The Color Vowel® Conference is an international gathering of English language teachers, language coaches, and teacher trainers who share an interest in spoken English, pronunciation, reading, literacy, fluency, and strategies for supporting a positive learning mindset.
This three-day online event features expert speakers and presenters from around the world who will inform, inspire, and equip you with new strategies and fresh perspectives on teaching English in today's world.
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
THURSDAY KEYNOTE • SEPTEMBER 25
The Courage of Color Vowel: A Jabberwock Perspective
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.
FRIDAY KEYNOTE • SEPTEMBER 26
“I’m an edu-tainer”: English teaching —
and influencing — on YouTube
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.
SATURDAY KEYNOTE • SEPTEMBER 27
A Healthy Learner Mindset: Exploring Concepts of Pronunciation and Proficiency
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.
Twenty-four Talented Presenters are Getting Ready for YOU!
Our presenters are already connecting with one another through our pre-conference Speaker Exchange — part of our vision to host an experience that is more than list of sessions, but a cohesive, connected experience this enriches participants and presenters alike!
THREE DAYS with ACCESSIBLE TIMES for a GLOBAL COMMUNITY
With expert speakers from eight countries spanning four continents, our live presentations are scheduled in time blocks that make it possible for teachers around the world to enjoy a combination of live and asynchronous participation.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE (click on the links to view your timezone):
- THURSDAY, September 25 • 5:45-9 pm ET
- FRIDAY, September 26 • 11:45 am-3:30 pm ET and 3:45-7:45 pm ET
- SATURDAY, September 27 • 9:00 am-12 noon ET and 12:30 pm-3:30 pm ET
- Post-Conference Q&A: FRIDAY, November 14 (for Premium Access registrants only)
All sessions will be recorded and made available to our Premium Access registrants.
GENERAL ADMISSION
✅ FREE registration
✅ Access to more than 20 live sessions
✅ Invitation to participate in Q&A sessions
✅ Email reminders with Zoom links for each day
✅ Automatic entry into our Daily Drawing
✅ Certificate of Attendance
🚫 access to recorded sessions and discussions
PREMIUM ACCESS
✅ $99 before Sept 25, $149 thereafter
✅ 90 days of access to all session recordings, presenter materials, and special offers in our Premium Access Community
✅ Threaded discussions with presenters and fellow conference attendees
✅ Access to to our Premium post-conference Q&A on Friday, Nov 14th (4-5:30 pm ET)
✅ Plus all General Admission benefits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Registration & Access
Q: Where is this conference taking place?
A: Online! All sessions will be delivered in Zoom. Each morning on September 25, 26, and 27, registrants will receive a daily email containing Zoom links for that day's sessions.
Q: Do I need to register for each session separately?
A: No. Once you register for the conference, you’ll receive access to all live sessions through the daily email links.
Q: When will I receive the Zoom links?
A: You’ll get an email each morning of the conference (September 25–27) with links to that day’s sessions. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder if you don’t see the email.
Free vs. Premium Access
Q: Why is this conference free?
A: English is taught all over the world, and at Color Vowel we believe high-quality professional development should be accessible to everyone. Offering free access is a key part of our mission.
Q: What if I can’t attend a live session? How can I get the recording?
A: Live sessions are available in real-time with Free Registration. With Premium Access you’ll get access to recordings of all live sessions and bonus on-demand workshops.
Q: What’s included in Premium Access?
A: Premium Access gives you recordings of all live sessions, plus exclusive on-demand workshops and extended access beyond the conference dates.
Q: I completed the Free registration, but I want to add Premium Access. How can I do that?
A: Use this link to purchase Premium Access at any time.
Q: Can I upgrade to Premium Access after the conference ends?
A: Yes. Premium Access will remain available for purchase after the conference so you can still watch the recordings.
Q: Can we purchase Premium Access for a group of teachers?
A: Yes. We are happy to invoice your institution for group purchases of Premium Access. Contact us with your request. Include the number of seats you’d like to purchase, and be sure to include the name, email, and phone number of your purchasing agent.
Q: What payment methods are accepted for Premium Access?
A: We accept major credit cards and institutional purchase orders. Contact us if you need help with payment options.
Technology & Support
Q: Do I need to download Zoom to attend?
A: You can join from the Zoom desktop or mobile app, or through your browser. We recommend downloading the Zoom app and participating from a desktop computer for the best experience.
Q: Will there be technical support if I have trouble logging in?
A: Yes. Our support team will be available during the conference to help with any technical issues.
Content & Audience
Q: What is 'Color Vowel'? I'm new to this...
A: Reflecting more than 25 years of development, Color Vowel® is an approach for teaching that uses colors and key words to make English pronunciation, listening, and vocabulary learning clear, visual, and memorable. Get to know the Color Vowels with our Audio Interactive Chart.
Q: Do I have to be Color Vowel trained to attend this conference?
A: No. This conference is open to all language educators, whether you’re new to Color Vowel or a longtime fan. However, if you’re interested in getting trained in the Color Vowel Approach, we recommend you start with Color Vowel Basics, our on-demand course for educators.
Q: Who are the presenters?
A: Our speakers are experts in the field of English language teaching, including TESOL academics, researchers, Color Vowel trained teachers, teacher trainers, and thought leaders in the language teaching community.
Q: What level of experience do I need to benefit from this conference?
A: Whatever your level of experience, you will encounter plenty of meaningful content. Our experienced speakers will provide insights and strategies useful to both new and experienced educators.
Q: Will the sessions be interactive?
A: Yes. Many sessions include breakout rooms, Q&A, and hands-on practice opportunities.
Certificates & Continuing Education
Q: Can I get a Certificate of Attendance for this conference?
A: Yes. Everyone will receive a downloadable certificate of attendance upon completing the conference survey at the end of the conference. You will then be able to fill in the blanks with your name and the total number of sessions you attended.
Q: Will this conference count toward professional development hours or CEUs?
A: You’ll receive a Certificate of Attendance, which you can submit to your institution or accrediting body. Acceptance of hours varies by organization.