I’m looking forward to the TESOL conference in New York April 2-5th, 2008. It’s always a great time to reconnect with old friends, meet new friends, and get caught up on the latest happenings in the field. If you’ll be there, feel free to join me for the presentations listed below. Handouts and PowerPoints will be available the day after the presentation. Check the Resources page for teachers, trainers, and consultants. I hope to see you there.

• Achieving Personal Fulfillment Through Career Transitions

Thursday, 4/3/2008, 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Hilton – Murray Hill Suite B

Mary March, Daphne Mackey, Jennifer Bixby, Joe McVeigh, and Nancy Ackles

Seasoned ESL professionals present their experiences working in ESL-related professions, such as authoring materials, editing, consulting, and working abroad. They share ideas for using their career expertise to springboard into related fields as a way to achieve personal fulfillment. Participants at any career stage can benefit from this discussion.

See a photograph of the presenters.

• The Business End of Teaching Business English

Friday, 4/4/2008, 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

Hilton – Murray Hill Suite B

Joe McVeigh and Andrea Koehler

How can ESP practitioners best position themselves to interact and serve clients in the business world? The presenters share ideas and tips to maximize the effectiveness of workplace language programs while working within the operating framework of client businesses.

See a photograph of the presenters.

• From Manuscript to Published Textbook

Friday, 4/4/2008 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM

Sheraton – Liberty Suite 1

Joe McVeigh, Valerie Kelemen, and Brenda Wegmann

What happens to a completed textbook manuscript after an author submits it to the publisher for production? Two editors and an author describe the process of turning a manuscript into a book. They outline key decision points in the editorial process and discuss the balancing of competing concerns.

• Avoiding Death by Meeting

Saturday, 4/5/2008 7:30 AM – 8:15

Hilton – Beekman Parlor

Joe McVeigh

Many teachers and administrators spend endless hours in unproductive meetings which waste time and energy. In this demonstration participants learn ten techniques to make meetings function better for all.