It is undeniable that professional development is an indispensable part of a teacher’s professional life and most of us, as language teachers, find a way to develop ourselves professionally. However, we have been going through very tough times owing to the global Covid-19 pandemic for more than one year. We have been experiencing new ways of teaching such as hybrid or virtual due to these unexpected and inevitable conditions. Despite the dark shadow of the Covid19 Pandemic, conferences, workshops, and seminars are fortunately still on. The better news is that the number of online events has surged since the beginning of lockdowns that have deeply affected our lives. We can imagine that most of you have already been a participant either in a Zoom meeting or listened to a talk by a distinguished professor in your field on an Instagram live chat.

Contextually speaking, distance education has raised issues of social justice and diversity, teacher and student empowerment, and learning and teaching beyond borders. These issues really need to be discussed and elaborated on because it seems that we are going to continue distance education for longer than we expected. Therefore, these themes have been the main themes of a number of conferences. In this guide, we present a mosaic of global conferences and webinars on education, language education, and some specific aspects of language education. We start with webinars and continue with a number of international conferences on education in general and language education specifically. For your ease, the conferences have been listed chronologically. Have a nice read!

English Language Teaching Professional Development Webinars

IATEFL Webinars

The International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, (IATEFL) provides opportunities for English language teaching professionals worldwide to make connections with colleagues in the field, and improve their teaching skills. They have a wide range of ELT events organized for us. Please visit their website (https://www.iatefl.org/events) to choose from among the up-to-date upcoming events and register to book your place in advance. I am sure you will enjoy them all.

Oxford University Press Webinars

Besides providing all language teachers worldwide with a wide range of teaching and learning materials such as the learning resource bank which includes ready-to-use teaching and assessment materials, they organize several webinars for teachers of English for professional development. You can visit their website to see what they offer and register for the events. https://elt.oup.com/events?cc=tr&selLanguage=en&mode=hub.

National Geographic Learning Webinars

At National Geographic Learning their motto is ‘to bring the world to the classroom, and the classroom to life.’ They aim to appeal to English language teachers from all around the world, so they organize several webinars which are categorized into levels from very young learners to teens and adults. You can visit their webpage to see the upcoming events and register beforehand. (https://webinars.eltngl.com/?_ga=2.98557215.1416025569.1615830363-43095164.1603716460) You can also find previous events which are available on the page.   These professional development webinars are presented by English Language Teaching specialists, speakers from the TED stage, national geographic explorers, and other speakers in the English Language Teaching field.

Pearson Webinars

Besides providing students and teachers of TEFL with free resources, Pearson offers TEFL professionals with an array of webinars on topics related to the teaching of English language teaching. When you visit the website (https://www.pearson.com/english/professional-development/webinars.html), you will find a wide range of past and upcoming webinars. Don’t be late to book your place for the upcoming events.

edWebinars

edWeb.net is a professional learning network that serves the global education community. It offers collaboration between fellow English language teachers to share innovative ideas and resources, the knowledge of what works, and how to do it. edWeb is free thanks to the support and active participation of leading organizations in the education industry. All you need to do is visit their webpage https://home.edweb.net/webinars/  and choose the webinars you would like to attend. You can register edWebinars for free to join live or receive a link to the recording and earn a CE certificate.

International Conferences on Education and Language Education

CEAPA – BALEAP 2021 International Conference

Here is another entirely online conference ‘EAP as a Global Language’ for those seeking professional development in learning, teaching, scholarship, and research in EAP. The conference will be held by CEAPA (China EAP Association) – BALEAP (The British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes) on May 28th and 30th, 2021. If you have just heard about the conference, you probably missed the deadline for proposals because it was due on February 21, 2021. However, you still have the chance to become a participant. You can register for the conference at the following website: https://www.xjtlu.edu.cn/en/conference/ceapa-baleap-2021-conference/

The 14th Norwegian Forum for English for Academic Purposes (NFEAP 2020) summer conference: “Stages”

The long-established conference is being held online on June 3rd and 4th, 2021. The distinguished keynote speakers are Paul Kei Matsuda, Arizona State University, USA; Pat Thomson, University of Nottingham, UK; Lisa McGrath, Sheffield Hallam University, UK and Raffaella Negretti, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. Based on the idea of writing as stages and performance, the conference explores “how might EAP teachers and thinkers reckon with the stages – process and performance – of writing, teaching, speaking, research, academic work as a whole”. If you are teaching or researching English for Academic Purposes, this event may be exactly for you. For further information, you can check the conference website: https://uni.oslomet.no/nfeap/

JALTCALL 2021: Remote Teaching and Beyond

This conference with its focus on CALL and remote teaching may offer a great platform to elaborate on and discuss what educators, teachers, and students around the world are going through during the Covid19 pandemic which brought about an abrupt shift to distance education with no chances of being prepared. The conference encourages the presenters to elaborate on how specific learning goals can be achieved via the use of ICT rather than only suggesting “5 ways to use App X in the classroom”. The online-only event is based in Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan, and the conference dates are June 4th and 6th, 2021. Many presentation options; e.g., show & tell, poster, and workshop, are available. For more information on submissions, please visit the conference website: https://jaltcall2021.eventzil.la

TESOL/JALT Symposium on Mind, Brain, and Language Education

The Symposium to be held on June 18th, 2021 in Kyoto, Japan aims to create a platform to discuss brain-based language learning by world-leading researchers in this field. If you are a researcher particularly interested in this area, the event may help you gain new insights. The event is expected to be an introduction to the International NeuroELT conference, also offering opportunities for professional development in ELT. For further info, please visit https://www.tesol.org/events-landing-page/2021/06/19/default-calendar/te

The 6th CLIC Conference- After COVID: Language, Diversity, and Social Justice

The Center for Languages and Intercultural Communication at Rice University organizes this conference with themes that we all need to explore in greater detail considering the current global crisis of the Covid19 pandemic that has raised significant issues of social justice and diversity awaiting to be resolved. Researchers and practitioners are expected to reflect on the issues of social justice and diversity in EFL teaching caused by Covid19 pandemic and multilingualism in a broader sense. You would not want to miss this event if you have been experiencing issues related to diversity and social justice in your teaching /learning experience because it may help you find answers to some questions and solutions for your problems. The conference is to be held online on June 18th and 19th, 2021. For submissions and further details, please visit: http://aftercovid.rice.edu/call-for-papers/

CILEX 2021: 3rd International Conference of Foreign Languages 2021: ‘Costumized Experience in Language Learning’

This conference aims to create opportunities for teachers, researchers, experts, and graduate students of TEFL for an academic exchange to learn about innovative trends and how to effectively use the latest technologies that can enrich language teaching. Presenters should focus on issues related to the teaching of foreign languages and can use English, Spanish, German and French are languages in their presentations. As most of the ELT events, this conference will also be held online due to Covid 19 pandemic. Unfortunately, the proposal deadline ended on January 31st, 2021. Here is the link to the conference website for further details: http://www.cilex.mx/indexenglish.html#

I International Conference on Foreign Language Learning: Variety, Diversity, and Interdisciplinarity

Another conference that will be hosted online on June 7th and 8th, 2021 by the University of Lisbon, Portugal is I International Conference on Foreign Language Learning: Variety, Diversity, and Interdisciplinarity. The aim of this conference is to bring together researchers and teachers from different fields of language education and linguistics. The working languages of this conference are English, French, Portuguese and Spanish, with specific panels for each one of them. This conference was to be held in 2020, but it had to be postponed due to Covid 19. If you did not submit your abstracts before December 15, 2019, you can only join as part of the audience. Please visit their website before you miss the chance. https://sites.google.com/campus.ul.pt/icfll2020/home?authuser=0

PSLLT 2021: The 12th Annual Pronunciation in Second Language Learning and Teaching Conference

With a specific focus on L2 pronunciation learning and teaching, the online event based in Canada is to be held between June 18th and 19th, 2021. Those who are particularly interested in teaching and researching L2 pronunciation may greatly benefit from the specialized perspective of the conference. You can visit the conference website for submissions, fees, and other info you need: https://brocku.ca/psllt-2021/

2021 IATEFL Conference

The 54th International IATEFL Conference and Exhibition is going to be held entirely virtual on June 19th and 21st, 2021. It offers an opportunity for ELT professionals to attend a wide range of talks, workshops, forums and exchange ideas with their fellows. You can attend one of the largest events in the global English Language Teaching calendar at the comfort of your home. For detailed information, you should visit https://www.iatefl.org/conference/home

IEEE 19th International Conferences on Information Technology Based Higher Education and Training

Here is another hybrid- both online and in-person, event for those particularly engaged in using ICT in their teaching. Despite not focusing on language education specifically, the conference may still be a good opportunity to expand one’s horizon beyond their own field of study. The deadline for submission is July 4th, 2021, which means you have quite a lot of time to think of presentation ideas. The conference, based in Sydney, Australia is to be held between November 4th and 6th, 2021. For submissions and any further information, you can visit the conference website: https://www.ithet.net/about-ithet

The 19th annual conference of AELFE & The 2nd Conference of the Trans-Atlantic and Pacific Project (TAPP)

This joint event combines the 19th annual conference of AELFE (Asociación Europea de Lenguas para Fines Específicos/European Association of Languages for Specific Purposes) and the 2nd Conference of the Trans-Atlantic and Pacific Project (TAPP). For those teaching and researching foreign languages for specific purposes (LSP) and telecollaboration/virtual exchange, this conference may be a fascinating experience to gain deeper insights into these areas. One of the few face-to-face events this year, the joint conference is to be held between July 7th and 9th, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. For further information on submissions, registration, and fees, please visit the conference website: https://aelfetapp.upc.edu/en

ERAW 2021: Extensive Reading Around the World

Here is the ideal conference for extensive reading researchers and teachers! The first ERAW conference is online and being held on August 13th and 15th, 2021. For information about submissions and fees, please visit the conference website: https://erfoundation.org/eraw/

JACET 2021: The 48th Summer Seminar and the 60th Commemorative International Convention

This conference may appeal to futuristic EFL teachers and researchers with its innovative theme of “facing the reality of society 5.0″ in English language education to cope with change. The Japan-based conference is to be held online on August 25th and 29th, 2021. For more information, please visit the conference website: https://jacet.org/jacet60th/

The 67th TEFLIN International Virtual Conference & The 9th ICOELT, 2021

The long-established conference with the main themes of “humanity, innovation, technology, and communication” in English Language Teaching for this year’s event is to be held between September 9th, 10th, and 11th, 2021. Based in Padang, Indonesia, the conference is going to be held virtually. The sub-themes include ICT-based language teaching and learning, ecological teaching and learning, ESP/EAP/CLIL, critical discourse analysis, cross-cultural communication, teacher professional development, etc… Anyone enthusiastic to learn or share more about any of these themes is welcome to be a presenter or participant in the conference. For further information on submissions, registration, fees, or publication opportunities, please visit the conference website: https://www.teflin.org/    http://teflinic2020.fbs.unp.ac.id/

ICT within the CLIL Workshops

Are you interested in workshops on a variety of topics ranging from CLIL, Task-based Language Learning, and Cooperative Learning to Flipped Teaching, use of Web 2.0 tools, and Gamification in Language Teaching? If, yes, here is a great online event that will be held in Valencia, Spain on October 1st, 2021. The papers are going to be published in a special issue of “Revista Verbeia Journal of English and Spanish Studies”. The issue is going to be published in October 2021. The deadline for the submission of abstracts is April 30, 2021. For detailed information, you can visit their website: https://eltevents.com/350

6th SCFLT: The 6th Saarbrücken International Conference on Foreign Language Teaching 2021

The Germany-based conference with the theme of “Communication Across Borders – Teaching, Learning, and Speaking the Languages of the World” is to be held virtually between October 27th and 29th, 2021. Concerned about your budget? Then, we have great news for you. Participating and presenting at the conference is free of charge. This might be a great chance considering some conference fees above our budget. Submissions are due by June 30th, 2021, which means you have plenty of time to plan your presentation. For registration and submissions, you can visit the conference website: https://sites.google.com/view/6scflt-6sft-2021/home?authuser=0

INGED Conference

English Language Education Association (ELEA-Turkey/ INGED) is an international organization that provides TEFL professionals with opportunities for professional development through the exchange of ideas and practices in English language teaching and research, thus enabling them to integrate their knowledge of current trends in the TEFL field with their ELT practices and develop international connections. The 20th INGED International Online ELT Conference (Engaging Students, Empowering Teachers) hosted by Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University is on 5th and 6th November 2021. All professionals in the field of TEFL and TESOL from all around the world are invited to be part of this significant event. The deadline for proposals is May 14, 2021. For more detail, please visit their website: https://www.inged.org.tr/.

The 4th International Conference on Advanced Research in Education

The conference that offers “cross-border learning opportunities” is being organized on November 26th and 28th, 2021 in Oxford, UK. Despite not taking language education as the main focus, it may still be a platform to share experiences in language teaching within the context of “teaching methods, educational foundations, public education policies, and learning psychology”. Paper submissions are open now and the deadline is November 5th, 2021. The event is face to face; however, you have the virtual presentation option. You may also have your work published in the conference proceedings. You can check the conference website to stay tuned about the pandemic updates and to have further information: https://www.educationconf.org/about-conference/

The 18th AsiaCALL International Conference

Here is another conference on CALL which may be of interest to ICT-oriented ELT researchers and teachers. With an emphasis on the aftermath and current situation of the Covid19 era in Asia and in the world, the conference mainly focuses on technology in language education. The conference is to be held virtually between November 26th and 27th, 2021. The deadline for submissions is July, 30th, 2021. The headquarters are Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. For further info on registration and submissions, please visit the conference website: https://asiacall.info/?fbclid=IwAR1jcod5U3M3y9NYOGTZYSvxJ_ue-09d2fCeT2xa

PALT 2021 International Conference

Philippine Association for Language Teaching is organizing this online event on December 2nd and 4th, 2021. For detailed information on registration and submissions, please visit the conference website: https://www.paltphilippines.com/2020icon-1

AsiaTEFL 2021: The 19th AsiaTEFL International Conference

The long-established event is being held online this year just like many other conferences around the world. With the theme of empowering through the English language, the conference aspires to mainly deal with the “dynamics of teaching and learning English in Asia”. The conference dates are December 3rd and 5th, 2021 and the headquarter is New Delhi, India.

TESOL 2022 Convention & English Language Expo

If you are a planner, you might be interested in this long-established TESOL event scheduled for March 22nd and 25th, 2022. The virtual event promises to offer you the chance to “connect virtually as a global community of English language professionals, learn from engaging keynote speakers, and gather research, strategies, and best practices from 450+ sessions”. Visit the conference website for further info: https://www.tesol.org/attend-and-learn/international-convention

We hope this guide will be helpful in choosing which online or hybrid conference to attend. We would be more than pleased to receive your feedback on the organization and content of our guide. Hope to meet at one of these conferences that you have chosen to attend after reading this guide!