The PennTESOL East Spring 2025 Conference will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Temple University.

The theme will be Sparking Innovation .

Registration is open now!

Agenda
8:15 AM	Registration, Check-in & Refreshments
9:00 AM	Morning Plenary: To Be Announced
10:15 AM	Breakout Session 1
11:15 AM	Breakout Session 2
12:00	Lunch, Poster Sessions, and Networking
1:00 PM	Breakout Session 3
2:00 PM	Invited Speakers
3:00 PM	Informal Networking (Offsite)

Getting to the Conference

Coming Soon!

Certificates of attendance will be provided to all attendees after the event.

LOL? Not Quite: From Bot Talk to Better Speaking Lessons

Dr. Anne Pomerantz, University of Pennsylvania

Ask a chatbot to be funny and be prepared to be disappointed. Whereas some AI-powered chatbots excel at producing language that is surprisingly natural and humanlike, their comedic sense is, to put it mildly, lacking. In this talk, I examine what a close examination of humor in intercultural encounters can reveal about the affordances and limitations of chatbots as interlocutors. Along the way, I argue that a careful look at why chatbots struggle with humor can reveal dimensions of interaction that merit more attention in English language education. I end the talk with some concrete suggestions for designing better speaking lessons.

Beyond Banning:
Engaging with ELs about Generative AI

Dr Cate Almon, Temple University

This talk provides ideas for sparking useful classroom discussions about the use of AI and creating assignments on AI that encourages ELs to develop their own sense of agency in their academic writing.

From Data to Differentiation:
Using Data-Driven Insights to Personalize EL Instruction

Dr. Rebecca Eberly, West Chester School District

This session explores how data analysis can drive targeted, differentiated instruction for multilingual learners. Attendees will learn how to conduct a meaningful data dig, collaborate across schools, and align curriculum with student growth targets. Practical strategies and real-world examples will showcase how data-informed instruction enhances equity, improves language proficiency, and supports ELs in achieving academic success.

Keystone Sponsor

Laurel Sponsor

Exhibitors and Sponsorship Levels

Call for Proposals

The call for proposals is open until ~~March 23, 2025 at 5:00 PM~~.

Deadline Extended until April 6!

Proposal Submission Form Call for Proposals Proposal Scoring Rubric

PennTESOL East is a professional, non-profit association dedicated to the improvement and advancement of English language teaching in eastern Pennsylvania.