As both an ESL teacher and immigration lawyer, California Attorney Marc Santamaria will share the latest immigration updates, legal strategies, and rights under the current administration, presented in a way that teachers can bring back to their students.
This session is designed not only to inform, but also to provide legal strategies that students may be able to use given the current political climate.
Congratulations on being elected to the 2025-2026 CATESOL Board of Directors!
Come and get onboarded by your CATESOL President, Dr. Popal, and your Past President, Song Hong, to learn more about CATESOL and how to start your year as an elected board member at CATESOL.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, November 1, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. more info...
CIRT-IG: Assessing videogames for CALL classrooms using corpora
Applied linguistics research within the domain of computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has given much attention to videogames and assessing their efficacy as tools for second language (L2) learning and development. This efficacy is synthesized in Dixon et al.’s (2022) meta-analysis reporting that videogames tended to have a medium-sized positive effect (d=0.65) on L2 development compared to learners receiving traditional instruction. Although encouraging, Reinhardt (2021) reminds us that not all games “are created equal” in terms of their affordances for L2 learning (p. 69). That is, the linguistic richness of videogames can vary wildly from games like Tetris that present virtually no language to the linguistically rich virtual worlds of games like Baldur’s Gate 3 which engage players with hundreds of hours of recorded speech and thousands of texts including millions of words. With millions of words in a single game, L2 educators taking a CALL-informed pedagogic approach may struggle assessing or identifying an appropriate title for their specific population of learners. In making this assessment, corpus linguistics tools and methods can yield valuable insight into the linguistic environments of videogames.
With a focus on corpus design and representativeness, in this talk, Dr. Dixon discusses the compilation of the Single Player Offline Game Corpus (SPOC; see Dixon, 2024). SPOC is a 3.7-million-word corpus compiled through a process that began by extracting the language files from the directories of four popular single player role-playing games: Divinity Original Sin II, Fallout 4, the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and the Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Following Biber and Conrad’s (2019) Register Analysis Framework as well as methods outlined by Egbert, Biber, and Gray (2022), the language files were parsed into meaningful units of observations and placed into one of seven registers identified from a situational analysis. Findings from empirical research investigating the linguistic similarity of the SPOC to real-world registers will be discussed along with implications for CALL classrooms and direction for future research outlined.
Presenter:
Dr. Daniel Dixon (Ph.D.) is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Linguistics and ESL at Georgia State University (GSU). Broadly, his research focuses on language and technology and computer-assisted language learning (CALL) in which he has investigated the characteristics of language use in technologies like Generative AI and videogames. Drawing on natural language processing as well as corpus linguistics tools and methods, he has compared linguistic variation across a number of digital and real-world domains while also exploring the effectiveness of targeted technologies for promoting second language development. He uses the programming language Python extensively in his work and has developed a number of digital tools for applied linguistics teaching and research. At GSU, he teaches Python programming for linguistic analysis to graduate (M.A., Ph.D.) and undergraduate students. He also teaches graduate courses related to research methods, language and technology, corpus linguistics, among other topics in applied linguistics.
The purpose of this event is to connect, decompress, and enjoy one another's company for a couple hours. This is an informal, brown bag lunch in Balboa Park.
ââFREE event to members and nonmembers!
Date:
November 8, 2025
Time:
11AM - 1PM
Location:
Balboa Park, Veterans Memorial Garden Air Section more info...
Join the San Gabriel Valley (SGV) Chapter for a professional development session on Citizenship instruction, featuring Jennifer Gagliardi and Song Hong. This workshop will highlight the latest updates to the N-400, civics test pedagogy, and effective classroom practices. Participants will learn strategies for teaching pronunciation, vocabulary, and interview preparation, along with practical resources and equity-minded approaches to support students on their path to citizenship.
Teaching Pronunciation to Young Learners Using Emopron
Description
Pronunciation is a key pillar of second language acquisition, yet literature on teaching this skill to young learners is sorely lacking. This lack of a solid teaching approach is a challenge to both teachers and learners alike. We do know that optimal teaching environments for these learners involve highly interactive, visually appealing, multisensory activities. While many learners thrive under these conditions, others continue to struggle—often due to unaddressed learning differences. Indeed, traditional pronunciation-teaching methods have often failed to include learners who process language differently, including those with ADHD, dyslexia, or autism.
This webinar will draw on the speaker’s Emopron approach, which is an inclusive, multisensory, story-based method that builds phonological awareness through narrative, movement, visual support, and emotion. Participants will:
Reflect on the challenges of teaching pronunciation and literacy to young learners.
Explore sensory-rich activities that foster phonological awareness.
Experience pronunciation instruction for all young learners (including those who are neurodiverse) through Emopron stories.
Discover low-prep strategies to integrate pronunciation, speech, and literacy into playful, accessible English language lessons.
Presenter
Prof. & Lic. Stella Palavecino, Master in TEFL, is a graduate teacher, teacher trainer, materials writer, and author based in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She holds postgraduate degrees in Phonetics and Phonology, Higher Education, and Information and Communications Technology. She has published extensively and presented at international conferences on topics including phonology, pronunciation, phonics, tools for pronunciation teaching, language laboratories, and phonetics pedagogy. Prof. Palavecino runs EmoPron Stories, a teacher training and resource hub where she shares her approach to teaching pronunciation to young learners through phonics storybooks. https://emopronstories.com.ar/
Hosts
Teaching of Pronunciation Interest Group (TOP-IG)
Marsha Chan and Patryk Mrozek. Co-coordinators
Donna Brinton, Assistant Coordinator
Moderator
Marsha Chan
Date and Time
Friday, November 14, 2025, 12:00 -1:00 PM California Time
Exploring NNEST Lived Experience through Narrative Inquiry
Description
Non-Native English-Speaking Teachers (NNESTs) often face challenges related to linguistic legitimacy, professional identity, and hiring biases, often being compared against native-speaker norms. However, NNESTs bring unique strengths as multilingual role models, highlighting the need to reframe professional value beyond native-speaker status. This panel session hosts three NNESTs to explore Non-Native Language Educators’ Issues (NNLEIs) and how they navigate their careers and classrooms. Additionally, the panel consists of journal editors and published authors to discuss the importance of personal narratives as a research method, grounded in the idea that lived experience is a legitimate source of knowledge (Clandinin & Connelly, 2000). The panel as a whole explores how people construct meaning, identity, and agency through storytelling, often revealing insights that traditional data collection methods might miss, while challenging dominant discourses (Riessman, 2008).
Date and Time
Saturday, November 15, 2025, 2:30-4:30 PM California Time
Come join us for our first meeting post CATESOL Conference 2025. Whether you were at the conference or not, come and learn about hot topics in ESL, specifically for Intensive English Programs.
Join RC-IG for our monthly Coffee Talks
The purpose of this gathering is to facilitate an open and collaborative discussion among educators who share a common interest in ESL, whether it is about technology, advocacy, learning or teaching strategies. By coming together, we hope to share our experiences and exchange insights from the conference.
We aim to hold our IEP level meeting on the last Friday from 12:00-1:00pm but the date and time may vary due to other CATESOL events, so please check the CATESOL calendar to be sure.
Free to Members
Non-members $5
IEP Level Chair & Asst. Chair: Sean Saly and Edgar Zardaryan
#catesoliep
Calling all Interest Group (IG) Coordinators, Co-coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, and other IG leaders:
Join the Interest Group Council for our bimonthly online meeting via Zoom. Engage in an open and collaborative discussion among interest group coordinators, share ideas for getting members involved, collaborate on workshops, and address interest group issues.
We aim to hold our IGC in alternating months, on the third Friday from 3:30-4:30pm but the date and time may vary due to other CATESOL events, so check the CATESOL calendar to be sure.
If you are unable to attend, please email the IGC Chair to share your information.
IGC Chair: Tamara Collins-Parks (TCollins-Parks@sdsu.edu), Asst Chair: David O'Leary.
â#catesoligc
Members Free. Register to get the Zoom link.
more info...
Calling all Interest Group (IG) Coordinators, Co-coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, and other IG leaders:
Join the Interest Group Council for our bimonthly online meeting via Zoom. Engage in an open and collaborative discussion among interest group coordinators, share ideas for getting members involved, collaborate on workshops, and address interest group issues.
We aim to hold our IGC in alternating months, on the third Friday from 3:30-4:30pm but the date and time may vary due to other CATESOL events, so check the CATESOL calendar to be sure.
If you are unable to attend, please email the IGC Chair to share your information.
IGC Chair: Tamara Collins-Parks (TCollins-Parks@sdsu.edu), Asst Chair: David O'Leary.
â#catesoligc
Calling all Interest Group (IG) Coordinators, Co-coordinators, Assistant Coordinators, and other IG leaders:
Join the Interest Group Council for our bimonthly online meeting via Zoom. Engage in an open and collaborative discussion among interest group coordinators, share ideas for getting members involved, collaborate on workshops, and address interest group issues.
We aim to hold our IGC in alternating months, on the third Friday from 3:30-4:30pm but the date and time may vary due to other CATESOL events, so check the CATESOL calendar to be sure.
If you are unable to attend, please email the IGC Chair to share your information.
IGC Chair: Tamara Collins-Parks (TCollins-Parks@sdsu.edu), Asst Chair: David O'Leary.
â#catesoligc
Hi, Backyard Gardeners. In this meeting, we will share tips on planting, nurturing, pruning, and harvesting tomatoes in your garden. Novices and pros welcome. Bring your questions and answers, and be wiling ot share your experiences.
November 15, 2025
6-7 AM
Members: Free
Non-members: $5
Hosted by Great Gardening IG #catesolgg more info...
Community Building in the Online Classroom (OT-IG) Join the Online Teaching Interest Group for an inspiring Friday evening session focused on creating a sense of community in your online classroom. Discover methods and activities to foster student engagement, interaction, and connection with their peers and instructor.
This session is not just about learning—it’s about sharing! Bring your ideas to exchange with the group and leave with new perspectives and practical strategies to create a safe, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment.
Let’s build stronger communities in our online classrooms—together!
Join OT-IG hosts Chris Vela Che and Katrina Tamura
Date: March 7th THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE
Time: 4:30 -5:30 pm
Location: CATESOL Zoom
Cost: Free for Members, $5 for nonmembers
Let’s set the stage for a successful term—together! more info...
