TESOL Connections Mobile - Back-to-School Special Issue: August 2020

"Back to School" in Fall 2020: Approaching Uncertain Territory

In-person, remote, or hybrid? We’re not sure how we’ll be teaching when schools reopen, but we must plan for flexibility. These classroom activities will get you ready to work in all formats.

Creating an Inclusive Online Class for Students With Disabilities

by Davey Young

Students with disabilities may face additional barriers presented by virtual learning formats. Ensure all of your learners can access your content.

Back to School After COVID-19: Considering Emotional Well-Being

by Luis Javier Pentón Herrera

Both teachers and students may find themselves confused, scared, and anxious when schools reopen. Try these three simple suggestions to help yourself and your learners.

From the President: Back to School With Knowledge and Confidence

by Deborah J. Short

TESOL President Deborah J. Short writes about the unimaginable challenges and successes we, as a field, have accomplished over the past few months.

Strategic Reading Activities to Power Up Your Online Classroom

by Nicole Brun-Mercer

Students this year will be reading online more than ever before; these three activities are designed for the online classroom and will keep your students fully engaged.

Teaching Listening and Speaking: Using Pictures to Promote Agency

by Neda Sahranavard

The 2020 TESOL Teacher of the Year shares a lesson plan that uses students’ identities to promote agency and boost student motivation and participation.

TESOL Back-to-School Resources: In addition to this special issue of TESOL Connections, TESOL has curated other back-to-school resources to support you as you navigate this new educational landscape. Watch the website for more information starting 5 August.

TESOL Press Featured Publication: TESOL Voices: Online and Hybrid Classroom Education. Read about the diversity of English language study and teaching in online and hybrid environments, its evolution with technological change, and what the future may hold.

TESOL Virtual Advocacy & Policy Summit: In June, more than 300 TESOL professionals from all over the world came together to learn, network, and take action on a number of critical policy issues. Read more.

Call for Council Volunteers: TESOL International Association is currently seeking applications from members to serve on its Professional Councils. The deadline to apply is 1 September 2020.

TESOL Statements:

2020 Global English Education China Assembly: This high-level international ELT event is designed to promote cross-cultural understanding among English educators in China and other countries. 16–19 August in Hangzhou, China. (Registration deadline: 5 August)

Resources Page: Going Back to School During COVID-19: News and Updates (Reading Rockets and NEA)

Article: COVID-19 & Remote Learning: How to Make It Work (Education Week)

Free Resources: WGBH Distance Learning Center (WGBH and PBS LearningMedia)

Standards Publication: National Standards for Quality Online Courses, 3rd Edition (Quality Matters)

Free Tech Training: GetSetUp for Remote Learning (GetSetUp)

Blog: Five Norms and Five Rubrics for High-Quality Online Learning (Global Online Academy)

Video: Fireside Chat on Distance Learning—Sponsored by VIPKid (TESOL International Association)

Blog: 131 Tools for Distance Learning & Strategies for Student Engagement (Albert)

Assistant Professor, TESOL and Applied Linguistics; University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA

English Lecturer; Westlake University, Hangzhou, China

English Language Lecturers/Teachers; Alasala Colleges, Dammam, Saudi Arabia

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3 August–13 September 2020
Supporting English Language Learners With Exceptional Needs

16–19 August 2020
2020 Global English Education China Assembly (5 August 2020: Registration Deadline)

15 September 2020
TESOL Award Reviewer Applications Due

21 September–1 November 2020
Supporting English Language Learners With Exceptional Needs

30 September–10 November 2020
TESOL: Training for Trainers

1 October 2020
TESOL Award Applications Due

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