Returning to Texas for the first time since 2004, the TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo brought together approximately 6,500 professionals from more than 75 countries this past March, with 20% of attendees traveling to Dallas from outside of the United States. Under the banner "Harmonizing Language, Heritage, & Cultures," the 2013 convention featured more than 1,000 educational sessions and opportunities for participants to learn the latest developments in English language teaching, discover new research, improve their practice, and network with peers from across the globe. In addition, the English Language Expo featured one of the largest exhibitions of its kind in the world, with more than 130 exhibitors offering the leading products and services for English language educators and their classrooms.

New Features

ELT Leadership Management Certificate Program
The 2013 TESOL International Convention saw the launch of several new features and programs. One of the most popular was the debut of the ELT Leadership Management Certificate Program (ELT LMCP) that focuses on enhancing leadership and management skills for ELT professionals. The 10-hour certificate course provides quality professional development and leadership training for professionals in their current or future leadership, administrative, or management roles in various kinds of ELT organizations and institutions.

New Technology in Use
Technology continued to play an important role in the convention experience. For the first time, members and others who were not able to attend the convention in person were able to watch the opening keynote speaker live over the internet. (A recording is available for those who may have missed it.) In addition, the 2013 TESOL International Convention saw the launch of its own mobile app! Available on both iPhone/iPad and Android phones, the app contained the full program, including abstracts, schedules, and exhibit floor information.

Roundtable Discussions
These super popular, 45-minute roundtable sessions took place in the exhibit hall, and featured an intimate setting of 10–12 seats around a small table. Presentations covered topics such as strategies to address bullying, U.S. Common Core State Standards, and intercultural issues.

Educational and Professional Development
To highlight the theme of the convention, an array of keynote speakers was brought together to discuss the intersection of heritage, language, and culture. The opening keynote was John Hunter, teacher, musician, and inventor of the World Peace Game. The subject of an award-winning documentary and a Teaching Excellence Fellow of the Martin Institute for Teaching Excellence, Hunter shared stories and lessons from his work on the World Peace Game. Thomas Nakayama, professor of communication studies at Northeastern University, USA, and founding editor of the Journal of International and Intercultural Communication, spoke on the history of intercultural communication in the United States.

Suzanne Panferov, President of TESOL International Association and Director of the Center for ESL at the University of Arizona, USA, spoke on the heritage of the TESOL field, and the field’s journey in developing great teachers. Aram deKoven, associate professor of education at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, USA, spoke on the subject of subconsciously held bias, and the challenge of exposing the myth of racial colorblindness. The final keynote featured Bonny Norton, professor and Distinguished University Scholar, Department of Language and Literacy Education, University of British Columbia, Canada. Dr. Norton addressed how learner and teacher identities are negotiated in language classrooms.

In addition to these keynote speakers, the 2013 TESOL International Convention featured an array of nearly two dozen international invited speakers addressing a variety of topics including communication, intercultural awareness, technology, learner motivation, and ELT contexts in Mexico, China, and Qatar. In addition, a featured highlight of this year’s convention was a spotlight on the Common Core State Standards initiative in the United States. Several sessions throughout both K–12 Dream Day and the convention focused on developments with the Common Core State Standards, and their impact upon ELLs and ESL.

Awards for Excellence
Continuing the tradition of highlighting excellence, the 2013 TESOL International Convention saw the recognition of several leaders in the field, as well as those outside the field who have helped advance opportunities for English learners and their educators. Key honorees at this year’s convention included:

• 2013 TESOL Teacher of the Year Award, presented by National Geographic Learning, to Anne Marie Foerster Luu of Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland, USA
• 2013 TESOL Award for Distinguished Research, presented by ETS/TOEFL, to Dr. Andreea Cervatiuc of the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• TESOL Presidents’ Award, presented to the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program
• Outstanding U.S. Advocate Honor, presented to Texas State Rep. Roberto Alonzo in recognition of his support of ESL and bilingual education

To read about these and other award winners, click here.

Convention Highlights Online
If you weren’t able to attend the Dallas convention in person, you can catch up on the event with recordings of numerous sessions, including plenary sessions, available for puchase on the Live Learning Center. And check back to the 2013 convention website for recordings of the keynote speaker sessions, which will be made freely available to all members soon!

“Explore, Sustain, Renew” in Portland in 2014!
It’s not too early to start planning for the 2014 TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo! It will be held 26–29 March in Portland, Oregon, USA. The theme for the convention is “Explore, Sustain, Renew: ELT for the Next Generation.”

Present at the convention in 2014! The deadline for all submissions is 1 June 2013. Read the call for proposals for details.