Speakers and Sessions
Three days, 25 talented speakers, amazing content, a passionate global community of English Language teachers, and YOU.
Watch the Recorded SessionsAviva Katzenell
Florida Atlantic University
Nao Yuhki
Gabby Academy, Canada
Keenyn Rhodes
Clear English Academy
Suqiang Chang
Homeschooling Consultant, SALT Academy (China)
Jennifer Recio Lebedev
English with Jennifer
Keynote Speakers
KEYNOTE: Thursday, September 25 • 6-7 pm ET
The Courage of Color Vowel:
A Jabberwock Perspective
The Courage of Color Vowel:
A Jabberwock Perspective
Aviva Katzenell
Florida Atlantic University
What happens when learners can suddenly notice the sounds inside words—and then use that awareness to tackle a poem as complex as the Jabberwocky? See how Color Vowel learning strategies enhance automaticity and how explicitly teaching vocabulary color, vowel length, and stress provide both 'input' and 'intake'. A description of action research using Color Vowel and the 'noticing hypothesis' to examine students' ability to decode, pronounce, and recite the Jabberwocky poem by Lewis Carrol provides exciting insight to Color Vowel use and effect.
Aviva Katzenell is the Academic Director of the Intensive English Institute at Florida Atlantic University and the author of Theory and Practice: Bite-sized Activities for Teaching Reading Skills (University of Michigan Press, 2023). With over 20 years of experience teaching English language, literature, and ESL, she challenges conventional approaches by asking what happens when learners are pushed beyond the ordinary—tackling even Lewis Carroll’s nonsensical Jabberwocky with confidence. Aviva’s research explores how color, vowel length, and stress can unlock learners’ ability to “notice” language in real time, transforming decoding and pronunciation into acts of courage and creativity. Her mission is to help students break through language barriers to fully access the opportunities of the English-speaking world.
KEYNOTE: Friday, September 26 • 12-1 pm ET
"I am an *edutainer*": English Teaching -- and influencing -- on YouTube
Dr. Sarah Knowles
American University
Although YouTube is a common resource used for English learning, most users don’t think about its role in shaping global perspectives on World Englishes. In this talk, we will reflect on who the most popular English teacher-influencers on YouTube are, what they say about learning English, and why we should pay attention to the messages they communicate about English.
Dr. Sarah Knowles is a lecturer in the TESOL program at American University, where she specializes in second language acquisition, language teaching methods, and teacher education. Her current research examines the rise of English teacher-influencers on YouTube and the subtle ways their messages shape global ideas of English. What looks like harmless “edutainment” often delivers hidden lessons about who owns English, what counts as “correct,” and whose voices get amplified. In addition to her research, Sarah teaches adult English learners in Washington, DC, including students with limited or interrupted formal education (SLIFE), ensuring her work remains connected to the needs of today’s learners.
KEYNOTE: Saturday, September 27 • 9:30-10:20 am ET
A Healthy Learner Mindset: Exploring Concepts of Pronunciation and Proficiency
Jennifer Recio Lebedev
English with Jennifer
What is the goal of pronunciation training? It is key that the expectations of students and their teachers align. Unfortunately, the online world exposes learners to negative messaging about fluency and particularly the pronunciation of non-native speakers. Let’s explore the elements of a healthy learner mindset with the aim of empowering our students to enjoy success on their own terms.
Jennifer Lebedev is the creator of English with Jennifer, one of the most influential English language learning channels on YouTube, with over one million subscribers and more than 100 million views since its launch in 2007. As a published author with Pearson, an award-winning blogger, and a frequent conference speaker, Jennifer has shaped how millions of learners and teachers think about English worldwide. Despite her far-reaching impact, she remains firmly grounded in her belief that every learner’s journey is unique. Her work champions a healthy learner mindset, encouraging students and teachers alike to move beyond unhelpful notions of “perfect” pronunciation and toward authentic, empowering communication.
Spotlight Sessions
FRIDAY, September 26 • 4-4:50 pm ET • FEATURED SESSION
Shannon Felt • TEFL Horizons
Shannon Felt • TEFL Horizons
How to Teach a Lot with a Little: Turn One Simple Resource into Endless Possibilities!
We want to give our students impactful, authentic learning experiences. But sometimes that involves hours of searching for the perfect material or over-planning an elaborate roster of activities. In this session, you’ll learn how to adapt a single activity, text, or even picture into a cohesive, communicative lesson… or maybe several lessons! Come learn how to do more with less!
SATURDAY, September 27 • 1-1:50 pm ET • FEATURED SESSION
Laura McIndoo • Central New Mexico Community College • USA
Laura McIndoo • Central New Mexico Community College • USA
Colorful Integrations: Planning Effective Lessons with Ease
Color Vowel isn’t just an add-on—it’s a framework that shapes every lesson I teach. In this session, I will walk you through my "top 10" classroom activities that make it easy to integrate pronunciation into every lesson. Activities from vocabulary to chants and CV Yoga, all intentionally chosen to make learning stick.
Invited Speakers and Panelists
In alphabetical order by first name
FRIDAY, September 26 • 1-2 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Ann Kumm • Old Dominion University • Virginia USA
Ann Kumm • Old Dominion University • Virginia USA
More than a Chart: Building Transformative Learning Environments with Color Vowel
See how the Color Vowel® Approach shapes engagement for both teachers and adult multilingual learners. Viewing the classroom as an assemblage of people, materials, and routines reveals how tools like charts, chants, visuals, and space foster dynamic engagement—not just with content, but with each other, with ideas, and with the learning environment itself.
Friday, September 26 • 6:00-7:00 pm ET • PANELIST
Chelsea Olsen • English Language Fellow • Michigan USA
Chelsea Olsen • English Language Fellow • Michigan USA
Notes from Peru: Sound Strategies for Training Teachers
Panel Discussion: Where Passion Travels: How Teachers Travel the World with Color Vowel
Chelsea Olsen brings her passion for teaching multilingual learners to classrooms around the world. From Colombia and Egypt to China and the U.S., her journey now continues in Lima, Perú, where she serves as an English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State. Find out what Chelsea has been doing lately and see how she is using Color Vowel.
Chelsea Olsen brings her passion for teaching multilingual learners to classrooms around the world. From Colombia and Egypt to China and the U.S., her journey now continues in Lima, Perú, where she serves as an English Language Fellow with the U.S. Department of State. Find out what Chelsea has been doing lately and see how she is using Color Vowel.
Friday, September 26 • 6:00-7:00 pm ET • PANELIST
Dorly Piske • Language Thread LLC • Wyoming USA
Dorly Piske • Language Thread LLC • Wyoming USA
On the Go with the Color Vowel Chart
Panel Discussion: Where Passion Travels: How Teachers Travel the World with Color Vowel
Dorly Piske, a life-long language teacher whose work spans Spanish, Portuguese, and English, has a passion for global connection that has ranged from organizing immersion programs in Brazil and Colombia to teaching university courses in Kazakhstan and Brazil. Wherever she goes, Dorly takes Color Vowel with her, enriching classrooms and empowering teachers across cultures. See where she has gone and where she's headed!
Dorly Piske, a life-long language teacher whose work spans Spanish, Portuguese, and English, has a passion for global connection that has ranged from organizing immersion programs in Brazil and Colombia to teaching university courses in Kazakhstan and Brazil. Wherever she goes, Dorly takes Color Vowel with her, enriching classrooms and empowering teachers across cultures. See where she has gone and where she's headed!
Saturday, September 27 • 2-2:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Eric Bodin • Faith Academy • Iowa USA
Eric Bodin • Faith Academy • Iowa USA
Using the Color Vowel® to Increase Decoding Ability in Developing Readers
Struggling readers often stumble over English spelling, but Color Vowel® can help unlock the code. In this session, I will show how I developed Color Vowel® Reader around authentic, complex texts to build sound-spelling connections while delivering a rich reading experience. Participants will see how 3rd and 4th grade readers gained confidence decoding unfamiliar words—and even progressed to reading chapter books, hungry to know what happens next.
Friday, September 26 • 6-7:00 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Gemma Archer • University of Strathclyde • Scotland
Gemma Archer • University of Strathclyde • Scotland
From Metaphors to Methods: Taking a Multisensory Approach to Pronunciation Instruction
“Imagine you’ve been punched in the stomach—that’s the sound I want you to make!” Many teachers lack training in pronunciation pedagogy, leading to problematic techniques or metaphors. Drawing on her work as an EAP teacher, PronSIG coordinator, and Color Vowel trainer, Gemma will present safer, multisensory strategies central to the Color Vowel Approach—methods that foster effective, culturally sensitive pronunciation instruction.
PREMIUM ACCESS
✅ One-time payment for access through December 31st.
✅ All session recordings, presenter materials, bonus content, and special offers in our Premium Access Community
✅ Threaded discussions with presenters and fellow conference attendees
✅ An invitation to attend our Post-Conference Exchange on Friday, October 24th.
Saturday, September 27 • 10:30-11:20 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Gilson Lopes • Escola Estadual/MG Henrique Sapori • Brazil
Gilson Lopes • Escola Estadual/MG Henrique Sapori • Brazil
Batida de Alegria: Teaching Young Learners to Speak English with Rhythms and Chants
Growing up, Gilson Lopes struggled with the loss of his parents and started working at the age of 11 to support his siblings. To understand Gilson's story is to understand determination and the transformative power of rhythm. In this session, you will see where Gilson's love of rhythm started and how he uses it today to help his young learners build vocabulary, fluency, and confidence through simple, engaging routines enriched with Color Vowel strategies. Co-presenter Karen Taylor will outline steps for building similar rhythm exercises that will energize and enrich your own classroom.
Friday, September 26 • 2-2:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Karin Bates • Intercambio Uniting Communities • Colorado USA
Karin Bates • Intercambio Uniting Communities • Colorado USA
Confidence in Every Sound: How Intercambio Uses the Color Vowel Approach
Intercambio unites communities by connecting adult English learners and volunteer teachers through our "Confidence and Connections" curriculum. This session explores our volunteer training, focusing on how the Color Vowel® Chart is integrated into our materials and how we train volunteers to effectively use this powerful pronunciation tool for their students.
Friday, September 26 • 1-1:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Keenyn Rhodes • Clear English Academy• Missouri USA
Keenyn Rhodes • Clear English Academy• Missouri USA
A Perfect Companion: Meet the Clear Consonants Chart!
Discover how the Color Vowel® and Clear Consonant charts work together to make English sounds accessible to all learners. In this interactive session, you’ll explore practical techniques for diagnosing and addressing tricky words while seeing how both charts can guide learners toward greater accuracy and fluency. Leave with ready-to-use strategies you can apply in your own instruction right away.
Add Premium Access for Asynchronous Attendance
Free Registration is your ticket to view any and all live sessions in real time in our Zoom rooms. But do you really have time to attend every live session? And wouldn't you like more time to interact with other participants? With a robust conference program featuring 25 speakers spanning three days, why not consider Premium Access?
Premium Access includes:
- Convenient Live Session access in a cohesive platform that reflects your time zone
- Unlimited access to all recorded sessions through December 31st - plenty of time to watch, think, and exchange ideas
- An exclusive invitation to attend our post-conference reflection Q&A in October
- Ongoing access to threaded discussions with presenters and fellow participants
- An opportunity to support our conference goals at a rate of less than $7 per hour of professional development
- Bonus content including presenters' materials and select on-demand workshops.
Friday, September 26 • 5-5:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Lee Shainis • Simplify Language • Colorado USA
Lee Shainis • Simplify Language • Colorado USA
Simplify English to Build Trust, Confidence, and Access
When our words are too complex, learners disengage and colleagues feel left out. In this session, you’ll discover practical ways to simplify both spoken and written communication. Learn how clear language builds trust and confidence, makes lessons more accessible for English learners, and ensures that writing—from job postings to websites—welcomes everyone. This session is especially relevant to language program administrators, school districts, and faith-based programs.
Friday, September 26 • 5-5:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Liz Bigler • Bigler English Coaching • Georgia USA
Liz Bigler • Bigler English Coaching • Georgia USA
Teaching Smarter: Free Online Tools for Every Classroom
How can simple online tools complement your virtual and in-person teaching? Over the past five years, I’ve discovered quick, practical strategies that bring flexibility and focus to any classroom setting. In this session, I’ll share how to create impromptu cloze tests, design ever-growing Color Vowel Organizers, build files that capture grammar tips in action, and more. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas that will streamline your teaching and energize your students.
Thursday, September 25 • 7-7:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Martha Ramirez • Education Consultant and Author • Colombia
Martha Ramirez • Education Consultant and Author • Colombia
Flipping Content with Sketchnotes: A Visual Approach to Active Learning
What if your notes could teach before class even begins? In this session, we'll explore the use of sketchnotes as a creative tool for delivering flipped content. Participants will learn how visually synthesized notes can enhance student engagement, allowing in-class time for deeper discussion and hands-on learning. The session includes the rationale behind sketchnoting, an overview of the design process, and guided steps to create your own sketchnotes.
Saturday, September 27 • 2-2:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Melissa Lu • International High School at Langley Park MD •USA
Melissa Lu • International High School at Langley Park MD •USA
Color Vowel in Action: Practical Ideas for High School
High school learners thrive when language learning feels fun, relevant, and creative. Discover teen-friendly ways to bring the Color Vowel Approach to life in high school. Explore activities like word collection competitions, pocket-size Color Vowel notebooks, presentation preparation, and confidence boosting. Walk away with practical strategies to boost student English language awareness through Color Vowel.
Friday, September 26 • 6:00-7:00 pm ET • PANELIST
Nao Yuhki • Gabby Academy • Canada
Nao Yuhki • Gabby Academy • Canada
Japanese vowels: How Katakana shapes English pronunciation
Panel: Bridging Languages with Color Vowel: Japanese, Mandarin, and Ukrainian Insights
Speakers of Japanese often struggle to distinguish the OLIVE SOCK vowel from ROSE BOAT—but why? In this session, I will show how Katakana, the Japanese phonetic system used to represent loan words, shapes English pronunciation for Japanese learners. Together, we will explore practical strategies you can use to help learners master these tricky sounds.
Saturday, September 27 • 2-2:50 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Paula Amadeo • International High School at Langley Park MD • USA
Color Vowel in Action: Practical Ideas for High School
High school learners thrive when language learning feels fun, relevant, and creative. Discover teen-friendly ways to bring the Color Vowel Approach to life in high school. Explore activities like word collection competitions, pocket-size Color Vowel notebooks, presentation preparation, and confidence boosting. Walk away with practical strategies to boost student English language awareness through Color Vowel.
Friday, September 26 • 6:00-7:00 pm ET • PANELIST
Saturday, September 27 • 10:30-11:20 AM ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Rebecca Wilner • DC Public Schools • Washington D.C. USA
Saturday, September 27 • 10:30-11:20 AM ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Rebecca Wilner • DC Public Schools • Washington D.C. USA
Panel Discussion (Friday): Decolonizing Pronunciation Teaching with Color Vowel
When not serving as a full-time middle school ESOL teacher in Washington, DC, Rebecca is on the move. Using Color Vowel since 2009, Rebecca has served as an English Language Fellow in Panama and more recently as an English Language Specialist in Cuba. See where her travels have taken her and learn why Color Vowel makes it into her suitcase every time.
When not serving as a full-time middle school ESOL teacher in Washington, DC, Rebecca is on the move. Using Color Vowel since 2009, Rebecca has served as an English Language Fellow in Panama and more recently as an English Language Specialist in Cuba. See where her travels have taken her and learn why Color Vowel makes it into her suitcase every time.
Concurrent Session (Saturday): Using Color Vowel to Bridge Gaps in the Science of Reading
Educators turn to the Science of Reading to guide instruction for school-aged English learners but often discover areas where it falls short. This session highlights those gaps and introduces practical ways the Color Vowel Approach can bridge them—offering solutions you can apply with your students easily and immediately.
Educators turn to the Science of Reading to guide instruction for school-aged English learners but often discover areas where it falls short. This session highlights those gaps and introduces practical ways the Color Vowel Approach can bridge them—offering solutions you can apply with your students easily and immediately.
Friday, September 26 • 6:00-7:00 pm ET • PANELIST
Su Chang • Homeschool Consultant • China
Color Vowel Meets Mandarin: A Journey in Bilingual Teaching
Panel: Bridging Languages with Color Vowel: Japanese, Mandarin, and Ukrainian Insights
How does a Mandarin teacher end up diving deep into the Color Vowel® Chart? In this session, Su Chang shares how discovering the Color Vowel Chart reshaped her understanding of English vowels, enhanced her Mandarin instruction, and bridged two tonal, rhythmic worlds for learners on both sides.
How does a Mandarin teacher end up diving deep into the Color Vowel® Chart? In this session, Su Chang shares how discovering the Color Vowel Chart reshaped her understanding of English vowels, enhanced her Mandarin instruction, and bridged two tonal, rhythmic worlds for learners on both sides.
Thursday, September 26 • 7:00-8:00 pm ET • CONCURRENT SESSION
Suzanne Nicks • Gabby Academy • Canada
"A Hen Laid an Egg on My Bed": Building Prosody with Limerickles
English prosody—its rhythm, stress, and intonation—can be tricky for both teachers and learners to master. Come discover “Limerickles”—original, fun, rhythmic verses I’ve written to bring English pronunciation to life. In this session, you’ll see how limerickles highlight useful chunks of English while making rhythm, stress, and intonation more memorable. Walk away with ready-to-use strategies and receive a free sampler of my latest work, A Color Vowel® Limerickle Collection.
Friday, September 26 • 6:00-7:00 pm ET • PANELIST
Tania Semeniuk • Window On America • Ukraine
Color Vowel in Translation: Charting Ukrainian Sounds
For Ukrainian learners, the leap into English pronunciation can feel especially daunting without clear, accessible tools. In this presentation, Tania Semeniuk shares her experience adapting the Color Vowel Chart for Ukrainian learners. She discusses creating a Ukrainian vowel chart and producing an introductory video in Ukrainian to help low-level students grasp English pronunciation more easily.