Get a head start on your conference experience by attending a workshop at AMTESOL's Pre-Conference Institute (PCI). Slated for January 16th, this year's PCI consists of four dynamic workshops, each on a different topic. Select the topic that seems most useful in helping you meet your personal and professional goals. For three engaging hours, a team of PCI presenters will guide you and like-minded colleagues in expanding your knowledge and building your skills — always  with the goal of applying what you have learned. With a maximum capacity of 60 attendees per workshop, be sure to register early for the PCI workshop of your choice!

​

Choose ONE of these 3-hour workshops for a memorable afternoon at AMTESOL's 2025 PCI.

​

PCI-A: Taking Ownership of Our Life Directions

Learn skills and strategies that empower you for taking your life in the direction you want to go!

Presenters:

• Debra Suarez, President of the TESOL International Association

• Lori Edmonds, English Learner Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Josephine Prado, English Learner Education, University of Alabama at Birmingham

• Stephanie Corcoran, School Psychology & Psychometry, University of Alabama at Birmingham

​

PCI-B: Implementing the Seal of Biliteracy: Voices from the Field

Learn about the Seal of Biliteracy and, based on others' experiences, explore how best to offer this program at your school.

Moderator: Leah Dobbs Black, Shelby County Schools, AL

Presenters:

• Sandra Elliott, Co-director of the Mississippi Seal of Biliteracy, MDE

• Maria Franco, Director of the Alabama Seal of Biliteracy, ALSDE

• Three panelists from Mississippi schools who implement the Seal of Biliteracy in their respective districts

  • Debbie Blackledge, Jones County School District, MS

  • Melissa DeAngelo, Pascagoula-Gautier School District, MS​

  • Stephanie Murley, DeSoto County School District, MS

• Three panelists from Alabama schools who implement the Seal of Biliteracy in their respective districts

  • Nancy Blanco, Birmingham City Schools, AL​

  • Edmund Martinez, Russellville City Schools, AL

  • Chad Strawn, Etowah County Schools, AL

​

PCI-C: Solving the English Pronunciation Puzzle: Do You Hear What I Hear?

Hurry! Only a few seats left in this workshop!

Learn why English pronunciation is challenging for ELs and how you can help them hear and say difficult English sounds.

Presenters:

• Mary Earley, Literacy Council of Central Alabama

• Patricia Merritt, Fultondale Elementary, Jefferson County Schools, AL

​

PCI-D: Supporting Language and Content: Interactive Peer-to-Peer Oral Techniques (IPOTs)

Sorry, due to its popularity, this Workshop is at capacity. Please select Workshop A, B, or C.

Learn to support language and content by using IPOTs: an easy way to get students talking with each other in English.

Presenters:

• Carol Behel, Weeden Elementary, Florence City Schools, AL

• Monica Farris, Weeden Elementary, Florence City Schools, AL

• Erica Skidmore, Pick Elementary, Auburn City Schools, AL

• Jess Nelson, itinerant teacher for grades PK-12, St. Clair County Schools, AL

​

​