“Learn From Your Students: Understand Them More” from Ahlam Daraghmeh-Alqattawi (presenter).  This teacher is researching how ESL teachers can better connect with their students through cultural understanding.  She hands out an anonymous survey to her classes (to complete at home) in order to learn more about her students and build rapport and trust.  Here’s what the survey looks like:

• I wish my ESL (English) teacher knew this about:
• My country
• My culture
• My language
• in order to understand me better and help me learn English.
• Country: ___________________________ Language: ________________________

This was laid out on a full sheet of paper to allow for writing room.  I’m sure Ahlam would be happy to send you word documents of the above and of some of her own research results if you contact her ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

Thoughts on Conference Past:  The last door prize has been given away, the last of the registration material has been packed, and the last of the attendees and volunteers has left, but the ghost of conference 2009 lingers with  me and with the board members who devoted so much time to making this confernce such success. As last the 2009 president, I can say that at 5:00 on that Saturday  in October, I felt a mixture of relief that the conference had been a success and was over, but wondered where all  the  time and energy we all  had expended over so many days, weekends, hours  on this year’s conference  was to go.

I should not have worried because planning for the 2010 conference was already beginning.This year’s conference was an amazing success due to the incredible board that TexTESOL IV had this year who kept a tunnel vision focus on what needed to be done, on how they could be good stewards of the organization and put together the highest quality conference ever. I applaud and celebrate every one of them, and all the time and talent they put in. 

2009 was one of TexTesol IV’s largest regional conferences ever. Judging by comments from attendees and our wonderful publishers,  one of the major reasons for  our success  was Gretchen Bernabei, who besides being an awesome speaker graciously presented two sessions during the day. Her  powerful presentations made a huge impact on the audiences and made our conference an overwhelming success. 

Gretchen was supported by the outstanding members of TexTesol who presented on an array of timely and innovative topics. These presenters are truly dedicated to the success of our English Language Learners from Kindergarten to adulthood.I wish to thank the extraordinary board that I had the privilege to work with this year and all the supporting people at the various school districts, college systems and organizations that supported TexTesol IV in 2009.

I am looking forward to even better support in 2010 and an even better year.

Eileen Kress- Past President 

Every year, Tex TESOL IV recognizes outstanding TexTESOL IV educators in the areas of elementary, middle school, high school, higher education, and adult education.  These nominees will be honored at the 2009 TexTESOL Region IV conference in Houston on October 24, 2009.