ELT Connecting Communities, Cultures, and Classrooms
In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of English language proficiency cannot be overstated. English serves as a gateway to global communication, academic success, and professional opportunities. As educators, it is imperative for us to explore innovative approaches that not only enhance language learning but also foster empathy, social responsibility, and community engagement among our students. With this ethos in mind, the National Conference for Teachers of English (NCTE) 2024 focuses on the theme of ELT Connecting Communities, Cultures, and Classrooms.
English Language Teaching (ELT) goes beyond mere language instruction; it serves as a bridge that connects individuals, communities, and cultures across the globe. In the pursuit of effective language education, it is essential to recognize the profound impact that service learning, volunteering, and community service can have on fostering linguistic proficiency, cultural understanding, and social responsibility among learners.
Educators play a pivotal role in preparing students to navigate diverse cultural landscapes and engage meaningfully with their communities. Service learning, volunteering, and community service initiatives offer invaluable opportunities for students to apply their language skills in authentic contexts, while also developing empathy, intercultural competence, and a sense of civic duty. This conference seeks to highlight the synergies between ELT and community engagement, emphasizing the transformative potential of service-oriented pedagogy in language education.
The following are areas of interest for the strand of Service Learning in ELT that joins as part of the sections to explore in the Conference every year.
The NCTE 2024 serves as a platform for inspiration, collaboration, and collective action as we strive to harness the full potential of English language education to foster positive social change.
At NCTE-DR 2024, we envision a dynamic and inclusive forum where educators come together to explore the transformative potential of service learning in ELT. By fostering connections between classrooms, communities, and cultures, we can empower learners to become engaged global citizens who are equipped to navigate the complexities of our interconnected world. Join us as we embark on a journey to reimagine ELT through the lens of service, collaboration, and social impact.
Calendar
Get to know our facilitators
Daniel Paulino
Daniel Paulino holds an MSc in Programme and Project Management from the University of Wolverhampton. Currently, he works as a developer of affordable housing. With eight years of experience as an English teacher in a foreign language, he has honed his skills in education and language instruction. Additionally, he is an active member of the Association for Project Management (APM) and Future of London, contributing to professional communities both locally and internationally.
Melanie Johnson is the founder and CEO of BounceEnglish, a language training and consulting company. She also currently teaches writing and communication skills to Viterbi School of Engineering students at the University of Southern California as part of Viterbi’s Engineering in Society Program.
Melanie has over 20 years of experience in language teaching, training, and educational consulting. She has worked at Queen Mary University and University of the Arts London in the UK, Zayed University in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and UC Santa Cruz in the US. Her completed projects include work for Fidelity Investments, Deloitte, and the European Union Parliament. She has also worked on several projects as an English Language Specialist for the U.S. Department of State Office of English Language Programs.
In 2017, Melanie was the first recipient of the Academic Director/Teacher of the Year award from Lead 50/50, an organization that seeks to improve gender equity in academic leadership. Melanie was also the co-host of Talk to Us @BounceEnglish, a podcast that examined the global impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on language teaching and learning.
Her work has been informed by her study of language and communication, a love of arts, culture, literature and music, as well as an interest in creating welcoming, trauma-informed classroom spaces, where students feel encouraged and empowered in their learning. Melanie is a passionate believer in the ability of education to powerfully and positively transform lives.
Mary Scholl deeply values presence, learning, empathy, creativity, and curiosity and is founder and fellow of the Institute for Collaborative Learning in Costa Rica. She has been teaching language for 30 years, designing and implementing educational projects in Latin America for over 18 years and served as an English language specialist for 16 years in 9 countries. A teacher-trainer and trainer of trainers, Mary is also a certified practitioner and facilitator at the Centre for Holding Space and holds a certification in teaching mindfulness meditation from Greater Good Science Center and The Awareness Training Institute at the University of California at Berkeley. She holds an MA in Teaching English and Spanish from SIT Graduate Institute and has done doctoral studies in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teacher’s College at Columbia University. She has lived and/or taught on four continents and currently enjoys working virtually around the world from her home in rural Costa Rica, in addition to face-to-face work wherever she is invited! She is a frequent presenter at local, national and international conferences In 2021, she was named as one of the top 30 English Language Specialists by the U.S. Department of State in recognition of her lasting impact on the Specialist Program and on the field of TESOL.
Afternoon Plenary
Nancy Reeves holds a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Philosophy, a Master of Arts in Spanish from Penn State University and a Master of Arts in English from the University of Louisiana at Monroe, as well as doctoral studies in Research from the University of Leicester and Curriculum from Panamerican University. She has taught in different academic settings, from Elementary to University level, in different countries and on different topics, including but not limited to Literature, Foreign languages, Technology and Research.
Hervey Ruiz is a firm believer that one can learn something new every day. He studied Communication but has developed his career as an academic consultant. He has a Master’s in Engineering in Public Image from the Colegio de Imagen Pública; has the ICELT from the University of Cambridge as well as the Certificate of Proficiency in English, also from Cambridge. He currently works as an Academic Consultant, speaking examiner of the University of Cambridge, Digital Materials Editor and runs his own consultancy firm.
Andrea Espinach has presented research findings at various scientific congresses including I Jornada Innovación Docente 2024, 14° Congreso Internacional IDEICE 2023, 2do, 3ro y 4to Congreso Caribeño de Investigación Educativa, Seminars on Best Practices in 2020, 2021, and 2022 at Recinto Urania Montás, VI and VII Jornada de Investigación Científica, 9th Pre-Congress ISFODOSU-IDEICE 2019 and other events such as Seminario de Extensión-Atrévete a Innovar y Transformar tu Práctica-Taller. In addition to that, he collaborated with research journals as a manuscript reviewer: International Journal of New Education (IJNE) and Revista Caribeña de Investigación Educativa (RECIE) and has authored several publications related to research findings including: Influence of Spanish Syntax on English Learning, Narration as a Tool to Enhance English Proficiency in University Students and Emotion Management in Intensive English Diploma Students for Educators.
William Little is a Regional English Language Officer (RELO) currently based in Panama City, Panama with a portfolio covering Panama and 19 countries in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. His previous assignments include serving as RELO in Dakar, Senegal and Jakarta, Indonesia, as well as Regional Program Officer for SCA while serving one year in Washington, DC with Office of English Language Programs in the US Department of State. He holds master’s degrees from the University of Colorado, Boulder (Sport Psychology) and the University of Texas, San Antonio (Bicultural – Bilingual Studies) and has over 30 years’ experience in the ESL/EFL field both in the US and overseas. Prior to joining the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2015, Bill was a professor at Georgetown University for 10 years at the Center for Language and Education Development. His primary interests in teaching and education are blended learning with mobile devices, teaching and learning applications, learner autonomy and social entrepreneurship.
Prof. Morla Began his career at Dominico at the age of 23 as an English major. Nine years later, he secured a teaching position at the General English Chair at UASD. A year after that, he was also appointed to the Applied Linguistics Chair. He pursued studies in Contemporary US Literature at Louisville, Kentucky, and Applied Linguistics at UASD. At UASD, he teaches academic writing, introductory literature, ESP (medicine and computer science), and English Phonetics and Phonology. In his private practice, he provides proficiency test preparation for TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, FCE, and other exams.
Prof. Morla is an internationally certified SIT-TESOL teacher, a certified teacher trainer, and a member of TESOL and PR-TESOL. He also contributed to the development of the current MINERD English Curriculum.
Amaury R. Beltré García is an experienced English teacher, who holds bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages, majoring in English, and a master’s degree in Applied Linguistics for English Language Teaching from Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD). He currently works as an EFL teacher at UASD-Recinto San Juan and Recinto Urania Montás (ISFODOSU), where he is the coordinator of Diplomado Intensivo de Inglés para Docentes. In addition to teaching and coordinating roles, he is a member of Grupo Interdisciplinario de Investigación Educativa Urania Montás (GIIEUM).
Has presented research findings at various scientific congresses including I Jornada Innovación Docente 2024, 14° Congreso Internacional IDEICE 2023, 2do, 3ro y 4to Congreso Caribeño de Investigación Educativa, Seminars on Best Practices in 2020, 2021, and 2022 at Recinto Urania Montás, VI and VII Jornada de Investigación Científica, 9th Pre-Congress ISFODOSU-IDEICE 2019 and other events such as Seminario de Extensión-Atrévete a Innovar y Transformar tu Práctica-Taller. In addition to that, he collaborated with research journals as a manuscript reviewer: International Journal of New Education (IJNE) and Revista Caribeña de Investigación Educativa (RECIE) and has authored several publications related to research findings including: Influence of Spanish Syntax on English Learning, Narration as a Tool to Enhance English Proficiency in University Students and Emotion Management in Intensive English Diploma Students for Educators.
Emily Lorenzo has been studying aviation at Entrenamientos Aeronáuticos Las Américas (ENALAS) since July of 2023, aspiring to become a pilot. She is developing skills in flying single-engine planes, focusing on flight operations, navigation, and safety protocols. Emily has been working as an ESL teacher at Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano for over a year, her first experience in this role, helping students from basic to advanced levels achieve language proficiency. With a strong background in customer experience and administration, she excels in enhancing customer interactions, CRM, improving satisfaction, and ensuring efficient processes. Her versatility and dedication to excellence are evident in every role she undertakes at her young age.
Doralis Cordero holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Educational Psychology from Universidad Iberoamericana in Santo Domingo. During the pandemic, she enrolled in Universidad Europea del Atlántico and obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychological Intervention in Development and Education. Her professional journey in Psychology and Education started in 2018, impacting students form La Romana, San Pedro and Juan Dolio. She currently works as the Elementary Psychologist in the Domínico-Americano School.
Jay is the Co-Founder and CEO of Jinso Labs, an innovative company providing AI English tutors for Latin America. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Philosophy from Harvard University, with a secondary concentration in Economics and a Tamil Language Citation. Jay has a diverse background in educational technology, including developing leading cybersecurity courses with the US Department of Defense and founding Jinso Research, which he sold to Correlation One in 2022. He is also on the board of CSESS, a leading education non-profit in New York City.
Juan Francisco holds a Master’s Degree in Education with a Specialization in TESOL from Nova Southeastern university and a B.A. in Modern Languages from UTESA. He’s been an English teacher for over 30 years both in private and public schools where he’s had the opportunity to share experiences with primary, secondary and college students. He’s currently an EFL teacher at ICDA and a Pedagogical Coordinator at Mercedes Muñoz Fe y Alegría High School.
Santa Cabrera is the director of the Evaluation Department of the Institute for Evaluation and Research of Educational Quality, IDEICE and national manager of the PISA Test Project in the Dominican Republic. Professor with more than 15 years of experience in Teaching Curriculum Design and Educational Evaluation. International Speaker on Linguistic Anxiety in Foreign
Language Learning and Factors associated with the development of EFL/FLE linguistic skills and a PhD in Education. Graduated from Universities: Université des Antilles de Guyane, UAG, Martinique, France, Universidad Tecnológica de Santiago UTESA in Santo Domingo, Chico State University California USA and Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, UASD.
Yudelka holds a master’s degree in Speech Therapy in the Educational Field from Centro Europeo de Postgrado y Empresa. Currently, she serves as a 6th-grade English teacher and participates in an afterschool program for English enrichment, catering to students from 6th to 11th grade. Her journey in education began at the age of 14, initially as a private tutor for children facing academic challenges. She later worked as an afternoon ESL teacher in Spanish-speaking schools in La Romana, including Hogar del Niño and Fundación MIR. Yudelka continues to make a significant impact in education through her dedicated work at Dominicano Americano School.
Mary Scholl deeply values presence, learning, empathy, creativity, and curiosity and is founder and fellow of the Institute for Collaborative Learning in Costa Rica. She has been teaching language for 30 years, designing and implementing educational projects in Latin America for over 18 years and served as an English language specialist for 16 years in 9 countries. A teacher-trainer and trainer of trainers, Mary is also a certified practitioner and facilitator at the Centre for Holding Space and holds a certification in teaching mindfulness meditation from Greater Good Science Center and The Awareness Training Institute at the University of California at Berkeley. She holds an MA in Teaching English and Spanish from SIT Graduate Institute and has done doctoral studies in Adult Learning and Leadership at Teacher’s College at Columbia University. She has lived and/or taught on four continents and currently enjoys working virtually around the world from her home in rural Costa Rica, in addition to face-to-face work wherever she is invited! She is a frequent presenter at local, national and international conferences In 2021, she was named as one of the top 30 English Language Specialists by the U.S. Department of State in recognition of her lasting impact on the Specialist Program and on the field of TESOL.
Luis Marrero is a dedicated Teacher, Evaluations Coordinator, and AI Trainer with over 10 years of experience in the education sector, specializing in English Language Teaching. Known for his strong communication, assessment skills, and innovative teaching methods, he has effectively worked with diverse age groups to provide creative and goal-oriented instruction. He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education of English as a Second Language from Universidad Instituto Cultural Dominico-Americana (UNICDA), where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and was recognized as Valedictorian. Currently, he serves as Evaluations Coordinator at Dominico-Americana University, a Professor at Instituto Tecnológico Las Américas (ITLA) and teaches Phonetics and Phonology at Universidad Dominico-Americana.
Juan Soto-Franco earned his BA in Modern Languages majoring in English from the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), and two master’s degrees from Ohio University: 1) Applied Linguistics and 2) Computer Education and Technology. He currently teaches Expository Writing and Literature at Hostos Community College (HCC). He has published classroom research articles and poems on the Touchstone magazine and different newsletters at HCC. He also teaches French and Spanish at Cardinal Hayes High School. In 2022, he published a set of personal writings that included acrostic poems, rhymes and word plays in Spanish on the minifiction Dominican and Hispanic magazine called MICROS. He has presented at several domestic and international conferences.
Karol Felipe Gómez is a graduate in Business Administration from APEC University. She currently serves as the Academic Leader for the Spanish for Foreigners and Playful Learning programs at the Instituto Cultural Domínico Americano. Additionally, Karol is a columnist, having written articles related to her career. Her most recent article is titled «Proyectos Sociales: Ventaja Competitiva para Empresas Generadoras de Cambio.
Karol is an active member of the Asociación Nacional de Mujeres Empresarias y Profesionales de la República Dominicana (ANMEPRO). Her professional accomplishments include significant contributions to the fields of administration and entrepreneurship. However, her work in education, particularly related to language learning (ELT and ELE), has enabled her to develop innovative tools and learning strategies. These contributions are what she aims to share with her community.
Melina Del Rosario
Melina holds a Master’s degree in Intervention in Crisis and Trauma from Universidad de Salamanca and a Specialty in Intervention in Crisis and Trauma from Universidad Iberoamericana. She currently works as a middle school psychologist for grades 6, 7, and 8, and manages a private practice in the afternoons, focusing on families, kids, and teenagers, particularly mistreated children. Her journey in education began at 16 years olds, teaching ESL for two years at ICDA, and continued for six more years in various roles at St. Michael’s School including: shadow teacher, permanent sub, AP Spanish teacher, and Social Studies teacher. Now, she continues to impact the field of education through her work as a psychologist at DAS.
Laura Eugenia Lovatón Franco has a Master’s Degree in «»International Education»», Framingham State University, Massachusetts. Diplôme Études Linguistiques, Sorbonne Paris III University. In addition, she has a specialization in Library Science from UNIBE University, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
She has vast experience in teaching English and French languages to children, adolescents, and adults. She is currently Coordinator of Latin Languages and Careers at APEC University and works as an undergraduate English professor at the Escuela de Idiomas APEC University.
I always wish to share my knowledge and good teaching practice with my peers and students. The best weapon that a human being can possess is Education.
