementary Grades 1-4
Sharing Data with Students and TeachersAshley SinghMiddle School
Teaching and Supporting Multilingual Learners in Social StudiesAshley Singh, & Meghan KellyMiddle School
Family Engagement: From Compliance to Social ReformCecilia VilaBilingual Education
Inside Out: Trauma-Sensitive Leadership and TeachingClaudia HeistermanBilingual Education
Effectively Managing Multi-Age ClassroomsKathleen BowmanBilingual Education
Invited Speaker - TESOL Advocacy Update on US Federal PolicyJeff HutchesonSecondary Education
Virtual Reality: An Interactive Journey for English LearnersBonnie Molina, Ed.D.Secondary Education
Dismantling Barriers for NewcomersJulianna Ezzo, & Alyx CucinottaSecondary Education
Progress Monitoring SIFE & Newcomers in Language & LiteracyLisa Auslander, & Wanda TejadaSecondary Education
Sponsor Session - Vista Higher Learning: Get Ready!: Supporting Newcomers in Content AreasJody NolfSecondary Education
The Influend of District-Charter Collaboration on ELLs' Academic AchievementDr. Sandra Vargas-OrtegaProgram Administration
Supervisor SIG MeetingLaura Arredondo, & JoAnne NegrinProgram Administration
State Initiatives in Bilingual/ESL Education NJTESOL/NJBE Executive Board MembersProgram Administration
Panel- Supporting Multilingual Learners in Higher EducationGail Verdi, Gilda Del Risco, Rosa Paulino,
Emily Lovrein, & Mark Smith
Higher Education
Low-Proficiency Adult ESOL Learners: Challenges & Curricular SolutionsAndrew SansoneAdult Education
Talkin? Like Wypipo (White People)kiina dordoni, & Cecilia VilaTeacher Education
Critical Reflections on ESL Teacher EducationBryan Meadows, & Chiu-Yin (Cathy) WongTeacher Education
Panel- Leveraging Collaboration to Invest in the Educator Career Continuum: A Panel DiscussionAlex Guzman, Gail Verdi, Mary Callirgos,
Amelina Navarro, Karolin Fernandez
Teacher Education
Poster Session- Effective Language ObjectivesApril GardnerTeacher Education
Come Learn with Lectorum!

Video Library Conference

Access starting on May 26th through September 1 
By using your unique login, your hours will be tracked so that you can earn PD hours through September 1st.
More workshops will be added.

TitlePresentersInterest Section
NJTESOL/NJBE Parent ResourcesKathleen FernandezElementary Grades 1-4
Examining Language Features in the 2020 WIDA ELD Standards FrameworkMargaret ChurchillElementary Grades 1-4
Sketchnotes for EngagementAlamelu Sundaram-WaltersElementary Grades 1-4
Learning Disabilities in Multilingual Learners: How do we Identify, Screen, Teach?Alamelu Sundaram-WaltersElementary Grades 1-4
Advocating Collaboratively for Multilingual LearnersKathleen Fernandez & Sonya BertiniElementary Grades 1-4
The Many Hats of Biography: Examining Key Language Uses in a biography instructional unitMargaret ChruchillElementary Grades 1-4
Developing and Assessing Speaking Through Explicit InstructionHana PrashkerMiddle School
Multicultural Music: A Bridge to Multilingual LearnersMiriam Ebsworth & J. Lynn EisensteinBilingual Education
Invited Speaker - TESOL Advocacy Update on US Federal PolicyJeff HutchesonSecondary Education
Progress Monitoring SIFE & Newcomers in Language & LiteracyLisa Auslander & Wanda TejadaSecondary Education
Developing Empathy, Gratitude, and Kindness with Teachers and StudentsHana PrashkerSecondary Education
Bringing Global Authors into ESL ClassroomsNadia Kalman Secondary Education
Whole Community Collaboration for the Whole ChildMichelle LandSecondary Education
Monitoring Former English Language LearnersAndrea Fontenez & Damian MedinaProgram Administration
K-12 ESL Instructors' Attitudes toward Virtual LearningDominik Wolff & Wyatt KaneHigher Education
Teaching Students the ?Moves? in Academic SpeakingRobyn Brinks LockwoodHigher Education
Sponsor Session - Dear Principal, Do You See Me?Susana Matos-KruckTeacher Education
An Ant Climbing a TreeLisa RoofTeacher Education
Parent and School Counselor Partnership to Foster ELL Student SuccessIvana Martines
Creating Equity and Opportunity: Option 2 for NewcomersAndrea Fonteñez
Mental Health & ELL; Connecting with your School TeamNancy Martinez
Important Legal Information for NJ Immigrant Families and StudentsErin Sweeney

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NJTESOL-NJBE By-Laws Approved 2-7-2020
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For Your Information

Transitional Changes to State Assessments and Graduation Requirements

Position Statement on Language Rights

Testimony to NJDOE about changes to the Bilingual Code

Position Statement on Protecting the Rights of English Language Learners

NJDOE PARCC Testing Accommodations for English Learners

Resource: FABRIC – A Learning Paradigm for ELLs

Important Dates

Spring Conference 2026

May 19, 20, & 21, 2026
(Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday)

Workshop Proposals are due Nov. 21, 2025.