by Katya Koubek, VATESOL Board of Directors, Secretary 

VATESOL is excited to bring its annual conference to Richmond on October 8-9 this year! Whether you are a seasoned educator, a teacher educator, or simply someone who loves learning and connecting with others in the TESOL field, there will be something for you. 

Ready to join us? Visit the VATESOL website to register and learn more about this exciting professional development opportunity. 

As a member of the VATESOL Board of Directors, I’d like to share my top five reasons to attend this year’s conference. (And honestly, there are many more than five!)

1. Learn from educators who are doing the work

One of the best things about a VATESOL conference is the opportunity to learn from people who understand what it is really like to be in the classroom, support teachers, conduct research, and work with learners in a variety of settings. With sessions ranging from K-12 education and teacher training to adult education and beyond, you can explore new ideas, practical strategies, and different perspectives that you can take back to your own professional context. 

And learning doesn’t only happen in the scheduled sessions. Some of the best conversations at conferences happen in the hallway, over coffee, or when you strike up a conversation with someone sitting next to you. You never know when a quick conversation might lead to a new idea for your classroom or a whole new professional connection!

2. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones  

Let’s be honest: people are a huge part of what makes a conference special. VATESOL brings together educators across Virginia and beyond, giving you a chance to reconnect with colleagues you haven’t seen in a while and meet people who share your interests and passion for education of multilingual learners. You might discover a new collaborator, find someone who has faced the same challenge you are facing, or simply make a new friend. Professional networking doesn’t have to feel formal or intimidating. Sometimes it starts with a simple, “So, what do you teach?” And after all, education can be challenging work. Having a community of people who get it can make all the difference. 

3. Share your ideas and get inspired by others

Conferences aren’t just about sitting and listening. They are also about sharing what you know. Whether you are presenting a session, sharing a project, participating in a discussion, or simply talking with colleagues over lunch, the conference is a place to exchange ideas and learn from one another. 
Have you been working on a project you’re excited about? Trying something new in your classroom? Wrestling with a question you haven’t quite figured out yet? Talking about it with other educators can help you see your work from a new perspective, spark new ideas, and perhaps inspire your new project. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to make you think, “I never thought about it that way!”

4. Invest in yourself and your professional future

Professional development is more than something to check off your to-do list. It is an investment in you! Whether you need professional development hours to maintain your license, want to strengthen your resume or CV, or simply want to keep growing as an education, attending the VATESOL conference is a great way to do it! And you get the added opportunity to showcase your expertise, share your work with colleagues, and build your professional profile. Most importantly, attending a conference sends a message to yourself and to your employer that you are committed to learning, growing, and bringing new ideas back to your students and colleagues.

5. Come to Richmond and have some fun!

Yes, professional development is important. But so is having fun! Conferences can be energizing, inspiring, and – let’s face it – a little exhausting. That’s why it’s important to give yourself some time to relax, explore, and enjoy the city. And Richmond is a great place to do just that! Take a walk, check out the local shops, visit a museum, enjoy a great meal, explore the city’s history, or simply grab a cup of coffee and take a break from your usual routine. Whether you’re traveling to Richmond from across Virginia or coming from just down the road, make some time to enjoy everything the city has to offer. Think of it as professional development with a change of scenery!

So, why should you attend?

These are my top five reasons for attending the VATESOL conference in Richmond this fall, but your reasons might be completely different. Maybe you’re looking for fresh ideas for your classroom. Mayne you want to meet other educators. Maybe you’re ready to share a project you’ve been working on. Or maybe you just need two days to step away from your usual routine, learn something new, and reconnect with why you love what you do. 

Whatever brings you to Richmond, we’d love to have you there!

On behalf of the VATESOL Board of Directors, I warmly invite you and your colleagues to join us on October 8 and 9. We hope you’ll leave the conference with new knowledge, practical ideas, meaningful connections, and maybe even a few new friends.

We can’t wait to see you in Richmond!