WELCOME FROM THE CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Committee of TESOL Arabia Conference and Exhibition 2009, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our conference participants of previous years for their continuing support and participation and to welcome prospective first-time conference participants to what is the premier conference of its type in the region.
Conference 2009, is TESOL Arabia's 15th Annual International Conference and as always we have endeavoured to come up with something new and innovative while at the same time retaining all those successful tried and trusted ingredients from previous conferences.
This year, TESOL Arabia 2009 is launching two new initiatives in the presentations we offer. To the usual list and types of presentations, are being added:
- an exhibitor strand, and
- a content and language integrated learning (CLIL) strand.
For a long time now, TESOL Arabia has been asked to showcase the latest teaching materials and professional development courses on offer in the conference agenda proper. This year we are happy to announce that there will be a dedicated strand in our presentation programme running throughout the conference to give publishers, distributors, education establishments etc. a chance to showcase their latest products.
For the past few years we have been witness to a major shift in the place of ELT in education in the region. Government schools have started to teach some content courses in English, as many private schools and tertiary education establishments have been doing for many years. It is time for TESOL Arabia to address this sector of education professionals. After all, TESOL Arabia is a professional development organisation for all teachers who use English as a medium of instruction. Therefore, this year’s conference will be aimed not only at English specialists but also all those who are interested in the delivery of content courses in English. Therefore, content teachers, as well as teachers of English, are encouraged to attend and participate in the conference much more than before. To promote this we have created the dedicated CLIL strand of presentations running throughout the conference. As this is a major change for us, we do urge you all to please encourage your colleagues in content areas, whether it be Maths, Science, Social Studies etc., who have an interest in language matters, to consider participating in this conference, whether it be as a delegate or a presenter.
As for those of you who like continuity, this year sees a return to the JW Marriott as the conference venue. Many of you were delighted with this venue when the 2007 Conference was held here and we hope that many more of you will be delighted this year.
As always, we have an impressive line-up of plenary and featured speakers ready to enthuse you with fresh ideas, discuss issues in the profession and provide you with their insights. Details of the speakers, as well as the key highlights to this year’s conference agenda can be found in the relevant sections of the website.
In line with previous years, the 2009 Conference will offer a comprehensive Job Fair which will once again bring together job seekers and the major recruiting organisations in the region. Looking for qualified candidates to fill many posts with some jobs being offered onsite, the TESOL Arabia Job Fair retains its position as the premier employment opportunity for both recruiters and job seekers in the teaching profession. Please note job seekers must register for the Conference in order to attend the Job Fair.
For all book lovers and materials writers, as well as those of you looking for the latest teaching aids or the newest professional development courses on offer, the TESOL Arabia Exhibition will once again play host to the major education publishers and distributors in addition to many tertiary institutions.
In line with recent conferences, TESOL Arabia delegates will once again be offered the opportunity to participate in a selection of specialized professional development courses both before and during the conference. These specialized courses require payment of fees in addition to your main conference registration. As spaces on these courses are limited, you are advised to register for them early to avoid disappointment. Further information about the courses can be found in the relevant sections of the website.
On behalf of TESOL Arabia and the 2009 Conference Committee we look forward to welcoming you all to the 2009 Conference!
 Les Kirkham |
 Sandra Oddy |