Win a FREE registration to iFLT 2016!

It’s that time of year…time for one lucky reader to win a FREE registration to iFLT 2016!

There are many excellent language teaching conferences happening this spring and summer. Regional organizations like CSCTFL and SCOLT will be hosting their conferences within the next few weeks, the TELL Collab will be hosting conferences in Nashville this April and in Austin this June, and Sara-Elizabeth Cottrell will be running several Camp Musicuentos throughout June and July. I’m sure there are many more, and I’d be happy to list them here; just leave a comment or email me with info! Each of these conferences boasts a unique learning experience and approaches language education from a particular angle. A teacher with an open mind will be able to learn and grow at any conference that he or she chooses to attend. There has been a lot of conversation recently about divisions in the language teaching community, and attending new and different conferences–even ones that *shudder* have sessions that present ideas that you disagree with–is a great way to break down those barriers. Earlier this week, Bob Patrick shared a quote from Grant Boulanger: “No experimentation, no evolution“. To learn and grow and do better by our students, it is imperative that we experiment. That we wander outside of our comfort zones, that we walk a mile with a particular teaching strategy before we write it off. That we listen with open minds and ask thoughtful questions to all language teachers, regardless of age, experience, or education. In a different life, you would find me at all of these conferences; but it’s not a different life and I have four mostly sweet babes here at home that need me more than I need conferences. Someday…

That being said, there are three major conferences this summer that are designed to provide training specifically in CI methodologies. Whether you use CI methods exclusively or are looking to learn more about them in order to see how you might fit them into your instructional tool belt, these three conferences–iFLT, NTPRS, and Agen–are sure to provide you with plenty of ideas with which to experiment and help you evolve as a language educator. Each conference is unique in format even though they present similar content. Please visit the conference websites or contact past attendees to determine which one might be the best fit for you!

I’m giving away a free registration to iFLT because that is the only conference that I’ll be attending this year; also, money doesn’t grow on trees and my husband isn’t down with me giving away registrations for multiple conferences ;-). Whether you are completely new to TCI methods, a seasoned expert, or somewhere in-between, iFLT will provide you with valuable professional development. My favorite feature of iFLT is its language labs: the conference organizers bring in real students and place them in language classes with master teachers from around the world. Attendees get to observe the classes and debrief with the teachers! Live observations like this are the best way to get a feel for what a TCI course looks like, in addition to picking up tips and tricks from the lessons themselves. It’s a wonderful conference, and I am so glad that I will be able to participate again this year!

To enter to win the free registration, simply complete this form! You will need to acknowledge that you are responsible for your own travel and lodging and that your school is not willing to pay your conference registration. (I want to make sure that the winner is someone who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend!) All entries must be received by Saturday, March 5 at midnight. I will announce the winner on Sunday, March 6!

Best of luck!!