MILE Shines at 44th Annual Maryland TESOL Conference
There was lots of MILE representation this past weekend at the 44th Annual Maryland TESOL Conference!
From left to right: Drs. Melinda Martin-Beltrán and Amanda Cataneo
Primarily, Dr. Melinda Martin-Beltrán received the Maryland TESOL Lifetime Achievement Award! This award, given annually at the fall conference honors the accomplishments of professionals in the ESOL field who throughout their years of service have exemplified dedication to ESOL students at any educational level and/or in ESOL teacher training.
From left to right: Dr. Amanda Cataneo, Alejandro Peréz Belda, Drew Fagan, Dr. Melinda Martin-Beltrán
Additionally, MILE members presented at the conference. Dr. Amanda Cataneo, who also serves as the Second Vice President of Maryland TESOL, co-chaired the conference and led a session on "Supporting Multilingual Learners through Dual Language Bilingual Education Programs in Maryland." Drew Fagan, a past president of Maryland TESOL, facilitated a panel on the passing of the CALL Act in the Maryland legislature.
Also advancing MILE’s mission, Alejandro Peréz Belda attended as a sponsor to promote UMD College of Education programs, such as the Dual Language Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, which was established by the Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Dr. Melinda Martin-Beltrán!
Comprehensive image alternative text for accessibility:
Image 1: From left to right, Drs. Melinda Martin-Beltrán and Amanda Cataneo smile and stand in front of a projection screen that says “Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Melinda Martin-Beltran, University of Maryland. Dr. Melinda Martin-Beltrán is holding flowers and Dr. Amanda Cataneo is holding Martin-Beltrán’s award plaque.
Image 2: From left to right, Dr. Amanda Cataneo, Alejandro Peréz Belda, Drew Fagan, and Dr. Melinda Martin-Beltrán smile and stand in front of glittery streamers holding small signs. From left to right, their signs read "I advocate by being a proud member of Maryland TESOL," "My Why: I work hard every day to increase the English Language Proficiency of my students," "I advocate by being a voice for my ELO students ensuring access to appropriate services," and "I advocate for multilingual learners to sustain and cultivate their home language."
