National English Language Teaching Conference Medellín
September 5th and 6th
Innovating Language Education for a Connected World: Technology, Collaboration, and Global Communication
In today’s rapidly globalizing world, language learning has become more critical than ever. With international collaboration on the rise and digital technologies connecting people across borders, effective communication in multiple languages is a vital skill for individuals and a significant asset for societies. While multilingualism is seen as a key to economic and social mobility, the landscape of language learning varies considerably across regions. In Latin America, the demand for English language skills is steadily increasing, driven by globalization and the need for enhanced economic opportunities. However, the region faces specific challenges. According to several research studies and international English Proficiency Indexes, Latin America generally performs below other regions globally. Factors contributing to this include disparities in access to quality education, socio-economic inequalities, and the diverse linguistic landscape. While many Latin American countries have implemented policies to improve English language learning, the effectiveness of these programs is often hindered by issues such as inadequate teacher training, limited resources, and curricula that may not always be adapted to local contexts. For instance, in Colombia, despite national bilingual programs, the country still ranks relatively low in English proficiency compared to global standards.
Looking ahead to 2025, key trends are shaping the future of language education globally and within Latin America. These include the increasing personalization of learning through AI-powered tools, the use of immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality to create engaging learning environments, the adoption of microlearning for flexible study, the continued rise of gamification to enhance motivation, and the growth of hybrid learning models that blend online and in-person instruction. Recognizing these trends and the specific challenges and opportunities in the Latin American context, we are pleased to announce our upcoming conference, “Innovating Language Education for a Connected World: Technology, Collaboration, and Global Communication.” This event will be held in a hybrid modality, offering both in-person participation in Medellín, Colombia, and virtual attendance options to reach a wider audience.
This conference aims to explore the evolving landscape of English Language Teaching (ELT) in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. We invite English teachers, bilingual education coordinators, language center coordinators, language policy makers, government representatives involved in bilingual education programs, and researchers to engage with insights, experiences, and innovative approaches that address the changing needs of learners and the challenges of the 21st century, particularly within the diverse educational settings of Latin American countries.
This conference will delve into key areas shaping the future of language education, including:
Discover strategies for building collaborative and self-directed language learning environments that empower students across diverse educational backgrounds in Latin America.
Examine the integration of AI in ELT, including its application for effective lesson planning, innovative teaching with new technologies in the classroom, and ensuring the responsible and effective use of AI by both teachers and students in Latin American classrooms. Engage in discussions on using AI and English Teaching Strategies for Students with Specific Learning Needs and important considerations regarding AI Ethics in Language Teaching within the regional context.
Explore the specific aspects of classroom management when teaching digital natives and utilizing their familiarity with technology for effective learning in Latin American schools.
Learn about innovative assessment methods to address academic dishonesty and ensure reliable evaluation of language proficiency in Latin American educational settings.
Investigate the social media & ELT challenges and opportunities, including discussions on how educational institutions can incorporate available social media resources to enhance students’ communicative skills and provide authentic language exposure, while also addressing the important issue of tackling online issues to maintain a safe learning environment in ELT contexts relevant to the Latin American experience.
Explore the integration of intercultural understanding combined with teaching strategies that prepare students for a globalized world where English is a primary means of communication, examining the trends and practical applications of English as a lingua franca in the classroom, with consideration for the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of Latin America.
This conference provides a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, share best practices, and contribute to the ongoing advancement of language education, specifically addressing the unique circumstances and opportunities within Latin American countries.
Our plenary speakers
JAIR FÉLIX - NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Jair Félix is the Head of Academic Services at National Geographic Learning Latin America. He has a B.A. in TEFL from Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa in Mexico and a Post-Graduate Degree on Teachers’ Development from The College of St. Mark & St. John, Plymouth, UK. Jair has been involved in language teaching and teacher training for over 30 years and has conducted workshops on various topics such as lesson planning, discourse analysis for language teachers, action research, educational technologies, and 21st century skills, among others. Jair also holds a Diploma in Teaching English for Specific Purposes (DipTESP) and the E-Tutoring Certificate from the British Council. He is a frequent presenter at ELT conferences throughout Latin America.
MASTERING MULTIPLE LITERACIES IN ELT - ABSTRACT
Join our enlightening academic session on multiple literacies in ELT and discover innovative strategies to develop diverse skills in the classroom! In this talk, you will learn about the various types of literacies essential for today's learners, such as textual, global, visual, media, and social literacy. Our Academic Consultant from National Geographic Learning will guide you through engaging activities and practical examples, demonstrating how to effectively integrate multiple literacies into your ELT curriculum.
By joining this session, you will not only enhance your teaching repertoire but also empower your students to navigate the complexities of the modern world with confidence and competence. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your classroom and inspire your students to become well-rounded, successful global citizens!
ROSA VÁSQUEZ - NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Dr. Rosa Vásquez Espinoza is a chemical biologist, conservationist, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning artist. Of Peruvian-Andean and Amazonian descent, Rosa grew up learning about traditional medicine from her grandmother in their backyard’s "natural pharmacy". Inspired to dive deeper, she went onto discovering new antibiotics and green chemistry tools during her PhD. Today, Rosa travels to the most extreme environments in the planet from the Amazon Rainforest to Yellowstone’s acidic, boiling waters searching for the tiniest creatures, from microbes to stingless bees, to create big changes in the world.
Rosa is the founder and executive director of Amazon Research Internacional (ARI), a for- purpose organization in Peru dedicated to advance conservation and knowledge of Amazonian biodiversity and culture through science, capacity building, conservation policy and storytelling. ARI works closely with communities to use science and conservation to empower their economies in sustainable and ethical manners. Currently, with ARI, Rosa investigates the chemical and genetic diversity of the Peruvian Boiling River and its heat-loving microbes, and Amazonian stingless bees and their medicinal honey in collaboration with local experts and communities.
STINGLESS AMAZONIA NATIVE BEES - A MISSION TO SAVE THE AMAZONIAN STINGLESS BEE - ABSTRACT
Join Dr. Vásquez, the "Amazon Rainforest Scientist," on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the world's most biodiverse rainforest. In this captivating talk, Dr. Rosa will transport you to the lush Amazon, sharing enthralling stories of her adventures saving the Amazonian Stingless Bee and her indigenous upbringing amidst the tropical wonders. Through a unique blend of scientific insights and personal experiences, you'll be inspired to forge a profound connection with nature, explore the intricate web of ecosystems, and embark on a sustainable path both inside and outside the classroom.
LUIS JAVIER PENTÓN HERRERA - MACMILLAN
Luis Javier Pentón Herrera, Ph.D., is an award-winning Spanish and English educator and a best-selling author. In 2024, he was selected as the 2024 TESOL Teacher of the Year, awarded by the TESOL International Association and National Geographic Learning. He is a Professor at VIZJA University, Poland, and a Book Series Co-Editor of the Cambridge Elements in Language and Power (Cambridge University Press) and Contemporary Perspectives on Learning Environments book series (Emerald Publishing), as well as Co-Editor of Tapestry: A Multimedia Journal for Teachers and English Learners, and Associate Editor of Language Teacher Education Research. Two of his professional accolades include the ‘30 Up and Coming Emerging Leaders in TESOL’, awarded by TESOL International Association in 2016, and the J. Estill Alexander Future Leader in Literacy Award, awarded by the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER) in 2018 when his dissertation was chosen as ALER’s 2018 Outstanding Dissertation of the Year. Dr. Pentón Herrera’s current teaching and research projects are situated at the intersection of identity, emotions, and well-being in language and literacy education, social-emotional learning (SEL), autoethnography and storytelling, refugee education, and language weaponization.
SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING AS A CORE LITERACY IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING - ABSTRACT
This session positions social-emotional learning (SEL) as an essential component of literacy in the English language classroom. Going beyond academic skills, SEL develops learners’ ability to recognize and manage emotions, build understanding across differences, and foster healthy relationships—skills that directly support language acquisition. The session will explore how SEL aligns with and enriches other literacies, such as textual, visual, and global, creating a holistic approach to language teaching. Practical examples will illustrate how SEL can be embedded into lessons to lower affective filters, enhance learner engagement, and create safe, inclusive environments. Attendees will leave with strategies to integrate SEL into everyday practice, empowering them to prepare learners for success in an increasingly interconnected world and to see language teaching as a pathway to developing resilient, compassionate global citizens.
TATIANA GÓMEZ RAMÍREZ - OXFORD
With over 20 years of experience in English language education, this presenter has served as Academic Lead for national programs run by local education authorities and the Ministry of Education, supporting teachers and students in Colombia’s public schools. She is the founder of ELT Think Tank and her independent work includes teacher training and instructional design with institutions like Oxford University Press and Universidad Católica de Oriente. She is also an active part of Literacies in Second Languages Project (LSLP), focusing on gamification, microwriting, and AI literacies, with a strong emphasis on innovation and bilingual education.
LEVEL UP YOUR CLASSROOM: MERGING AI AND GAMIFICATION FOR IMPACTFUL LEARNING - ABSTRACT
Gamification is more than points and badges—it’s about engagement, motivation, and meaningful learning. In this hands-on plenary, educators will explore how AI tools can take gamification strategies to the next level. Participants will leave with a toolkit of AI-powered resources and a step-by-step framework to create interactive, personalized, and goal-driven gamified experiences. Whether you're new to gamification or looking to innovate, this session will empower you to level up your teaching game.
DANIEL VINCENT - CAMBRIDGE
Daniel Vincent has taught English for over 25 years in Japan, Ukraine and Spain. He is a co-author of Own It! and Shining Lights, as well as numerous other materials for secondary and primary age learners and is a regular contributor to CUP's World of Better Learning blog. He has studied materials development for endangered languages and currently teaches at St Giles International in his hometown of London.
SPEAK UP, STAND OUT: ORACY AND THE ROLE OF PERSONALIZATION IN MIXED-ABILITY CLASSROOMS - ABSTRACT
As we prepare our students for using English outside of the classroom, whether in further education or the world of work, it’s essential that we equip them not only with grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation but also with the life competencies necessary to flourish in the world and reach their full potential. One of those competencies is oracy, the ability to express oneself clearly, communicate effectively, listen actively and interact respectfully. In order to do this, we need to ensure our students' learning is relevant and personalized, especially as there will always be a
range of levels and interests in any one class. In this session, we will look at a number of practical activities that can be done both in class and at home to help personalize content and develop our students' oracy skills.