Each May, NJTESOL/NJBE hosts a 2-day statewide spring conference of professional development workshops mirroring the format of international TESOL’s annual convention. The conference is held at a centrally located New Jersey hotel/convention venue. Noted speakers are invited to deliver keynote addresses while others are invited to present workshops on relevant topics and successful strategies and methodologies. Past speakers include Judie Haynes (Everything ESL); Elizabeth Claire (Easy English News); Rebecca Freeman Field (English Language Learners at School: A Guide for Administrators); Nancy Cloud (Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners); Maria Dove and Andrea Honigsfeld (Common Core Collaborations); and Mary Capellini (Balancing Reading and Language Learning). Jim Cummins (BICSandCALP) participated in a workshop this year via the wonders of the Internet and remote location conferencing.

Current research and trends in ESL are examined, including the many forms of technology and social media in the classroom. An area is designated for Poster Sessions presented by members. In the Legislative Workshop, individuals from the New Jersey Department of Education and others are invited to sit on a panel and discuss the latest developments in educational law pertaining to English language learners. Publishing companies of all sizes and educational materials providers are invited to purchase booth space in our Vendors’ Alley to showcase the latest in ESL materials. Authors are invited to engage in book signings.

Each year scholarships and monetary ($1,500) and material (laptops) awards are presented to the winners of a statewide writing contest. Students of NJTESOL/NJBE members in fourth grade, eighth grade, high school, and college submit their essays and curriculum vitae for consideration. It is through the generosity of the membership that these scholarships are awarded. Two privately funded financial scholarships are presented to a teacher-in-the field and a Hispanic high school student. NJTESOL/NJBE also bestows a President’s Award and a Leadership Award to deserving individuals or organizations.

The conference gives educators and all parties interested in the success of English language learners from the tri-state area of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania the opportunity to network with each other. The Spring 2012 Conference had approximately 1,500 attendees involved in more than 300 workshops over the 2 days in May.

Roselyn Rauch, EdD, is the editor of NJTESOL/NJBE Voices and a retired ESL/ESL resource teacher from the Paterson, NJ, USA, public school system. She is a consultant with ESL Unlimited.