New Paltz leads the way at NYS TESOL conference

awardsThe Haggerty English Language Program at SUNY New Paltz was a robust presence at the 46th annual New York State Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (NYS TESOL) conference, which was attended by nearly 500 language education professionals.

Haggerty English Language Program Lecturer Sarah Elia, who served as the president of NYS TESOL during the 2015-16 term, facilitated the conference and gave several presentations, including a co-led session on information literacy with Sojourner Truth Library Reference Team Leader Matthew Laudicina.

“The Annual Conference was a successful event thanks to the many volunteers, presenters, and other attendees,” Elia said. “As a faculty of SUNY New Paltz, I was proud that there was extensive representation from the College this year and hope that we can continue such participation in the future.”

Many other New Paltz students, faculty and staff contributed to the success of the NYS TESOL conference.

  • Lecturer James Phillips received the conference’s prestigious Outstanding Teacher Award
  • Lecturer Aiko Pletch gave an original presentation on creating an online magazine, which can be accessed virtually on the NYS TESOL website
  • Graduate student Jessica Robb ’17g (Second Language Education) received the James A. Weaver Memorial Award, recognizing an outstanding TESOL student from New York State
  • Adjuncts Kerri Bohringer and Jessica Babcock gave presentations
  • Constance Dziombak, SUNY New Paltz faculty from 1995-2002 who played a key role in the growth and development of the TESOL (then known as ESL) program, received the conference’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

About NYS TESOL
NYS TESOL is an association of professionals concerned with the education of English language learners at all levels of public and private education in New York State. Our interests include classroom practices, research, program and curriculum development, employment, funding and legislation.

More information about the Haggerty English Language Program and about NYS TESOL is available online.