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Spring Symposium

The 2026 PennTESOL Spring Symposium will be held on May 30th from 8:30 to 12:15 at The Welcoming Center Center in Philadelphia. The event's theme is Adapting, Reflecting, Learning: Students at the Center. We are distinguishing this event from our Fall Conference, using a new format.

The program will feature a plenary speaker who introduces the conference theme, and then three invited speakers running workshops that further connect the theme to our classroom contexts. There will be no open call for proposals for the symposium (don't worry, we'll still have an open call for the Fall Conference!)

Registration is completely free and limited to PennTESOL members. An RSVP is required. Attendance is limited and we expect slots to fill up, so we ask that you cancel your registration if you will be unable to attend. Not a member? Join today so you can attend!

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Teacher of the year

We are now accepting nominations for PennTESOL Teacher of the year, to be announced at the Spring Symposium.

Teacher of the Year Nominations

Penn TESOL East Spring Symposium 2026

8:30 AM

Opening Remarks with Teacher of the Year Speaker TBA

9:00 AM

Plenary Presentation Speaker TBA

10:00 AM

Lightning Talks 7-minute overviews of breakout sessions • Topic TBA • Topic TBA • Topic TBA

10:30 AM

Refreshments, Networking & Exhibitors 1 hour

11:30 AM

Breakout Sessions 45 minutes

Session Title TBA Presenter: TBA Room: TBA

12:15 PM

Closing Remarks

Getting to the Conference

The Spring Symposium is being hosted at The Welcoming Center, 211 N 13th St 4th floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107

By SEPTA

The Welcoming Center is a 7-minute walk from Race-Vine Station on the B1 (Broad Street Line) or a 9-minute walk from 13th St Station on the L1 (Market Frankford Line).

By Regional Rail

The Welcoming Center is a 10-minute walk from Jefferson Station, which serves all SEPTA Regional Rail lines except the Cynwyd Line.

By Car

The Welcoming Center is easily accessed via Route 676. Parking in the area is plentiful. Nearby lots include Patriot Parking Lot 11, EZ Park, and 207 N Juniper St Parking.