Special Interest Groups 

K-12 Education:

The K-12 SIG is where elementary, middle, and high school ESOL teachers meet to discuss current issues in ESOL instruction. We discuss challenges and share solutions. Being a part of this SIG allows you to hear what other teachers and schools are doing to meet the academic language needs of our secondary English learners. Our members come together in workshops, presentations, and meetings, to share ideas, learn different teaching techniques, explore new research, and discuss items of interest. Currently, we continue looking at how to equip students with skills to handle difficult academic content in all four language modes using the experiences of our colleagues from the greater D.C. Metro area. If you are interested in more information, join WATESOL, come to a conference or other event, or email one of the K-12 SIG co-chairs.  Whether you are in the process of becoming certified, are a new teacher, or have been teaching for many years, there is a place for you in the K-12 SIG.

Adult Education:  

The Adult SIG is a place where all are welcome, whether you are new to the field of Adult ESOL, a veteran, or somewhere in-between. The Adult SIG is a community of educators who have the interests of the adult ESOL learner in mind and are looking to share ideas, challenges and success stories with peers. As a member of the Adult SIG, you shall be privy to a whole world of wonderful workshops and presentations given by peers, with the specific educational needs of the adult ESOL learner in mind. To get a complete picture of how your Adult SIG can work for you, attend the fall convention and spring SIG events where workshops and presentations will provide a wealth of information that is immediately usable and relevant. For more information, contact one of the Adult SIG co-chairs or any member of the WATESOL Executive Board. If you are working or volunteering in the field of Adult ESOL and you are looking to network with like-minded people, this is the place for you.

Higher Education:

The Higher Education SIG is a platform for two- and four-year college professors and language instructors from the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to share their methodology and pedagogy with members of the WATESOL community. These knowledgeable instructors draw on their own experiences with students and in the classroom to provide material for workshops and presentations at the Fall Convention and spring SIG events as well as through the monthly WATESOL newsletter. As a member of the Higher Ed. SIG, you can request workshops of interest or even volunteer to lead one. We are eager to learn from you and your achievements in the field!