Two SLW Networking Sessions at TESOL 2018

In last month’s blog, I described various social and professional opportunities that the Second Language Writing Interest Section (SLWIS) has prepared for the upcoming TESOL 2018 convention. Today, I’d like to share more details on two networking sessions that I mentioned in the previous blog. Networking sessions are a fairly new format at TESOL annual conventions—they are organized and facilitated by TESOL professionals who share their expertise about a particular topic related to professional development, and allow attendees to learn about this topic in an informal and interactive way.

For this year’s convention, SLWIS has prepared one networking session related to conference proposal writing and one related to job search. Below is the information about each session.

I would like to thank Aylin B. Atilgan Relyea, one of the organizers of Session 2, who has kindly provided the information about that session.

Session 1: Tips for Writing a Successful L2 Writing Conference Proposal

• Organizers/Facilitators: Betsy Gilliland, Hee-Seung Kang, Soo Hyon Kim, Elena Shvidko
• Time: March 29, 3:00–3:45 pm
• Location: Networking Session Area in Expo Hall (McCormick Place, Lakeside Center)

Purpose

The purpose of this session is to help attendees write a high quality second language writing–related proposal for TESOL conventions. Getting a proposal accepted is becoming more competitive every year, so it is important to understand genre-related principles of an effective conference proposal, a list of criteria used for proposal evaluation, and common pitfalls that should be avoided in proposal writing.

Format

The session has two parts. In Part One, the organizers/facilitators will discuss various aspects of proposal writing (see below) and analyze examples of effective proposals. Part Two will allow the attendees to share their presentation ideas and receive suggestions on how to develop those ideas in the proposal format.

Topics Covered in the Session

• Acceptance rate for all second language writing-related proposals
• Acceptance rate for different types of sessions (e.g., teaching tips vs. research-based)
• Proposal checklist and rubric that TESOL reviewers use to evaluate proposals
• Two proposal benchmarks

Session 2: How to Get a TESL/SLW Academic Job in Today’s Market

• Organizers/Facilitators: Aylin B. Atilgan Relyea, llka Kostka, Veronika Maliborska, Sandra Zappa
• Time: March 29, 4:00–4:45 pm
• Location: Networking Session Area in Expo Hall (McCormick Place, Lakeside Center)

Purpose 

The purpose of this session is to help attendees navigate the job market in today’s highly competitive professional world. The attendees will have the opportunity to meet second language writing professionals in order to exchange information and receive helpful advice about the academic job market in the U.S. and Canada. The session will include information about applying for academic jobs, creating an application portfolio, interviewing, and useful tips.

Format

This session aims to promote conversation between SLWIS leaders and graduate students/job seekers about the academic job market. The session has two parts. In Part One, each organizer/facilitator will provide information on a particular topic (see below). Part Two will continue in the Q&A format.

Topics Covered in the Session

• Where to look for academic jobs and how the TESOL Recruiter Pavilion operates
• How to create a job application portfolio
• How the interview process works in Canada and the United States
• Useful tips related to the application process (e.g., portfolio system, recommendation letters, managing applications and correspondence, contacting employers, and more).

I encourage TESOL 2018 attendees to join these valuable sessions!

from TESOL Blog http://blog.tesol.org/two-slw-networking-sessions-at-tesol-2018/
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