CDE Field Trips - 11/25/24: CoTESOL Convention Highlights Professional Development for English Learner Educators

Multilingual educators at CoTESOL

CoTESOL Convention Highlights Professional Development for English Learner Educators

In November, nearly 400 Colorado educators gathered for the 47th Annual Colorado Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages Fall Convention for educators dedicated to supporting teachers of multilingual learners. 

The CoTESOL Fall Convention exemplifies the Colorado Department of Education's Strategic Plan priority to strengthen the educator workforce and accelerate student outcomes. By providing professional development, collaboration opportunities, and resources, the convention directly supports CDE’s goal of increasing educator capacity to deliver effective instruction for multilingual learners. 

This year’s fall convention at Adams 12 Five Star School’s Conference Center featured keynote speakers, including Dr. Susana Córdova, Colorado’s Education Commissioner; Dr. Yasko Kanno, a language education professor at Boston University; Gerardo Muñoz, former Colorado Teacher of the Year; and Dr. Diane Staehr Fenner, founder of SupportEd, a business that helps educators of Multilingual Learners  TVirginia Nicolai, CoTESOL president, emphasized the annual event's importance, stating, “This convention often represents the only opportunity for educators to come together, learn from one another, and share new ideas. It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion our educators bring to this profession.”

Attendees participated in sessions focused on innovative teaching techniques, curriculum sharing, and methods for improving student outcomes. Workshops and presentations highlighted resources for educators working with both K-12 students and adult learners, including newcomers to the United States eager to advance their English skills and professional opportunities.

For more information on Colorado Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages and its initiatives, visit CoTESOL's website.

See CoTESOL Convention photos on Flickr.