National Conference and Exhibition: Facing the future - responding to changes in ESOL is to be held 10-12 July 2009 at Leeds Trinity and All Saints, Horsforth, Leeds.
To get the conference off to lively start we are delighted to announce that the keynote address on the Friday evening will be given by Clive Upton, Professor of Modern English Language at the University of Leeds. His talk 'Mind the quality, feel the width: tolerance(s) in Standard English' will explore issues relating to prescriptive and descriptive conceptions of the Standard, setting these ultimately in a context informed by recent research into so-called 'vernacular universals'
Over the weekend there will be a choice of workshops covering a wide range of practical and theoretical themes for both new and experienced teachers, teacher trainers, researchers and managers. The full list can be viewed below. As well and workshops the conference offers the chance for you to discuss the latest development and air your views in the
'Voice of the conference' sessions. The feedback presentation has now been posted
Ann Cryer MP for Keighley will address the conference Saturday afternoon and this will be followed by a question and answer session. Ann is no stranger to supporting social cohesion and challenging intolerance. She strongly supports the rights for adults to gain access to affordable education.
NATECLA has traditionally played a role in supporting community languages and its teachers. At this conference we aim to raise the profile and consult with members on how we should support this area of work. There will be a plenary session on Saturday late afternoon - a presentation of case studies and the launch of a leaflet describing existing provision, resources and organisations involved in Community Languages work. This event will be hosted by Trinity College London and pre dinner refreshments available.
On Sunday following the final workshop and Voice of Conference feedback, Helen Casey Executive Director of NRDC will chair the NATECLA ESOL Question time panel.
It was my first NATECLA conference (after nearly 10 years of teaching ESOL!) and I was struck by the friendly welcome I received from all. The workshops were excellent and I came away with a wealth of information and food for thought. I was also able to put faces to many of the names whose e-mails I regularly read and respond to on the ESOL research forum.
It made me feel very proud to be part of the world of ESOL and ESOL teaching!
Alexandra Halliday, ESOL Tutor, MBC Birmingham. July 2009
Attendance at NATECLA conferences can count towards your continuing professional development requirement.
Main Sponsor 2009: Pearson Longman
Additional sponsors are:
- Cambridge ESOL Examinations
- City and Guilds
- English Speaking Board (ESB)
- LLU+ at London South Bank University
- National Research and Development Centre (NRDC)
- Trinity College London
The Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS) are also contributing to this event
NATECLA thanks all the above for their support of conference 2009.
A friendly welcoming atmosphere has always been a feature of the NATECLA conference so whether you are coming for the whole conference or for only a part of it you will be most welcome.The ESOL event of the year – Be there! Book now
