BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//VicTESOL - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
METHOD:PUBLISH
X-WR-CALNAME:VicTESOL
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for VicTESOL
REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H
X-Robots-Tag:noindex
X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:Australia/Melbourne
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20230401T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20230930T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20240406T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20241005T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20250405T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20251004T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20260404T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20261003T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
BEGIN:STANDARD
TZOFFSETFROM:+1100
TZOFFSETTO:+1000
TZNAME:AEST
DTSTART:20270403T160000
END:STANDARD
BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
TZOFFSETFROM:+1000
TZOFFSETTO:+1100
TZNAME:AEDT
DTSTART:20271002T160000
END:DAYLIGHT
END:VTIMEZONE
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241017T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241017T180000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240430T062635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240827T045650Z
UID:36961-1729182600-1729188000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Educator's Tour of the Immigration Museum and Launch of VicTESOL's Podcast Series
DESCRIPTION:Educator’s Tour of the Immigration Museum and Launch of VicTESOL’s Podcast Series\n17 October 2024\, 4:30pm – 6:00pm AEST\, in person\nJoin us for an in-person event on Thursday 17 October at the Immigration Museum to explore the museum’s resources for your students. \nThe event will include an introduction to the museum’s resources available to educators\, followed by a tour of Joy exhibition and time to explore to explore the museum’s permanent galleries. There will also be opportunities to meet other educators\, network\, and share resources during this event. \nVICTESOL PODCAST SERIES!!!\nWe are also thrilled to announce the launch of our new VicTESOL Podcast series\, hosted by Dr Katrina Tour and A/P Melissa Barnes! This series is dedicated to English language teaching and learning\, bringing you insightful discussions\, expert interviews\, and the latest trends in the field. \nJoin us as we delve into various topics such as innovative teaching strategies\, engagement techniques\, the use of technology and many others. Whether you are an experienced educator or just starting your journey\, VicTESOL Podcast promises to provide valuable content that will inspire and inform you. \nDon’t miss our first episode\, where we discuss the impact of generative AI on English language learning and teaching with Dr Ed Creely from Monash University. \nEpisode 1 – Generative AI in language learning with Dr Edwin Creely \nDr Edwin Creely (Monash University)\, Katrina Tour and Melissa Barnes are diving into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its impact on language learning. They discuss exciting opportunities that generative AI offers for language learning and challenges associated with its use. They also speculate about the future developments in AI technologies and what they might mean for language learners and teachers. \nStay curious and stay tuned! \nVENUE INFORMATION \nPlease note there is no parking on-site at the venue\, however\, there are some paid car parks available in the city. The best way to arrive is by public transport; the Museum is close to both tram and train stops. \nThe venue is accessible for wheelchair users. \nCost\n$15 – VicTESOL members\n$40 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/educators-tour-of-the-immigration-museum-3/
LOCATION:Immigration Museum\, 400 Flinders St\, Melbourne\, Victoria\, 3000\, Australia
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T080000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T180000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240826T012835Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240930T041749Z
UID:37469-1731312000-1732125600@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:2024 VicTESOL Online Symposium
DESCRIPTION:2024 VicTESOL Online Symposium\nSupporting students from refugee backgrounds: what helps\, what hinders?\n\nThe 2024 Online VicTESOL Symposium will unpack the perspectives of youth with refugee backgrounds.  It features a keynote presentation by Melanie Baak\, Senior Lecturer in UniSA Education Futures\, who presents her research on the exploration on how schools foster resilience for students from refugee backgrounds. This is followed by a panel discussion to unpack the keynote\, pre-recorded interviews with students with refugee backgrounds and a workshop facilitated by Foundation House. \nClick here for detailed information about the Symposium. \nThe 2024 Online VicTESOL Symposium will deliver FOUR online sessions. Click on the links below to find more information about the individual sessions\, or to purchase individual tickets: \nSession 1: 11 November 2024\, 4:30pm – 5:30pm \nSession 2: 13 November 2024\, 4:30pm  \nSession 3: 18 November 2024\, 4:30pm – 5:30pm \nsession 4: 20 November 2024\, 4:30pm – 6:00pm \nTicket Prices to ALL FOUR sessions: \n$50 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$130 – Non-member \nDo you work in a well-being focused leadership role? If so\, enjoy 50% OFF our Symposium ticket prices. On purchase\, you will receive a follow up email from VicTESOL to confirm the details of your role. \n$25 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$65 – Non-member \n*Membership and Ticket Package \n$110 – VicTESOL Membership and Symposium Ticket Package* \nThis package includes a ticket to the 2024 Online VicTESOL Symposium\, and an individual membership for VicTESOL for the 2024/25 membership year\, saving you $28 compared to purchasing a membership and then a member rate ticket separately. On purchase\, you will receive a follow up email from VicTESOL advising how to activate your membership.
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/2024-victesol-online-symposium/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241111T173000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240826T012245Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241104T050541Z
UID:37485-1731342600-1731346200@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:2024 VicTESOL Symposium - Keynote Session: Refugee education in Australia: what helps\, what hinders and what needs to change
DESCRIPTION:Refugee education in Australia: what helps\, what hinders and what needs to change\n(2024 VicTESOL Symposium)\n11 November 4:30pm – 5:30pm AEDT\, Online\n\nPrevious research has established that young people from refugee backgrounds may have experienced loss and trauma prior to coming to Australia\, may experience  ongoing racism and discrimination in their host country\, and may struggle to adapt to a new and sometimes unfamiliar culture (Arnot & Pinson\, 2005; Baak et al.\, 2020; Block et al.\, 2014; Cooc & Kim\, 2023; Correa-Velez et al.\, 2016; Dryden-Peterson et al.\, 2019; Keddie\, 2012; Koyama & Kasper\, 2021; McIntyre & Hall\, 2020). Students from refugee backgrounds may also require additional learning support to engage with the Australian education system due to limited English language capabilities\, missed or interrupted schooling\, and unfamiliarity with Western curricula and schooling approaches (Brown et al.\, 2006; Woods\, 2009). \nOur study\, the Refugee Student Resilience Study\, sought to explore how schools foster resilience for students from refugee backgrounds.  To do so\, we examined existing policies that shape refugee education and undertook case studies with seven secondary schools.  The case studies were undertaken across two phases. The first phase engaged with over 50 school leaders and teachers to understand current school practices.  The second phase privileged the perspectives and voices of almost 50 students from refugee backgrounds from across the seven schools. The students described the school-level relationships\, activities and services that enable them to develop resilience despite their sometimes-challenging life experiences as young refugees as well as their concerns about cultural issues and educational arrangements that impede their positive development as emerging citizens of an increasingly diverse Australia. \nIn this presentation\, we present key findings from school staff and refugee background students that highlight what currently works and what could be done better in refugee education. \nSpeaker\nDr Melanie Baak  is a Senior Lecturer in UniSA Education Futures and co-convenor of the Migration and Refugee Research Network (MARRNet) and the Race\, Coloniality and Education collective. She is a member of the Centre for Research in Educational and Social Inclusion. Her research and teaching are underpinned by understandings of how systems and structures work to marginalise sections of the population\, particularly Afro-diasporic peoples and those from refugee backgrounds in settler colonial Australia. She currently holds an ARC DECRA Fellowship where she is exploring understandings of un/belonging for Afro-diasporic youth in Australia\, particularly in schools. She was a Chief Investigator on the ARC Linkage Refugee Student Resilience Study (2018-2023). Melanie was awarded an Endeavour Research Fellowship to the University of Glasgow in 2017 where she researched schools as sites of resettlement for Syrian refugees. \nCost\nTickets for all sessions of the 2024 VicTESOl Symposium are now available here. Individual tickets will be released on 26 September 2024. \n$15 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$35– Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/keynote-session-refugee-education-in-australia-what-helps-what-hinders-and-what-needs-to-change/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241113T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241113T173000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240826T012242Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241104T050441Z
UID:37516-1731515400-1731519000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:2024 VicTESOL Symposium - Pre-recorded Interviews: The Experiences of Students from Refugee Backgrounds
DESCRIPTION:Pre-recorded Interviews: The Experiences of Students from Refugee Backgrounds\n(2024 VicTESOL Symposium)\n13 November 2024 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm\, AEDT\n\nHear the unique experiences of senior secondary school students who arrived in Australia through humanitarian pathways. \nPlease note that the pre-recorded interviews will not be made available to those who do not purchase tickets to the symposium or to this individual session. \nTickets for all four sessions of the 2024 VicTESOl Symposium are now available here. \nIndividual tickets: \n$15 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$35– Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/pre-recorded-interviews-the-experiences-of-students-from-refugee-backgrounds/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241118T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241118T173000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240826T012247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241104T050445Z
UID:37499-1731947400-1731951000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:2024 VicTESOL Symposium - Panel Discussion
DESCRIPTION:Panel Discussion\n(2024 VicTESOL Symposium)\n18 November 4:30pm – 5:30pm AEDT\, Online\n\nCome join the multidisciplinary team of panelists who will unpack the keynote session and discuss their experiences working with students with refugee backgrounds; The panelists will discuss their own experiences\, not only from a teaching of English language perspective but will discuss a wide range of issues that students with a refugee background confront in contemporary schools. \nOur panelists will be made up of individuals who work with students with a refugee background\, in different professional capacities with a whole range of diverse expertise and experiences. \nFacilitator\nApril Edwards has extensive experience working as an EAL and English teacher\, EAL Coordinator and EAL specialist mentor to English teachers. She has promoted the implementation of EAL strategies across the curriculum and for the last 6 years she has worked in Initial Teacher Education and as an EAL consultant to both the Victorian Department of Education and the Victorian and Curriculum Assessment Authority. April currently works at the Faculty of Education\, University of Melbourne\, as a Teaching Academic of English\, TESOL and literacy across the curriculum. Her research focuses on culturally and linguistically sustaining pedagogies that seek to include all learners whilst evoking new\, more pluralistic understandings of the self and others. \nPanel Members \nSarah Cunningham\, Job Readiness Worker\, Catholic Care \nSarah has been employed with CatholicCare Victoria since 2020\, coordinating a Job Readiness Program for refugee youth and their mothers in Geelong’s Northern Suburbs. She is passionate about their clients having informed options\, choice and control over their own education and employment journey once they arrive in Australia. Sarah has worked in education and employment programs and been an advocate with disadvantaged communities for over 14 years and worked alongside many refugee and multicultural clients during that time. \nSarah sees any role she undertakes within the Refugee Community as an absolute honour and loves working alongside inspirational clients and colleagues\, to achieve great things. “We play a small part of a much bigger puzzle for many of our clients\, we can’t do it on our own and I value the many partnerships and programs\, we work with including many amazing teachers and educators. \nDebra Gibson\, Principal at Doveton College P-9 \nDebra Gibson is the Principal of Doveton College – a vibrant learning community comprising an Early Learning Centre for children 0-5 years of age\, school for Foundation to Year 9 and a range of adult learning classes. \nThroughout her career\, she has been dedicated to creating positive and inclusive learning environments for all students with a particular focus on supporting disadvantaged and at-risk young people. Under her leadership Doveton College continues to improve student outcomes (emotional\, social and educational)\, provide equality of access and opportunity and wrap a wide range of health and allied health supports and services around children\, young people and their families. \nAs a educator and educational leader in a range of primary and secondary school settings\, Debra brings a diversity of experience\, a wealth of knowledge\, and an unwavering determination to ensure that every child gets what they need to succeed. \nChristine Bakopanos\, Counsellor-Advocate Senior Practitioner at The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture- known as Foundation House \nChristine Bakopanos is a Counsellor-Advocate Senior Practitioner at The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture- known as Foundation House. Foundation House provides a range of services to people from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds who have survived torture or war related trauma. \nChristine has been working at Foundation House for the past 24 years in both research and counselling roles (undertaking individual assessment\, counselling and advocacy\, and therapeutic group work) with adults\, young people and children.  She has also undertaken professional debriefing\, reflective practice and supervision of other service providers\, particularly school wellbeing staff and bicultural workers. \nThrough her years of experience at Foundation House she has developed expertise in refugee trauma counselling\, however her strength and key interest lies in working with refugee young people individually and in therapeutic group work.  She also has had a keen interest in supporting school staff and educators\, as well as the broader educational\, youth service\, and justice sectors\, in being able to best respond to the complex needs and presentations of highly traumatised refugee and asylum-seeker youth\, including unaccompanied minors\, and disengaged at-risk youth who are from refugee backgrounds. \nHouda El Kheir\, Multicultural Education Aide \nHouda El Kheir has been working as a Multicultural Education Aide at Meadows Primary School\, in Melbourne’s north for the last 5 years. She works closely with teachers\, the principal and the wellbeing team in supporting newly arrived and refugee families to navigate the Australian schooling system. Her cultural lens\, strong connection to community and Arabic language have been integral in fostering a safe and supportive environment\, which facilitates the personal growth\, resilience and confidence in both the students and their families. \nHouda facilitates small groups to support students in developing their oral language and communication skills. She translates at Student Support Group meetings and will at times attend school visits with refugee families\, in preparation for high school transition\, or when exploring a Specialist School setting. \nCost\nTickets for all four sessions of the 2024 VicTESOl Symposium are now available here. \nIndividual tickets: \n$15 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$35– Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/panel-discussion/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241120T180000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240826T011924Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241104T050454Z
UID:37491-1732120200-1732125600@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:2024 VicTESOL Symposium - Workshop: Impacts of Trauma on Learning and Behaviour
DESCRIPTION:Impacts of Trauma on Learning and Behaviour\n(2024 VicTESOL Symposium)\n20 November 4:30pm – 6:00pm AEDT\, Online\n\nIn this workshop participants will build collective understanding of how traumatic refugee experiences impact children and young people’s learning\, wellbeing\, and development. In this session you will: \n\nexplore frameworks and tools to support trauma-informed practice\nwork with colleagues using a case study to promote discussion and learning\nidentify strategies you can use to support trauma recovery and learning in the school context\n\nSpeaker\nLindsey Hogg is a Professional Learning Officer in the Foundation House Schools Support program. Lindsey has a background in developing and facilitating professional learning to support capability building in schools and organisations working with children\, young people and families of refugee backgrounds. \nAllison Greene is the leader of the Foundation House Schools Support program. Servicing schools statewide across all sectors\, the Schools Support program is part of the broader Education and Early Years Program\, working to build the capacity of the education sector to meet the needs of children\, young people and families of refugee backgrounds. Allison has a background in school leadership in the Victorian government system and is a certified GROWTH coach. \nCost\nTickets for all four sessions of the 2024 VicTESOl Symposium are now available here. \nIndividual tickets: \n$15 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$35– Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/workshop-impacts-of-trauma-on-learning-and-behaviour/
LOCATION:Online Webinar
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241128T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241128T173000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240707T091750Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241104T050301Z
UID:37247-1732811400-1732815000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Becoming future-ready: Digital inclusion of young refugees and asylum seekers in Australia
DESCRIPTION:Becoming future-ready: Digital inclusion of young refugees and asylum seekers in Australia\n28 November 2024. 4:30pm – 5:30pm AEDT\, Online\nThis session will explore the findings of the research on digital inclusion of young refugees and asylum seekers (R/AS) in Australia\, including key issues\, barriers\, available support\, and factors impacting their inclusion both within and beyond the school environment. The thematic analysis of 16 semi-structured interviews and descriptive analysis of 47 survey responses\, from teachers across Australia\, revealed the need for consistent\, targeted\, and ongoing support across various systems influencing the digital inclusion of R/AS youth. Varying skill levels\, access issues\, and migration hardships were identified as major factors impacting their integration into the digital economy. The findings highlight the need for trauma-aware teacher training\, and recognition of the specialized roles of Intensive English Centres and English as an Additional Language/Dialect teachers. The session also addresses the unprecedented challenges posed by the rapidly evolving education landscape with the introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence\, emphasizing the importance of developing support systems to ensure R/AS youth are not left behind. \nSpeaker\n \nSherry  is a final-year PhD candidate with the School of Teacher Education and Leadership (STEL) at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). She holds a Masters of Secondary Teaching from Western Sydney University (WSU) and a Bachelors in Business Administration from Macquarie University. Sherry has been employed as a Research Assistant since 2017 on various projects at WSU\, QUT\, and the University of Technology\, Sydney. She has worked independently and collaboratively on local and national research projects for government and industry bodies across education\, health\, technology\, and business disciplines. Driven by her research interests revolving around digital technologies and inclusive education\, her doctoral research focuses on exploring the digital inclusion of young people from a refugee and asylum seeker background upon migration and re-settlement in Australia. \n  \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/becoming-future-ready-digital-inclusion-of-young-refugees-and-asylum-seekers-in-australia/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241203T110000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20241203T120000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20241029T222704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241128T211209Z
UID:37982-1733223600-1733227200@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:‘Wenesh Niin’: Laying the foundation of the Spirit Within
DESCRIPTION:‘Wenesh Niin’: Laying the foundation of the Spirit Within\n3 December 2024. 11:00am – 12:00pm AEDT\, Online\nNOWPlay is proud to present “Wenesh Niin: Who Am I?”\, a comprehensive teacher’s resource designed to assist educators in understanding and supporting a child’s journey. Created by educators Yvette and Jacinta Manitowabi\, this resource blends Anishinaabe teachings with the Ontario Curriculum to revitalize Anishinaabemowin language and culture while nurturing students’ identities. Through holistic\, land-based learning approach\, it encourages educators to create meaningful environments that connect language\, writing\, and community.\nIn this presentation\, we will highlight some of the activities that are presented in this resource. \nSpeakers\nAnishinaabe Kwe from Wikwemikong First Nation and a part of the Bear Clan\, Jacinta is currently teaching in a partial Immersion kindergarten classroom. She started out as an Early Childhood Educator and later worked at becoming a teacher. Jacinta’s love of Anishinaabemowin and Land Based Learning supports the action research she does with the Northern Oral Language and Writing (NOW Play) through OISE. \nYvette Manitowabi is from the Three Fire Confederacy\, Ojibway\, Odawa\, Potawatomi Nation\, of Wikwemikong ON. Canada\, land of the Robinson Huron Treaty Territory. She is a Anishinaabe Kew\, Nokomis (Grandmother)\, Knowledge Keeper\, and Teacher giving back to her community. She was instrumental in bringing Local Developed courses to their High School. She has taught in a Section 19 classroom\, Primary\, Jr Level and Play Base Kindergarten. Level-up classroom. Her journey continues with her focus on giving students a strong sense of identity\, revitalize their ancestral language and connection to Creator. Presently working as Research Assistant NOW Play\, OISE\, University of Toronto \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/wenesh-niin-laying-the-foundation-of-the-spirit-within/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250213T180000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20241104T045358Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T013254Z
UID:37913-1739464200-1739469600@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Meet the Assessors Online
DESCRIPTION:Meet the Assessors Online\n13 February 2025\, 4:30pm – 6:00pm\, AEDT\, Online\nThis session will provide feedback on student performance in the 2024 VCE EAL exam. In addition\, the main focus of the evening will be on the features of the new Study Design\, particularly in terms of preparing students for the 2025 exam. There will be opportunities for you to ask questions and gain valuable insight into how the exam is assessed. \nPlease note that the content of this session will be similar to that presented through VATE. \nPresenters\nJenna Gomes is currently teaching in the public sector. She was a Co-Chief Assessor in 2023. \nMichael E Daniel has been an EAL assessor since 2004\, and was an Assistant Chief Assessor of EAL in 2022. He is the Head of EAL at Camberwell Grammar School\, and has taught Years 11 & 12 EAL since 2003. \nLinda Hogan has taught VCE English and EAL teacher in the independent and Catholic sectors. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations affiliated with ACTA)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/meet-the-assessors-online-3/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250306T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250306T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250112T044545Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T013009Z
UID:38499-1741282200-1741285800@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Clustering Delivery and Assessment
DESCRIPTION:Clustering delivery and assessment\n6 March 2025. 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nThis session will present on ideas and suggestions on how to work with the EAL Framework  to integrate delivery and assessments. \nSpeaker\nFrances La Riccia has varied teaching experience in delivering the EAL Framework.  She has taught SEE\, Skills First and AMEP students in various settings. More recently\, she has been involved in the designing\, planning and implementation of the delivery of the EAL Framework \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations affiliated with ACTA)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/clustering-delivery-and-assessment/
LOCATION:Online
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250327T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250327T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20240627T230250Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T214930Z
UID:37188-1743096600-1743100200@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Teaching EAL (English as an AI-assisted Language): From Exrater to ChatGPT
DESCRIPTION:Teaching EAL (English as an AI-assisted Language): From Exrater to ChatGPT\n27 March 2025. 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nWhy has Artificial Intelligence (A)I suddenly become such a big issue? Where did it come from? Why should it be of interest to language teachers? This session briefly explores the history of AI\, focusing on Exrater\, an ‘expert support environment’ created for the ASLPR in the 1980s\,  and the use of ChatGPT in a current Masters subject on grammar for language teachers.  EAL teachers are particularly well-positioned to engage with generative AI due to their specialised grammatical knowledge. \nSpeaker\nDr Chris Corbel is a lecturer in the Master of TESOL and Master of Modern Languages Education courses in the Faculty of Education\, University of Melbourne. He has over 50 years’ experience in multiple roles in the AMEP. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations affiliated with ACTA)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/teaching-eal-english-as-an-ai-assisted-language-from-exrater-to-chatgpt/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250508T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250210T012049Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T214813Z
UID:38636-1746725400-1746729000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:The Science of Reading in TESOL: Challenges\, Opportunities\, and Practical Approaches
DESCRIPTION:The Science of Reading in TESOL: Challenges\, Opportunities\, and Practical Approaches\n8 May 2025. 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEST\, Online\nThis session will explore the Science of Reading within the TESOL context\, addressing challenges and misconceptions that often arise. Anh will share key learnings\, practical considerations and necessary modifications for our English language learners. She hopes to provide valuable insights into how TESOL educators can navigate the teaching of reading and in a way that aligns with their students’ needs. \nSpeaker\nAnh Phan has been a secondary EAL teacher since 2014 and is now also a qualified speech pathologist. Her journey with the Science of Reading began in early 2021\, and she has continued to delve deeper into it ever since. During her time at Western English Language School\, she worked collaboratively within the curriculum team to redevelop the school’s reading curriculum and assessments. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \n  \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/the-science-of-reading-in-tesol-challenges-opportunities-and-practical-approaches/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250515T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250515T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250112T044341Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T214704Z
UID:38507-1747330200-1747333800@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Teaching First Nation Students: Things to consider
DESCRIPTION:Teaching First Nation Students: Things to consider\n15 May 2025. 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEST\, Online\nIn this presentation\, informed by recent studies and collaboration other researchers and educators\, the presenter will describe some of the key issues that need to be considered when teaching First Nation Australian students. This includes a consideration of their diverse language backgrounds\, the impact of cultural issues on learning\, and the importance of family. Suggestions for different approaches and strategies will be outlined. \nSpeaker\nProfessor Rhonda Oliver\, Curtin University \nProfessor Rhonda Oliver has researched extensively in the areas of second language and dialect acquisition\, and task-based language learning. Her recent work includes studies within Australian Aboriginal education settings. She co-edited the award-winning textbook Indigenous Education in Australia Learning and Teaching for Deadly Futures. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations affiliated with ACTA)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/teaching-first-nation-students-things-to-consider/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250612T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250612T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250319T085427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250325T214610Z
UID:39062-1749749400-1749753000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Assessing with Purpose: The Power of Theme-Based Assessment
DESCRIPTION:Assessing with Purpose: The Power of Theme-Based Assessment\n12 June 2025. 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEST\, Online\nDesigning effective assessments for EAL learners goes beyond isolated tasks—it requires a structured yet flexible approach that integrates language skills meaningfully. Theme-based clustering allows educators to design assessments that connect listening\, speaking\, reading\, and writing around a central theme\, making learning more engaging and relevant. This session will explore the process of designing theme-based assessments for AMEP students\, from selecting appropriate themes\, clustering the units and mapping language skills to developing tasks that align with curriculum outcomes. The presenters will break down the step-by-step procedure for creating cohesive assessment units that enhance student engagement and streamline the assessment process for educators. \nSpeakers\nLalitha Gurram \nLalitha has been involved with the AMEP program since 2012 as an Education Officer at AMES Australia and then went on to teach English as an Additional Language (EAL) in the AMEP program at Chisholm Institute in 2017 and stepped into the role of Education Manager in 2023. During this time\, she led a curriculum project to support the transition to the new EAL curriculum\, focusing on developing effective\, cohesive\, and practical assessment strategies. Lalitha’s experience working with AMEP adult learners across various proficiency levels has deepened my commitment to designing engaging\, theme-based approaches that enhance student learning and assessment. She is passionate about curriculum innovation\, teacher development\, and creating meaningful learning experiences that support diverse learner needs. She is excited to share insights and strategies that can help educators implement theme-based clustering units effectively in their contexts. \nKim Chi Forrest  \nKim Chi has been actively involved in developing assessments for the Skills First and AMEP programs at Chisholm Institute for a long time. With a deep passion for curriculum and assessments\, she is dedicated to assisting the Curriculum and Assessment development team in designing meaningful assessment tools that empower teachers to assess students effectively while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.  Kim Chi’s expertise includes selecting units to cluster and integrating them to create holistic assessment approaches that align with diverse learning needs. She focuses on designing various assessment methods that enhance student outcomes while maintaining consistency and compliance\, supporting educators and new Education Managers in delivering structured and engaging instruction. \n  \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/assessing-with-purpose-the-power-of-theme-based-assessment/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T080000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250815T180000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250205T233313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250812T154214Z
UID:38530-1755244800-1755280800@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:2025 VicTESOL International Conference
DESCRIPTION:2025 VicTESOL International Conference\nTransforming Futures: Innovations in TESOL\n \nFriday 15 August 2025 from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm\nThe 2025 VicTESOL International Conference will take place on 15 August 2025 at the Pullman Melbourne On The Park. This premier event will bring together national and international educators\, researchers\, and program leaders to explore advancements in the TESOL field. With attendees spanning sectors such as schools\, universities\, and industry\, the conference will foster collaboration and innovation. It will include networking opportunities\, a reception\, and insights into cutting-edge research\, practice\, and services supporting diverse multilingual learners. \nCome along to learn\, share ideas\, and network with colleagues. \nClick here for detailed information about the 2025 VicTESOL Conference.  More information on sessions and speakers to come. \n** EARLY  BIRD Tickets have now sold out** \nTicket Prices  \n$200– VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$250– Non-member\n$288– VicTESOL Membership and Conference Ticket Package* \n*Membership and Ticket Package \nThis package includes a ticket to the2025 VicTESOL International Conference \, and an individual membership for VicTESOL for the 2025/26 membership year\, saving you $28 compared to purchasing a membership and then a member rate ticket separately. On purchase\, you will receive a follow up email from VicTESOL advising how to activate your membership. \n 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/2025-victesol-international-conference/
LOCATION:Pullman Melbourne on the Park\, 192 Wellington Parade\, East Melbourne\, Melbourne\, VIC\, 3002\, Australia
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250904T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250904T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250806T105654Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T105654Z
UID:40632-1757007000-1757010600@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:An Analysis of Australian and Pakistani English Language Textbooks in Terms of Acquiring English as a Second Language by Underprivileged Students in Both Countries at the Pre-Intermediate Level
DESCRIPTION:An Analysis of Australian and Pakistani English Language Textbooks in Terms of Acquiring English as a Second Language by Underprivileged Students in Both Countries at the Pre-Intermediate Level\n4 September 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEST\, Online\nThis session will cover key research on three theories: Equity Theory\, Cognitive Load Theory and Universal Design Learning while designing a textbook for English as a second language learners. It provide opportunities to interpret language learning resources used in Australia and Pakistan. Discussion will ask how the Australian curriculum might benefit from a comparison with other international contexts\, and vice versa. \nSpeaker\nSameera Ayub Bhatti is a PhD candidate and English and Writing at the University of Sydney. She has 12 years’ experience teaching ESOL in both Australia and Pakistan. She has many publications on English language learning\, teaching\, pedagogy and curriculum\, etc. Her current research presents a comparison of language learning resources in both countries\, informed by current educational theories. \nAbstract \nEnglish is an international language and is used as a way of communication all over the world. English as a second language learners struggle to enhance their language skills due to many factors. The current study explores some of the factors they encounter. It is a comparative research analysis of the textbooks taught in Australian language colleges and Pakistan at the Pre-Intermediate level. It explores the gaps and limitations in accessing textbooks by the underprivileged learners. Underprivileged students’ affordability is taken as a dependent variable of the research\, whereas the analysis of Australian and Pakistani English Language textbooks is the independent variable. This research further aims to identify any disparities or similarities in the educational materials and assess their relevance in fostering language proficiency in not only four skills\, reading\, writing\, listening\, and speaking\, but also in grammar\, vocabulary and pronunciation among underprivileged learners in diverse sociocultural contexts. In  ESL classrooms of colleges and universities in Australia\, the Cutting Edge 3rd Edition Pre-Intermediate textbook and DVD Pack  – 18 January 2013 by Sarah Cunningham (Author)\, Peter Moor (Author)\, Araminta Crace (Author) is taught\, which is analysed in our research. Whereas\, in Pakistan\, the higher education board gives the course outline to teach four skills of language and grammar\, pronunciation\, and vocabulary\, with specific topics. According to those topics\, management or the faculty create handouts by taking content on each topic from the recommended textbooks to teach. Three primary theories are used as a conceptual framework to check the value of the construction of textbooks. Those theories are: Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) by John Sweller (1988)\, Equity Theory by John Stacey Adams (1963) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) developed by CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology). This research proves productive for future curriculum designers in designing an accessible English Language curriculum for ESL learners. \n  \nKeywords: English as a Second Language Learners (ESL)\, Cognitive Load Theory (CLT)\, Universal Design for Learning (UDL)\, Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST) \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/an-analysis-of-australian-and-pakistani-english-language-textbooks-in-terms-of-acquiring-english-as-a-second-language-by-underprivileged-students-in-both-countries-at-the-pre-intermediate-level/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20250911T193000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250720T231820Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250724T221430Z
UID:40457-1757611800-1757619000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Transforming TESOL Practice: AI as a Literacy and Learning Partner
DESCRIPTION:Transforming TESOL Practice: AI as a Literacy and Learning Partner\n11 September 5:30pm – 7:30pm AEST\, Online\nThis dynamic two-hour online workshop empowers TESOL educators to harness artificial intelligence as a transformative tool for English language learners. Grounded in sociocultural learning theory and multilingual pedagogies\, participants will explore practical strategies that utilise student linguistic repertoires toward effective English language learning. The session begins with foundational concepts of AI literacy before a focus on practical classroom strategies. Teachers will discover how to employ generative AI for translanguaging activities that validate home languages whilst building English proficiency. Participants will learn to craft effective prompts that generate scaffolded writing exercises\, vocabulary practice\, and grammar support tailored to diverse proficiency levels. Interactive demonstrations showcase AI applications for information literacy\, teaching students to critically evaluate AI generated content and develop research skills. The workshop explores creating multimodal learning materials using AI for visual\, textual and interactive content that supports diverse learning styles and cultural backgrounds. A significant focus addresses real world communication preparation\, demonstrating how AI can simulate authentic speaking scenarios from job interviews to community interactions. Teachers will practise designing conversation prompts that reflect lived experiences of students and their future goals and needs. Throughout the workshop\, ethical considerations and digital citizenship principles guide discussions about responsible AI integration. Participants will leave with immediately implementable strategies. This professional development opportunity is designed to transform traditional TESOL approaches\, positioning educators to confidently integrate AI into existing practices. \nSpeaker\nDr Edwin Creely \nDr Edwin Creely is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University\, Melbourne\, Australia\, bringing over 25 years of classroom teaching experience to his current role. With an international reputation built on more than 60 publications across academic journals and books\, he leads research in digital technologies\, generative artificial intelligence\, and adult education. His recent publications include Digital Empowerment for Refugee and Migrant Learners (2025) and Enhancing Digital Literacies with Adult English Language Learners (2022)\, which provide practical frameworks for educators working with diverse populations. Dr Creely’s research focuses on how emerging technologies can transform teaching practice\, particularly in language education and teacher training programs. His work examines the pedagogical implications of AI integration in classrooms\, developing assessment strategies that support both educators and learners. Through partnerships with educational institutions globally\, he translates research findings into actionable strategies for improving digital literacy outcomes. Dr Creely regularly presents at international conferences on educational technology\, sharing evidence-based approaches that help educators navigate technological innovation while maintaining focus on student learning outcomes and authentic assessment practices. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/transforming-tesol-practice-ai-as-a-literacy-and-learning-partner/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251021T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250720T023556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T053613Z
UID:40449-1761067800-1761071400@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Teaching speaking and listening through chants\, rhymes and songs
DESCRIPTION:Teaching speaking and listening through chants\, rhymes and songs\n21 October 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nIn this session you will learn how to support newly arrived students to speak clearly\, practise vocabulary and learn the language structures of every day spoken Australian English. You will learn how to use chants\, rhymes and songs to engage and motivate students\, as they learn how language works\, in a fun way. You will also learn how to create your own chants\, rhymes and songs to build your students’ confidence and help improve their language and literacy skills. \nSpeaker\nBarbara Dahlsen \n \nBarbara Dahlsen has worked in education for over 25 years\, starting her Primary teaching career in country Victoria and the inner- city western suburbs of Melbourne. She has worked as an EAL specialist teacher in the New Arrivals Program for the past 15 years and is currently the learning specialist at Blackburn English Language School\, working across campuses in East Burwood\, Croydon North and Wodonga. Barbara is particularly interested in teaching new arrival students from Foundation to Year 6 as they begin to learn in English and settle into life in a new country. \nBarbara presented at the New Arrivals Program Conference in 2024: Teaching speaking and listening through chants\, rhymes and songs and co authored a chapter in the book An EAL/D Handbook: Teaching and learning across the curriculum when English is an additional language or dialect. \nBarbara Dahlsen & Rebekah Jones with Beverly Derewianka (2020) \nChapter 2 Supporting new arrivals \nHelen Harper & Susan Feez (Eds) \nThe Primary English Teaching Association Australia (PETAA) \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/teaching-speaking-and-listening-through-chants-rhymes-and-songs/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251106T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250630T072846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250829T054051Z
UID:40360-1762450200-1762453800@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Persuasive Writing for EAL Learners: A Functional Grammar Approach
DESCRIPTION:Persuasive Writing for EAL Learners: A Functional Grammar Approach\n6 November 2025. 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nPersuasive writing can be particularly challenging for students learning English as an additional language. This session introduces teachers to functional grammar as a powerful tool to support all learners in producing effective persuasive texts. \nRather than focusing on grammar rules in isolation\, functional grammar focuses on using language to achieve meaning in context. Anchored in the Teaching and Learning Cycle\, the session will explore how to build language skills systematically\, connect teaching to the EAL curriculum\, and scaffold students from model texts to independent writing. \nParticipants will leave with practical classroom-ready strategies and resources to help students write persuasive texts with greater clarity\, coherence and purpose. While designed for teachers of Years 3–6\, the session will also be valuable for those working with lower secondary students. \nSpeakers\nRebekah Piper Jones is an experienced EAL educator and the Primary Curriculum Coordinator at Blackburn English Language School. She holds a Bachelor of Education (Primary) from the University of New England and a Master’s in TESL/TEFL from the University of Birmingham. With over 20 years of experience\, she has taught English to both school-aged and adult learners across Australia\, Japan\, and Guatemala. \nRebekah is a trained tutor of How Language Works\, a functional linguistics course developed by Lexis Education\, which she has delivered regularly to staff in the New Arrivals Program as well as to mainstream teachers. She has worked closely with Emeritus Professor Beverly Derewianka and VicTESOL on the Teaching and Learning Cycle project and has collaborated with organisations such as the NGV and the Immigration Museum to develop EAL teaching resources. \nDrawing on her expertise in the functional model of language\, Rebekah supports teachers to design practical\, purposeful\, and engaging learning tasks that prepare EAL students for the academic demands of mainstream schooling. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/persuasive-writing-for-eal-learners-a-functional-grammar-approach/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251113T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250730T094549Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250810T013706Z
UID:40557-1763055000-1763058600@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Teaching Otherwise: Hybrid Professional Becoming in Multilingual English Classrooms
DESCRIPTION:Teaching Otherwise: Hybrid Professional Becoming in Multilingual English Classrooms\nLiza Abad\, Amna Iqbal\, Ashley Starford\, Thanh Huong Hang Le (Jo Le)\, Nashid Nigar \nFaculty of Education\, University of Melbourne \n13 November 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nA gathering of stories\, senses\, and solidarities \nWhat does it mean to teach English across multiple languages\, lands\, and life-worlds? \nThis session brings together a diverse group of English educators—teaching in schools\, TAFE\, community programs\, and universities across Australia and beyond—who work daily with learners from both English-first and additional-language backgrounds. The panel members are connected through Dr Nigar’s teaching and research on languages and literacies education at the University of Melbourne\, and as participants and/or co-authors in her related projects. Many have also shared narratives of lived experience and professional insight as part of her broader research collaborations. \nTogether with Dr Nigar—whose award-winning research developed the Hybrid Professional Becoming (HPB) approach\, a fluid and relational way of shaping professional identity across contexts—the panel will invite participants into an artefact-rich\, co-created space of epistemic care. \nPremised on Hybrid Relational Onto-Epistemology (HROE)—which we define as mixing diverse ways of being\, connecting\, and knowing—the session foregrounds the lived\, multilingual\, and affectively charged (encompassing emotion\, feeling\, and embodied sense and their movements) knowledge of teachers working with EAL/D learners\, migrant and refugee students\, and culturally diverse cohorts. \nPanellists will share practical and imaginative curriculum provocations\, including: \n· a phonics remix through students’ home languages\, \n· a migration object-as-poem connecting personal histories with classroom learning\, and \n· a pedagogical moment of rupture that reshaped a lesson around student agency. \nThe artefacts do more than illustrate practice—they speak back to standard English focused monolingual standardisation and technocratic pressures\, reclaiming teacher professional identity as ethical\, embodied\, relational\, and affective. \nThrough translanguaging activities such as a Languages of Care Padlet and small-group storytelling\, participants will surface their own hybrid knowings-cum-becomings—shaping professional identity through lived knowledges—and reimagine literacy\, curriculum\, and assessment. Together\, we ask: \n· What do we know as teachers that cannot be measured? \n· Which professional norms feel unliveable? \n· How might we sustain joy\, solidarity\, and agency amid policy constraints? \nParticipants will leave with a practical resource pack—including zines on linguistically and culturally responsive pedagogy\, phonics remixes using students’ home languages\, artefact templates such as ‘migration object-as-poem’ activities\, and care collages designed to build \nclassroom solidarity—which they can adapt for English lessons\, literacy support\, and intercultural projects in their own classrooms and communities”. \nHere\, teaching is reframed not as compliance with fixed norms\, but as a relational and intercultural act of becoming and cosmopolitan envision—a shared journey towards inclusive\, justice-oriented education. \nSpeakers\nLiza C Abad Liza is a globally experienced multilingual teacher\, currently teaching English at a TAFE in Melbourne. With over a decade of experience across ELICOS\, AMEP\, and community education\, she integrates creative and tech-enhanced pedagogies with culturally responsive strategies that honour learners’ journeys\, linguistic assets\, and aspirations. \nAmna Iqbal Amna is a multilingual English teacher and researcher with experience in both public and independent schools\, where she has worked extensively with multilingual EAL students. With a background in English Literature\, Spanish\, and learning design\, she brings creativity\, cultural awareness\, and relational care to her practice. Entering the profession through Teach for Australia\, she is now completing a Master of Education (Research) at the University of Melbourne\, reimagining English teaching as an ethical and inclusive practice that nurtures belonging and curiosity. \nAshley Starford Ashley is an Academic Teacher and Teaching Associate who supports multilingual and EAL learners across higher education and English language programs. He teaches at the University of Melbourne and Monash University and is also an Academic Adviser and ELICOS teacher at Swinburne College. His work centres on inclusive curriculum design\, teacher–student relationships\, and innovative English for Academic Purposes pedagogies. He holds a Master of Education (TESOL) from the University of Melbourne and a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching (Higher Education). \nThanh Huong Hang Le (Jo Le) Jo is a multilingual English teacher and researcher with experience in community\, adult\, and school-based learning settings. Currently supporting students at Collingwood College and AMES Australia\, Jo brings intercultural curiosity\, community care\, and creative inquiry to her teaching. Grounded in lived migration experience and translingual perspectives\, her practice affirms learner voices and cultural heritage while fostering inclusive education. She holds a Master of Education (TESOL) from the University of Melbourne. \nMartha Heng Xia is an EAL/AMEP teacher at Chisholm Institute TAFE with over a decade of experience in English language teaching across TAFE\, RTOs\, and community education. Currently completing her PhD in Education at Monash University\, her research explores multilingualism\, TESOL\, and teacher identities. She designs culturally responsive resources and learning environments that support employability\, life skills\, and student wellbeing\, drawing on her expertise in translating\, intercultural communication\, and learner-centred pedagogy. \nDr Nashid Nigar Nashid is a Lecturer at the University of Melbourne with over 20 years’ teaching experience across schools\, TAFE\, community education\, and universities in Australia and internationally. Awarded the prestigious Mollie Holman Medal for her PhD\, she has made a significant impact on research and practice in English teacher professional identity\, multilingual pedagogies\, and interculturally responsive academic development. Her work focuses on Hybrid Professional Becoming and designing inclusive\, justice-oriented curricula across diverse contexts. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/teaching-otherwise-hybrid-professional-becoming-in-multilingual-english-classrooms/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:VicTESOL Professional Learning
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251120T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250714T010101Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251118T021200Z
UID:40412-1763659800-1763663400@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:LMERC Resourcing Event 
DESCRIPTION:LMERC Resourcing Event\n20 November 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, In Person\nA short presentation on accessing LMERC eBooks will be given by Ruth Woolven\, Manager at LMERC. There will be an opportunity to ask questions following the presentation. \nThe Languages and Multicultural Education Resource Centre is a DE library for educators across all sectors and levels in K-adult settings. Membership is free and resources can be borrowed for up to 12 weeks. The library holds over 25\,000 specialised hardcopy and digital resources related to EAL\, Languages and the cross-curriculum priority areas such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures and Asia and Australia’s engagement with Asia as well as the Intercultural capability. \nTo join the library\, go to the library homepage and click on the register button (top right side). Fill in the short online form. \nFor more information about the library\, go to LearnPath guide – About LMERC \nFor more information about resources at LMERC to support EAL learners\, go to LearnPath guide – EAL \nGetting there / parking \nBy Tram \nTram Routes: 3\, 3a\, 5\, 6\, 16\, 64\, 67\, 72. \nTram Stop #1: Melbourne University \nDirections: Walk east from Melbourne University along Faraday Street (400 metres) to 189 Faraday Street (COASIT building) \nTram Route: 1\, 8 \nTram Stop #112:Corner Elgin St/Lygon St \nDirections: Walk south/toward city along Lygon Street (100 metres) then turn left into Faraday Street (LMERC is city side of Faraday St) \nBy train \nMelbourne Central Station (then a tram ride as per above) \nParking \n1hr and 2 hr parking is available in Faraday Street and surrounding area. Paid parking is available in Drummond Street (Lygon Court and Clocktower). \nCost \n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices!
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/lmerc-resourcing-event-2025/
LOCATION:Languages and Multicultural Education Resources Centre\, Level 1\, CO.AS.IT Building\, 189 Faraday St Carlton\, Melbourne\, Victoria\, 3053\, Australia
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251204T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20251204T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250517T233228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250702T034459Z
UID:39750-1764869400-1764873000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Teaching EAL students in the secondary classroom:  A myriad of learning opportunities
DESCRIPTION:Teaching EAL students in the secondary classroom: A myriad of learning opportunities\n4 December 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nAre you a secondary school teacher? Do you want to know more about what it means to learn English and learn curricular skills and knowledge at the same time? Perhaps you have seen EAL resources but lack confidence in using them to plan. In this session you will expand your understanding of the challenges of learning in English and learning secondary subject content at the same time. You will also consider why knowing your EAL learners as individuals who bring a wealth of cultural and linguistic experiences is a wonderful opportunity to know how to plan meaningful and targeted learning experiences. Key recommendations will be made so that you can begin to plan to address your EAL students’ needs and rights as multilingual learners. \nSpeaker\nApril Edwards \nApril Edwards is an experienced EAL teacher and TESOL and literacy lecturer in the Faculty of Education at the university of Melbourne. She has supported undergraduate and post graduate pre-service teachers and in-service teachers across all learning areas for over 8 years. She has also worked in schools as an English teacher and EAL teacher\, EAL coordinator and EAL coach to English teachers and led whole school approaches. Her research interests include how knowledge is constructed when working in diverse multilingual classrooms and why this is important to understand for both content learning and student wellbeing. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/teaching-eal-students-in-the-secondary-classroom-a-myriad-of-learning-opportunities/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260226T170000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260226T180000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20251110T031214Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260223T100121Z
UID:41033-1772125200-1772128800@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Intersecting Needs: Recognising and Responding to EAL Learners who may have Additional Learning Needs
DESCRIPTION:Intersecting Needs: Recognising and Responding to EAL Learners who may have Additional Learning Needs\n26 February 2026 5:00pm – 6:00pm AEDT\, Online\nHow do teachers distinguish between EAL needs and learning difficulties in newly arrived learners? This interactive workshop explores the complexities of identifying and supporting EAL students who may also have additional learning needs. \nDrawing on insights from her 2025 Churchill Fellowship research into UK practices\, Simone Cassidy will share emerging approaches that strengthen collaboration between EAL and inclusion specialists\, improve early identification\, and promote equitable access to learning. \nParticipants will engage with a case study and guided discussion to unpack real-world examples and reflect on their own contexts. Together\, we’ll consider practical strategies for monitoring EAL students who experience ongoing learning challenges\, and for gathering meaningful information to inform referral process when students undergo allied health assessments. \n  \nSpeaker\nSimone Cassidy is dedicated to improving educational outcomes for young people who have arrived in Australia as refugees. Simone currently works in the Department of Families\, Fairness and Housing (Victoria)\, supporting health and education assessments for children and young people living in out-of-home care. However for over seven years\, Simone served as an Education and Training Advisor in the Refugee Minor Program (RMP) within the same department\, where she played a pivotal role in supporting the education of unaccompanied humanitarian minors. Through this work\, Simone gained deep insight into the systemic gaps that affect refugee-background learners—particularly those who have learning difficulties or disabilities. These experiences continue to inform her advocacy for more equitable policies and practices that recognise both the challenges and the strengths of refugee-background students. \nIn 2024\, Simone was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to explore UK practices in identifying and supporting English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners who have additional learning needs\, building on her long-standing commitment to inclusive and responsive education systems. \nThis session will be recorded and only made available to registered participants.  \nRegistrations will be capped at 100. Tickets for this session will only be available until 5:00pm\, Wednesday\, 25 February 2026. \n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.  \nA Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/intersecting-needs-recognising-and-responding-to-eal-learners-who-may-have-additional-learning-needs/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260303T154500
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260303T164500
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20260202T073605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260205T015251Z
UID:41312-1772552700-1772556300@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:The Revised Victorian Curriculum F-10: EAL 2.0
DESCRIPTION:The Revised Victorian Curriculum F-10: EAL 2.0\n3 March 2026 3:45pm – 4:45pm AEDT\, Online\nThis presentation will provide a summary of the major revisions to the Victorian Curriculum F-10: EAL 2.0. It will explore the amendments to the structure\, the areas that have been strengthened\, the shifts in language and the connections that can be made across the curriculum. Links to the new resources available will also be shared. \nSpeaker\nKellie Heintz  is currently employed as the EAL Curriculum Manager at the VCAA. Prior to this\, she was a lecturer in language and literacy education at the University of Melbourne in the Faculty of Education\, where she trained pre-service secondary English teachers. She also worked as an educational adviser with the Teach for Australia program\, and taught VCE English and EAL in the Catholic sector for 20 years. \n**PLEASE NOTE: This session will not be recorded and/or the presentation will not be made available on the VicTESOL website.** \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.  \nA Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/the-revised-victorian-curriculum-f-10-eal-2-0/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260311T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260311T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20250711T233847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T064220Z
UID:40404-1773250200-1773253800@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Learner Centred Assessment: Portfolio Assessment of the EAL Framework 
DESCRIPTION:Learner Centred Assessment: Portfolio Assessment of the EAL Framework\n11 March 2026 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nCome to this session to hear Gordon TAFE share how they use portfolio as the main assessment method in their adult EAL program. Learn some insights into how this way of designing assessment tasks allows for a flexible\, holistic\, and learner centred approach to gathering and capturing assessment evidence for the EAL Framework. \nSpeaker\nAngela Di Sciascio is a passionate EAL teacher who has worked in the adult sector for over 25 years. Angela is actively involved in state-wide networks including the EAL Framework Adult Sector Advisory Group and VicTESOL committee. She is currently the President of VicTESOL. Angela recently completed her Masters of Education where her research focused on analysing the knowledge underpinning the Victorian EAL Framework accredited curriculum. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket. 
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/learner-centred-assessment-portfolio-assessment-of-the-eal-framework/
LOCATION:Online
CATEGORIES:Affiliated Professional Learning,VicTESOL Professional Learning
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260319T173000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260319T183000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20251103T224228Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251110T031248Z
UID:40988-1773941400-1773945000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Generative AI for Translanguaging Pedagogies: Opportunities and Challenges in Adult English Language Classrooms
DESCRIPTION:Generative AI for Translanguaging Pedagogies: Opportunities and Challenges in Adult English Language Classrooms\n19 March 2026 5:30pm – 6:30pm AEDT\, Online\nAdult learners in English language classrooms bring a rich array of home and community languages calling for pedagogical approaches responsive to such linguistic diversity. Translanguaging\, which we refer to as the use of learners’ full linguistic repertoires to support their language learning and learning more broadly\, has been recognised as a promising pedagogical approach in such contexts. However\, it can present a challenge when teachers lack knowledge of languages learners speak or when learners have varying knowledge of and confidence in using languages spoken at home and in their community. Generative AI can help alleviate these challenges by processing and producing written\, visual and oral texts across languages. This presentation examines how generative AI enhances opportunities for learners to deploy existing linguistic knowledge and offers three practical examples: co-creation of multilingual content\, multilingual speech recognition\, and real time multilingual assistance. However\, AI benefits are not equally distributed\, and this requires creativity from practitioners to design inclusive learning opportunities that value learners’ diverse linguistic resources. The presentation concludes with key considerations and future directions for practitioners working at the intersection of translanguaging pedagogy and generative AI technologies. \n  \nSpeaker\nDr Katrina Tour is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash University. Her research focuses on the digital literacies of children and adults from refugee and migrant backgrounds for life\, learning and employment. It aims to enhance educational policies and pedagogies for digital literacies in EAL/TESOL settings in Australia and globally. Katrina’s projects in EAL contexts have examined innovative pedagogies with digital technologies\, digital literacies\, technology use in different ethnic communities and\, more recently\, AI literacy. Katrina is the author of Digital Empowerment for Refugee and Migrant Learners (2025) and Enhancing Digital Literacies with Adult English Language Learners (2022) which explore how digital technologies can support inclusive pedagogies\, equitable access to education\, and rich learning opportunities for adult EAL learners. \nDr Edwin Creely is a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Monash Universitybringing over 25 years of classroom teaching experience to his current role. With an international reputation built on more than 60 publications across academic journals and books\, he leads research in digital technologies\, generative artificial intelligence\, and adult education. His recent publications include Digital Empowerment for Refugee and Migrant Learners (2025) and Enhancing Digital Literacies with Adult English Language Learners (2022)\, which provide practical frameworks for educators working with diverse populations. Dr Creely’s research focuses on how emerging technologies can transform teaching practice\, particularly in language education and teacher training programs. His work examines the pedagogical implications of AI integration in classrooms\, developing assessment strategies that support both educators and learners. \nA/P Marianne Turner is an Associate Professor and currently the Associate Dean (Graduate Research) in the Faculty of Education at Monash University. She researches the leveraging of students’ linguistic and cultural resources for learning\, and context-sensitive approaches to the integration of language and content. Her work has been published widely in both language education and general education journals\, such as Language Teaching Research and Teaching and Teacher Education. She has written a book entitled Multilingualism as a resource and a goal: Using and learning languages in mainstream schools (Palgrave Macmillan)\, recently co-edited Multilingualism as opportunity: An integrated perspective on English and languages education in Australia (Routledge)\, and aims to make connections between research and practice on the Leveraging Languages for Learning website. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.  \nA Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/generative-ai-for-translanguaging-pedagogies-opportunities-and-challenges-in-adult-english-language-classrooms/
LOCATION:Online
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260326T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260326T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20260215T075143Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T075452Z
UID:41501-1774540800-1774544400@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Victorian F-10 EAL Curriculum 2.0
DESCRIPTION:Victorian F-10 EAL Curriculum 2.0\n26 March 2026 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm\, AEDT\, Online\nThis session will example practical teaching and learning activities that support language progression against the VCAA updated EAL curriculum. The session will cover strategies relevant to primary years AL-B3 and secondary CL-C4. \nSpeaker\n Mollie Daphne is a VicTesol Executive member and previously held EAL lead role at Catholic Education in Victoria.  She is PHD candidate at Victoria University and currently teaching in large Catholic secondary school in northwest of Melbourne. \nRebekah Piper Jones has worked with EAL learners for more than 20 years and currently serves as the Treasurer of VicTESOL. She has spent the past decade in the Victorian New Arrivals Program and has worked extensively with the EAL curriculum in her roles as Curriculum Coordinator and Learning Specialist at Blackburn English Language School. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.  \nA Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/victorian-f-10-eal-curriculum-2-0/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260505T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260505T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20260207T074252Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T011343Z
UID:41360-1777996800-1778000400@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:An introduction to functional grammar and its use in the classroom
DESCRIPTION:An introduction to functional grammar and its use in the classroom\n5 May 2026 4:00pm – 5:00pm AEST\, Online\nThis session will introduce and explain what is meant by the term functional grammar\, and then ground it in classroom practice by considering one of the main aspects of functional grammar\, the noun group\, and how it can be utilised to teach so many other aspects of language. \nSpeaker\nLynette Lingard is a Lexis Education consultant\, presenting their Tutor Training courses Australia-wide and internationally\, as well as providing consulting services. She also works as an independent EAL/D and literacy consultant based in Queensland. Her career spans over 29 years as an EAL teacher\, advisor and consultant\, having worked in primary and secondary schools as well as specialist EAL centres in the public education system. Most of her work centres on devising\, planning\, implementing and presenting quality literacy professional development programs for educators\, with a special focus on the language needs of second language learners. Her interest lies in the important role of the explicit teaching of language across all curriculum areas for all students\, both English speaking and second language learners. \n  \n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.  \nA Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/an-introduction-to-functional-grammar-and-its-use-in-the-classroom/
LOCATION:Online
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T160000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260519T170000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20260202T074423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260202T074423Z
UID:41318-1779206400-1779210000@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Equitable Access: Science of Learning for Multilingual Learners
DESCRIPTION:Equitable Access: Science of Learning for Multilingual Learners\n19 May 2026 from 4:00pm – 5:00pm\, AEST\, Online\nThis session will focus on how mainstream classrooms can provide equitable access to evidence-based Science of Learning practices for multilingual learners. It challenges deficit-based assumptions\, highlights the importance of high expectations and inclusion\, and offers practical examples of how classroom routines and teacher collaboration can make effective practice accessible for all learners. \nSpeaker\nAmity Adley is an experienced educator\, EAL specialist\, and consultant with over a decade of experience supporting multilingual learners in Victorian school settings. She has worked extensively in EAL and New Arrivals programs\, with a particular focus on inclusive\, evidence-based classroom practice. She currently works as an independent education consultant\, collaborating with schools and educators to strengthen inclusive\, effective teaching and learning for EAL students. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.  \nA Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/equitable-access-science-of-learning-for-multilingual-learners/
LOCATION:Online
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260604T163000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260604T173000
DTSTAMP:20260519T062220
CREATED:20260222T023222Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260222T023222Z
UID:41598-1780590600-1780594200@victesol.vic.edu.au
SUMMARY:Story-based approach to teaching EAL in an adult classroom - Session 1
DESCRIPTION:Story-based approach to teaching EAL in an adult classroom – Session 1\n4 June 2026 from 4:30pm – 5:30pm\, AEDT\, Online\nA story-based approach to teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) in an adult classroom provides a dynamic and engaging way to foster language learning. By integrating storytelling into the curriculum\, instructors tap into the natural human affinity for narratives\, creating a context for language use that feels authentic and meaningful. Adults of diverse backgrounds and life experiences\, benefit from the emotional and cultural connections that stories offer. This approach not only enhances vocabulary acquisition\, grammar\, and pronunciation\, but also encourages critical thinking\, problem-solving\, and empathy. Through stories\, learners can practice language skills in realistic\, contextualized scenarios. The story-based approach promotes a safe\, interactive learning environment where learners feel empowered to share their own stories\, making language learning a more personalized experience. \nThis topic will be covered across TWO SESSIONS: \nSession 1 Building the context – presentation \nDuring the presentation\, participants will learn about (or be reminded of) an approach to organise teaching and learning English as Additional Language in an adult classroom based on a story. Participants will explore how using a story (not just a text) as a framework can integrate reading\, writing\, speaking\, listening\, vocabulary\, and grammar in a meaningful way. The session highlights practical strategies for structuring lessons\, scaffolding learning\, and using students’ existing knowledge as a resource. It will also touch on research evidence showing that story-based approaches support deeper comprehension\, increased learner engagement\, and more natural language acquisition by embedding language in meaningful contexts. \nSession 2 Building the content – workshop \nDuring the workshop\, participants will have the opportunity to design their own story-based learning session using a structured outline provided by the presenter. This hands-on approach will guide participants through the process of incorporating stories into an EAL learning session. The outline will help participants identify key components such as setting objectives\, selecting appropriate stories\, and integrating language skills practice\, all while considering the cultural and emotional relevance of the chosen narratives. This collaborative process will encourage creative thinking and allow participants to share ideas and feedback with their peers\, further enhancing their learning experience. To benefit from the workshop\, participants are encouraged to join it using a desktop computer or a laptop. \n**PLEASE NOTE: this page only confirms your registration to session 1. Please register your attendance for session 2 here** \nSpeaker\nTanja Rykovska is an experienced EAL teacher with a deep interest in inclusive and engaging learning environments. Tanja has worked with diverse groups of adult learners\, helping them develop essential language skills through creative methods. She is particularly interested in using story-based approaches to teaching\, recognising the power of narrative in fostering language acquisition and building authentic connections among learners. Tanja enjoys sharing her knowledge and expertise with other educators and learning from peers. \nCost\n$10 – VicTESOL members (including members of other state TESOL associations)\n$30 – Non-members\nBecome a member today\, for member prices! \nPlease note: VicTESOL is a not-for-profit organisation. Your registration ensures we can continue to offer high quality professional learning. Registrations are per participant. Purchasing a ticket buys the participant the right to the live online session. Registration is not to be shared with any other person who has not purchased a ticket.  \nA Certificate of Attendance will only be provided to participants who attend the live session.
URL:https://victesol.vic.edu.au/event/story-based-approach-to-teaching-eal-in-an-adult-classroom-session-1/
LOCATION:Online
ORGANIZER;CN="VicTESOL":MAILTO:victesol@victesol.vic.edu.au
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR