When: Saturday, June 14, 2025, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m
Where: Trellus 2838 W. Peterson, Chicago, IL 60659
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Attendance Limit: 30 Participants
Cost: $40 (Lunch included)
9 a.m. – Supporting Low Literacy Learners Without Slowing Down Your Class
10 a.m. – Digital Citizenship and Online Safety: In and Out of the Classroom
11 a.m. – Powered by Plot: AI-Driven Storytelling for ESL
12 p.m. – Lunch and Networking!
1 p.m. – Using Functional Speaking Exercises to Increase Accuracy and Confidence
2 p.m. – Partnering for Progress: Uniting Adult Education and Workforce Teams to Increase Employment Opportunities
Most English language learning classes are comprised of a range of levels; many also include low literacy learners who struggle to complete reading and writing activities at the same pace as their peers. Instructors often find it difficult to meet the needs of low literacy learners and keep classes challenging for everyone. This session will include ten tips for how to engage all our learners without leaving anyone behind or slowing down class.
Since she began teaching in 2010, Leona has taught in China, Oman, Boston, and Chicago. It was in Chicago that her passion for working with low-literacy learners truly took root. She currently teaches Literacy Intervention, a course for pre- and emerging literacy learners learning to read for the first time. Leona has a master’s degree in TESOL.
This session includes the principles of digital citizenship and the importance of safety and privacy online. Learn how to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the digital world responsibly and securely by evaluating online information, protecting personal information and collaborating and sharing resources.
With a background in adult education, management, community outreach, digital literacy, and instructional design, Shannon has developed training programs and public workshops for diverse audiences throughout her career. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences, including IACEA, ALA, ILA, and PLA, and most recently the Illinois Workforce Summit. She received her Master of Library and Information Science degree from Dominican University and is passionate about lifelong learning, digital equity, and empowering others through education.
Every ESL classroom has a story waiting to be told; with the right tools, telling it becomes effortless. This session explores a narrative-driven, AI-supported approach that engages students of all levels through class-specific stories. Participants will learn to create custom materials that maximize comprehensible input while fostering meaningful output. This process-based framework enhances student engagement, reduces teacher workload, and leverages the universal appeal of storytelling.
Melissa is an experienced ESL educator and aspiring multilingual writer. Her teaching travels have taken her to Vietnam and Russia. In May Melissa presented on her story-driven education approach at both the Korea TESOL Conference and Japan TESOL Conference, in addition to the Massachusetts TESOL conference. She has also presented at ITBE and the New York TESOL Virtual Conference. Melissa has a master’s degree in English.
By consistently providing students with a high volume of opportunities to practice high-frequency constructions that elicit meaningful output, instructors can guide English language learners to build accuracy at a faster rate, which increases student confidence. In this interactive presentation, participants will engage with exercises that can immediately transform their classroom approach.
Paul has been working in language training since 2002. He has presented on his training approach at conferences nationwide, which include the ITBE, IACEA, New York TESOL, and Alabama-Mississippi TESOL conferences. Paul holds a master’s degree in Linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University.
Workplace Literacy Coach Sarah Morrow will discuss how she structures her 4-week Workplace Literacy classes to meet the needs of jobseekers with low-level English literacy and help them find work. Our Adult Workforce Manager, Mohammed Altinawi, will share his experience of working with employer partners who provide jobs for ELs (what are their struggles/concerns), the ways his programs help clients overcome barriers, and how Adult Education programs can work with Workforce programs or propose partnerships.”
Originally from Lebanon, Mohammed Altinawi came to the United States with a strong desire to build a meaningful career and support his community. Like many newcomers, he found it challenging to navigate the American workforce system—facing unfamiliar processes, limited networks, and cultural differences. These early experiences shaped his passion for helping others overcome similar barriers. Now a dedicated workforce development professional with over five years of experience, Mohammed plays a key role at Trellus, where he supports immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities in achieving their career goals. He believes strongly in the power of programs like Adult Workforce at Trellus, which offer the guidance, training, and opportunities that newcomers need to thrive in their new environment.
With a strong background in andragogy, Sarah is dedicated to closing language and skills gaps through job-specific training for adult English learners. Sarah holds an MA in TESL from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and brings extensive experience in designing both ELA curricula and industry-specific training programs. Her previous roles as a sales director and hiring manager inform her practical approach to workforce readiness. At Trellus, she collaborates closely with the Adult Workforce Team to ensure instruction aligns with the evolving demands of today’s job market.
