MEXTESOL Tampico Chapter (Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico)

Free Macmillan Webinars on Teaching

2012-01-28T15:53:00.004-06:00

Here's a website for free webinars on teaching topics by Macmillan.
The next one is February 1, 2012.

Check it out:

http://www.macmillanenglish.com/BlankTemplate.aspx?id=43108

Job link

2012-01-23T15:03:00.000-06:00

Dear Members and Non-members, We got an email recommending this job website.

www.jooble-uk.com

I don't know if it's any good, but if you're interested, you can check it out. Have a great day!

Next Academic Saturday probably in February 2012

2012-01-19T13:41:00.002-06:00

Dear Mextesol's Members,

The Academic Saturday that was scheduled to take place on January 21st was moved to January 28th, but some teachers told me that they had a course that day. So probably our next Academic Saturday will take place in February. I'll send you an email as soon as I confirm the date.

Greetings

Lic. Jessica del Valle Teacher-DIEB Tamaulipas Secretary of Mextesol, Chapter Tampico

Note from the webmaster: Sorry for the spelling and grammar mistakes in the previous unedited version of this post. It was a quick email from Jessica that I just cut and pasted. And I posted it without okaying it with her. In the future, we hope to model well-written English.

Schools welcome to post job openings and teachers' courses

2011-12-16T13:29:00.003-06:00

Dear directors, administrators, and coordinators,

MEXTESOL serves ALL English teachers in Mexico (both members and non-members), along with their places of employment.

The local Tampico Chapter welcomes schools to post any job openings, professional development courses, or teacher training on the website.

Please send the information you want posted to:
mextesoltampico@gmail.com
or
you can post directly on the website, but be aware that the site is moderated and it could take a few days to be posted.

Have a great holiday and see you in 2012!

Sincerely,
Irene Alice
MEXTESOL Tampico Chapter webmaster

TKT Preparation Course at ATS

2011-12-14T18:40:00.003-06:00

Dear Mextesol Tampico Members and non-members,

I received this email from the ATS regarding a TKT preparation course. If you are interested, please see the information below.

Sincerely,
Irene Alice
Mextesol Tampico webmaster
--------------------------------

Hi Irene,

I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to you to let you know about the TKT preparation course we are starting in January in case you know someone who is interested in taking it. See below details of the course and the discounts we are offering for groups of four.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have a doubt.

Tere
-------------
Para grupos de 4 personas tenemos dos promociones que estamos ofreciendo.

Promoción

1)4 personas inscritas y el 5to es gratis o bien

2)4 personas inscritas y el 5to y 6to pagan el 50%

Detalles del curso
Inicio: 13 de enero del 2012
Horario: Viernes de 4:00 p.m a 7 p.m.
Opciones de pago: contado, semi-contado o 4 pagos.
Costo Pago de Contado: $5,580*
Informes: treyes@ats.edu.mx Tel: 227 2080 al 84 Ext. 220/265

Teachers Needed!

2011-12-07T13:39:00.000-06:00

NOTICE: The Universidad del Noreste (UNE)

Is looking for qualified, experienced English Teachers for the following areas:

1. Health Sciences Faculty
2. Preparatoria

Requirements:
• Medical / Nursing background/ knowledge (1)
• Experience with teenage students (2)
• TOEFL score 600, or if slightly less, willing to study to improve language level
• TKT minimum band 3 on Modules 1, 2 & 3, or be willing to take the exam in the near future
• Must be available for afternoon and evening classes, possibly mid-mornings as well for Health Sciences and mornings for Prepa.

Please send résumé ASAP to:

Mtra. Debra J. Ingram
Coordinación de Inglés
dingram@une.edu.mx

MEXTESOL Journal - Call for Papers

2011-11-16T14:53:00.006-06:00

Hi everyone,

Could you please pass this information on to your colleagues and students? We are a great Journal for first publications since we mentor all writers who need it.

Call for papers: MEXTESOL Journal invites you to submit previously unpublished articles. Both refereed and non-refereed articles accepted.

http://www.mextesol.net/journal

The MEXTESOL Journal is a voice for all teachers in Mexico and the world.

Past issues are available to the public to view (click on red image of journal on the right side of this page).

Sincerely,
Irene Alice
Reviewer for the MEXTESOL Journal

Academic Saturday, November 12, 2011 at 4:30pm

2011-11-11T18:58:00.003-06:00

Academic Saturday, November 12, 2011

Time: 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Where: Escuela Nautica Mercante de Tampico
by Laguna Carpintero - those blue and white buildings)

Address: Blvd. Adolfo Lopez Mateos y Blvd. Fidel Velázquez S/N
Guadalupe Mainero, Tampico

Parking entrance on the Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos
You need picture identification to get in.

Cost:
Members = $50 pesos
Non-members = $70 pesos
$200 pesos for a one-year membership plus this event.

Agenda:

4:30 to 5:00 pm
New Member registration and Academic Saturday Fee

5:00 to 6:00 pm
Two simultaneous presentations

1. "Reading" by Ana Lilia Castro

2. "Is the Messenger Delivering the Message?" by Irene Alice

6:00 to 6:30pm
Refreshments

New MEXTESOL Tampico Committee for 2011-2013

2011-09-26T13:11:00.008-05:00

Hi Everyone,

As you may or may not know, we have a new MEXTESOL Tampico committee for 2011-2013.

Congratulations to Enrique Cabrales, who is the new MEXTESOL Tampico President.

There has been some delay in updating this website and our Facebook.

However, soon they will be updated. So keep checking!

Academic Saturday, May 28, 2011 - Assembly (Members Only)

2011-05-23T18:44:00.007-05:00

AGENDA
May 28th, 2011

ASSEMBLY
Place:
POSADA CASABLANCA Salón VENECIA
Address:
Ejército Mexicano esquina Boulevard Adolfo Lopez Mateos
Col Esfuerzo Nacional. Cd. Madero. (Frente a Chedraui Ej. Mexicano)
Telephone: 216 06 55

Time:
4:30 to 6:30 PM.
Please be punctual- We will!

1. Two year report of the 2009-11 Committee.
(4:30 to 5:00 PM) Won’t be boring 
2. Assembly. Voting session and New Committee Acceptance (5:00 to 5:45 PM)
3. Raffle. (5:45 to 6:00 PM)
4. Refreshments and snacks. (6:00 to 6:30 PM) Stay and mingle!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Parking: Inside the Hotel Posada Casablanca
No Cost: Only Members need attend
No on-site registration for new members.

If you want to attend the May 28th assembly and vote, member renewals or new memberships must be bought by Thursday, May 26, 2011.
Email Lety Vela at: lety_vela@atsli.edu.mx regarding memberships.

CORRECTION - DEADLINE - May 15, 2011 - for nominations for the 2011-2013 Mextesol Tampico Chapter Committee elections

2011-05-09T18:44:00.008-05:00

Dear Mextesol members,

CORRECTION! - THE DEADLINE IS MAY 15, 2011! (today)
This is my fault. I wrote May 14th when the real date is May 15th.
If someone has a problem with this, please email Leticia Perez, our current President.

I apologize for any problems this may have caused.

Sincerely,
Irene Alice

Now accepting nominations for the 2011-2013 Mextesol Tampico Chapter Committee
Deadline for nominations: May 15, 2011.

The new 2011-2013 committee will be elected at the May 28, 2011 Academic Saturday.

Positions up for election are:

1. President
2. Vice-President
3. Second Vice-President
4. Treasurer
5. Secretary

Read the following posts for more information received from the national MEXTESOL office.

Email your nominations and information questions to:
lorozco@atsli.edu.mx

Reminder: You need to be a current member to vote on May 28, 2011.

2011-04-06T14:09:00.021-05:00

Do you know when your membership expires?
Did you know that memberships are only for one year?
Do you have proof of membership?

If you want to vote at the May 28th, 2011 Mextesol Tampico committee elections, then you need to have an up-to-date membership.

The 3 easiest ways to show membership are:

1. To show your Mextesol membership factura. (If you pay at the door, this is your proof. - so keep it.)
2. To print out your membership card (see below).
3. The local Tampico Chapter also has a list of current local members. If you want to check if you are on the list, then email: lety_vela@atsli.edu.mx or ksoriano@atsli.edu.mx.

NOTE: If you forgot your password and/or Mextesol number, or want to know about your membership status, you can email us (see above emails) or see the link to your right about membership information.

How do I get my membership card?
Answer:
After you have purchased your membership, it will take some time before the national office officially registers you so that you will be able to print your card from the national website.

Go to:
http://www.mextesol.org.mx/?modulo=main&id=47

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to where it says, "How to print membership cards."

It is recommended that after printing your card, you add your photo, sign it and laminate it at your own expense.

Note that the local Tampico Chapter does NOT have your password, and we do NOT print the cards. You must print your card from the national website.

If you have any questions, please email:
mextesoltampico@gmail.com

The national Mextesol website is at:
www.mextesol.org.mx
The national Mextesol email is:
nationaloffice@mextesol.org.mx

Responsabilidades_de_cada_cargo / Responsibilities of committee member positions

2011-03-13T15:53:00.001-06:00

Asociación Mexicana de Maestros de Inglés, MEXTESOL, A. C. , con base en el Artículo Segundo Capitulo VI del Reglamento Interno vigente de la asociación hace presente la siguiente

C O N V O C A T O R I A

A los socios de MEXTESOL para conformar el comité directivo local del Capitulo _________________________.
Requisitos que deben reunir los postulados para la selección que hará el comité de nominaciones, el cual estará formado por el presidente y dos integrantes del comité local.

• Ser maestro de inglés en servicio o retirado con por lo menos cinco años de experiencia
• Gozar de una reputación intachable
• Haber pertenecido a la Asociación por lo menos los dos años anteriores a su postulación.
• Haber aceptado por escrito conocer los deberes del puesto para el cual se presenta su candidatura.
• Los candidatos a los diferentes puestos deberán estar presentes en el momento de la elección.
La postulación se debe de presentar por escrito, la cual incluya un breve currículo, propuesta de trabajo y el respaldo 15 miembros cuyos nombres completos deberán ser acompañados de su número de membresía y firma, así como una foto en blanco y negro de la persona postulada.

Las obligaciones que implica cada puesto son :

PRESIDENTE

*Representará al capitulo en los asuntos legales y administrativos.
*vigilará el buen manejo del capitulo.
*Presidirá todas las reuniones del comité local.
*Deberá de organizar la votación para la elección de los integrantes del nuevo comité.
*Deberá enviar al 1er Vicepresidente su programa de eventos.
*Deberá acudir a las reuniones convocadas por el Consejo Directivo Nacional.
*Nombrará a los asesores del comité no sujetos a elección (vocales).
*Junto con el secretario elaborará el orden del día para todas las reuniones del comité.
*Deberá en combinación con el tesorero poseer una de las dos firmas autorizadas para la erogación de fondos.
*Vigilará que se de cumplimiento a los acuerdos del comité local.

PRIMER VICEPRESIDENTE

*Presidirá las reuniones cuando no se encuentre el presidente
*Sustituirá al presidente en su cargo cuando éste renuncie o se retire de sus labores por causa de fuerza mayor, deberá terminar el periodo para el cual fue electo y nombrará al primer vicepresidente interino.
*Tendrá a su cargo la difusión del la asociación y la promoción del capitulo local.
*Apoyará al comité local en la obtención de ponentes para los eventos académicos.

SEGUNDO VICEPRESIDENTE

*Tendrá como principal obligación organizar la convención regional.
*Deberá nombrar un comité organizador para la convención y figurará como presidente de dicho comité.
*Deberá presentar los avances logrados en las reuniones del comité local.
*Informará por escrito los resultados de la convención regional.

SECRETARIO

*Deberá elaborar, de acuerdo con el presidente, el orden del día para todas las reuniones del comité local.
*Deberá estar presente en todas las reuniones del comité y tomar nota para la elaboración de las actas correspondientes.
*Pasará lista de presentes en cada reunión del comité y leerá el acta de la sesión anterior para que sea aprobada.
*De acuerdo con el presidente, elaborará el reporte de actividades y la base de datos del comité local que se deberá enviar a la oficina nacional.

TESORERO

*Recibirá y revisará con el tesorero anterior y con el contador toda la documentación contable al tomar posesión de su cargo.
*Su firma será una de las dos autorizadas para el manejo de los fondos del capitulo.
*Mantendrá estrecha comunicación con el contador de la asociación para ver que todos los ingresos y egresos estén justificados correctamente.
* Deberá, de acuerdo con el presidente, de autorizar las erogaciones y gastos que deban de hacerse en el comité local.
*Se coordinará con el segundo vicepresidente para establecer el presupuesto de la convención regional.
*Deberá de elaborar los reportes financieros que se enviarán a la oficina nacional.
*Deberá de presentar el estado financiero del comité siempre que se requiera.

Procedimiento para la elecciòn del nuevo Comitè Local

2011-03-13T15:51:00.000-06:00

Procedimiento para la elección del nuevo Comité Local

En la elección de un nuevo comité solo pueden participar socios que pertenezcan al capitulo local y que puedan acreditarse como tal, por medio de su credencial vigente, recibo de pago o por aparecer en el padrón actualizado de asociados, el cual será proporcionado por la oficina nacional. En dicho padrón se deberán resaltar con un marca textos los socios presentes y se agregaran aquellos asociados de reciente ingreso, escribiendo nombre completo y numero de recibo.

La Asamblea en la que se elegirá el nuevo comité deberá contar con la presencia de la mitad mas uno del total de los asociados que aparecen en el padrón de socios del capitulo, de no ser así, se informara a la concurrencia que se deberá esperar 15 minutos y que la asamblea será con carácter de extraordinaria y que los acuerdos tomados en ésta tendrán total legalidad.

De contar con la presencia de un representante del Consejo Directivo Nacional en dicha asamblea, será quien tenga a su cargo la conducción de la elección, de no ser así, será el presidente del capitulo quien la dirija.

Para proceder a la elección se debe:

1) Revisar que la documentación requerida se haya entregado en tiempo y forma, los requisitos son: un breve currículum, propuesta de trabajo y el respaldo 15 miembros cuyos nombres completos deberán ser acompañados de su número de membresía y firma, así como una foto en blanco y negro de la persona postulada.

2) Comprobar que los postulados estén presentes, y que su postulación haya sido voluntaria.

3) Presentar a cada uno de ellos, haciendo mención de nombre completo y puesto para el que ha sido postulado, así mismo se deberá de mencionar que todos y cada uno han cumplido con los requisitos y que aceptan conocer las obligaciones y responsabilidades del puesto al que se han postulado.

4) Pedir la participación voluntaria de por lo menos 4 asociados que funjan como escrutadores y que contaran los votos emitidos, se presentaran ante la asamblea mencionando su nombre completo.

5) De los 4 escrutadores, dos se encargaran de contar los votos, uno de escribir la información visible y clara en un pizarrón para que sea vista por todos los asistentes y uno más para llenar la información en el acta correspondiente.

6) De haber varios postulados a un mismo puesto se presentaran en orden alfabético.

7) Los puestos se elegirán en el orden en que aparecen en la convocatoria.

8) La votación será a mano alzada para facilitar el conteo y que ésta sea de forma ágil.

9) Para cada candidato se pedirán los votos a FAVOR, los votos EN CONTRA y la ABSTENCIONES (el total de votos y abstenciones deberá coincidir con el total de los asistentes marcados en el padrón de asociados).

10) De cada puesto a elegir, ganara quien obtenga la mayoría de votos a favor.

11) Una vez terminada la votación, se presentará como ha quedado integrado el nuevo comité, mencionando al presidente ex oficio.

12) Ya presentado el nuevo comité electo, se procederá a la toma de protesta. El presidente ex oficio no protesta.

13) Los integrantes del nuevo comité local y los escrutadores deberán firmar el acta de cambio de comité.

14) Los vocales no están sujetos a elección.

We need you! Be a presenter at the 2011 Convention!

2011-02-04T13:06:00.033-06:00

Why not share your knowledge, build your C.V., and have a great time! (or win the $3,500 scholarship - keep reading!)

CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

2nd MEXTESOL Regional Convention

It's a Small EFL World After All

Tampico, Tamaulipas March 11th and 12th, 2011

Deadline for submitting presentation proposals is Monday, Feb. 21, 2011. Send proposals to: lorozco@atsli.edu.mx

The Tampico MEXTESOL chapter intends to make its Regional Convention the most important event for EFL teachers in the northeastern region of Mexico.

This event should become the central element in the professional development of its members and non-members. This convention is intended to provide a forum for professionals to improve their knowledge and understanding in the field of English as a Foreign Language. All those interested in participating in our convention are cordially invited and positively encouraged to submit proposals.

Who can present?

Teachers, teachers’ trainers, candidates to Master and Ph.D. degrees, researchers, EFL student teachers, program administrators, materials and curriculum developers. Professionals in fields such as education, linguistics, psychology, sociology, translation and communication are also very welcome. We would love to receive submissions from anyone in the region interested in presenting.

What topics are encouraged?

Proposals on classroom practices, problems and solutions in EFL and teaching, connections between teaching and learning, language interaction, integration of skills, similarities applied to language learning, technology supporting teaching – learning processes, linguistics and activities which improve the language skills, outcomes of own research or investigation are solicited. Interactive and innovative formats for presenting information to participants are positively encouraged.

What types of proposals are possible?

Six types of proposals can be submitted:

1. workshops
2. demonstrations
3. paper presentations
4. poster presentations
5. commercial presentations
6. plenary presentations

You are welcome to submit a maximum of two proposals.

1) Workshop (60 minutes)
A workshop has very little lecturing by the presenter; the emphasis is on the participants’ activity, which is carefully structured by the presenter. The presenter works with the group, helping participants solve a problem or develop a specific teaching technique. Research findings can be presented in this way. If a subject cannot be covered in a single workshop, then two workshops running concurrently should be suggested – for example a workshop on Technology in the classroom.

2) Demonstration (60 minutes)
In a demonstration, most of the time is used for showing, rather than telling, a technique for teaching or testing. Normally, the presenter’s statement of the theory underlying the technique takes no more than five minutes.

3) Paper Presentation (60 minutes)
Presenters use their time to explain their recent research or area of work. The speaker talks for around 20 minutes and 10 minutes of questions and answers are suggested.

4) Poster Presentation (60 minutes)A self-explanatory exhibit that allows for informal discussion with participants. Exhibits are set up during the hour before the session and dismantled in the hour afterward. Students and graduating students are especially encouraged to apply for the poster session, which could serve as an important and interactive forum for sharing your work and receiving feedback. A space for poster presentations is provided and presenters will need to be available for questions and comments for one hour during the convention.

5)Commercial Presentation (60 minutes)
This category is exclusively reserved for any editorial, school or institution interested in presenting their work as well as an academic interest.

6) Plenary (60 minutes)
A fundamental and key focus of the conference, the plenary is a time when all the conference participants are present. Theoretical topics are presented and discussed by the plenary speaker. There is a limited intereaction with the audience, although a short question and answer session may be included at the end of the session. Normally, plenary presentations are by invitation only, however, we are encouraging people to consider themselves for this role.

In all of the above proposals, the presenter often has handouts, and may also use audiovisual aids.

DEADLINES:
All proposals should be received by 6pm (central time) Monday 21st February 2011.

Proposals after this time cannot be considered. The Academic Committee will meet and decide which proposals are successful using a bling scoring system. People submitting proposals will know the outcome by Monday 28th February 2011.

When a proposal is received, we will send you an e-mail confirming receipt of the proposal. If you don't receive this e-mail, then it's important to contact us in order to check that it has arrived.

HOW TO PREPARE A PROPOSAL
Parts of a Proposal
All proposals should have four parts:

1. a 10-word title
2. a 50-word abstract
3. your 50-word biodata
4. a one-page session description

This information will appear in the Regional Convention promotional material so they should be carefully written and proofread.

Title
The title will
- accurately reflect the content.
- be clear to the intended audience.
- contain no more than 10 words.

Sample Titles
- Digital Storytelling: Blended Learning at its Best (7 words)
- Communicative exams with a storyline. (5 words)
- Cooperative Learning in ESL (4 words)

Abstract
The abstract describing the session will
- not exceed 50 words.
- not contain references to published works.
- be carefully edited and proofread.
- be written to attract the most appropriate audience to the presentation.

Sample Abstract
CALLing ESL
Computer-assisted language learning (CALL), although widely proomoted in education textbooks and programs, is often problematic for ESL students and teachers. How can ESL teachers distinguish between ineffective and effective CALL activities? How does culture influence CALL? (39 words)

Session Description
The session description will
-not exceed 300 words
-have a clearly stated purpose and point of view
-include supporting details and examples
-use an appropriate format (workshop, poster presentation, etc.)
-show an appropriate amount of material for the allotted time.
-demonstrate careful editing and proofreading.

Awards
Presenters at the 2nd MEXTESOL convention are encouraged to submit their work for consideration in the XXIst MEXTESOL National Convention to be held in Puebla. To support local talent, Tampico MEXTESOL will be offering a scholarship to one person who presents at our regional convention and then goes on to present at the Puebla conference too. The value of this scholarship is $3,500.

Submission Process
Please take this opportunity to participate and to help others. We really want to receive your submission. We can offer help and support to anyone who wants to participate, but maybe feels that they don't have the skills to present.

Please send an e-mail with the information above stating what type of proposal you are submitting (i.e. workshop, poster presentation, commercial presentation, etc.) to: lorozco@edu.mx

Academic Saturday, January 29, 2011

2011-01-20T13:35:00.001-06:00

Place: INSTITUTO DE IDIOMAS DE LA ESCUELA AMERICANA DE TAMPICO
Address: Emilio Azcarraga 208
Colonia Campbell
Tampico, Tamaulipas Telephone: 212 5886
Time: 4:30 to 6:00 PM.

Please be punctual- We will!

1. New members’ registration and Academic Saturday Fee. (4:30 to 5:00 PM)
2. Introduction and simultaneous Presentations (two) : (5:00 to 6:00 PM)
3. Refreshments. (6:00 to 6:30) HALL

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Parking: Parking lot by the Torreon Street. Check the gate that matches the one at the E. Azcarraga Street.
When: Registration - 4:30-5:00 PM Presentation - 5:00-6:00 PM Refreshments - 6:00-6:30 PM
Cost: Members = $40 pesos Non-members = $60 pesos or $200 pesos for a one-year membership plus this event.

Topic #1
Ingredients for Successful Communicative Activities
Teachers are increasingly aware of the need to give students opportunities to improve their fluency and raise their confidence in using English. This means going beyond activities to practice language forms to communicative activities which are more focused on content and task outcome. However, many teachers say that these activities often do not work very well in practice and that they lose control of their class. The aim of this workshop is to discuss common problems with speaking activities and to suggest ways to provide the support needed to ensure successful communicative tasks.
Speaker: Tere Reyes
Bio-data
Teresa Reyes Cruz holds a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Essex in England as well as a Certificate for Overseas Teachers of English from Cambridge University. She has been teaching English as Foreign Language since 2000. She is currently Academic Coordinator for Lower Levels in the English Department and a professor in the BA of Applied Linguistics in the American School of Tampico Language Institute.

Topic #2
Game on! Hands on! Right on!
Every teacher knows that students love to have fun, but how do we incorporate fun into our classroom along with meaningful English language learning? The game is on! Many students forget they are using and learning English when in the heat of a competition. So come and be ready to join Lynda with some hands on demonstrations of her favorite classroom ESL games. Give your students something to do in English and they'll be saying, "Right on!"

Speaker: Lynda Deckard
Bio-data
Lynda Deckard Ramos has a joint Masters degree in ESL from the University of Montana and the University of Cambridge. She has 16 years of experience as an English teacher. For the past 8 years she has been working at the Escuela Nautica Mercante de Tampico.

Cambridge English Competition 2010-2011

2010-12-09T12:39:00.002-06:00

De: University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations [mailto:info@cambridgeesolmexico.org]
Enviado el: Miércoles, 08 de Diciembre de 2010 03:47 p.m.

Asunto: Cambridge ESOL competition 2010/11

Dear colleague,

Win an all expenses paid teacher development course in Cambridge next summer!

Cambridge ESOL and Bell are inviting English language teachers all over the world to submit their inspiring stories for the chance to win a place on a teacher development course at Bell Teacher Campus in Cambridge next August.

The 2010/11 competition is open to non-native speakers of English who have to submit no more than 150 words on how they have overcome a challenge when teaching English. Six winning entries will be selected, each consisting of an expenses paid trip to Cambridge to take part in a two-week residential teacher development course run by Bell at Homerton College.

The deadline for the competition is GMT midnight 1 March 2011.

More information and full terms and conditions below:

Cambridge English Competition 2010/11
Win two weeks in Cambridge!

About the Competition
Are you an English language teacher?
Have you overcome a problem when teaching English in your country?
What was the problem and what was your solution for creating a better learning experience for your students?

Enter our Cambridge English Competition for your chance to win an all expenses paid trip to Cambridge with a place on a two-week residential teacher development course at Bell Teacher Campus.

How to Enter
Think of a way in which you overcame a challenge when teaching English
Read the competition terms and conditions
Submit your story, in no more than 150 words, by filling in an online entry form
Deadline
You must submit your entry by midnight GMT 1 March 2011.

First Prizes
Six winners will be chosen. Each will receive a place on a two-week residential Bell teacher development course with accommodation in a Cambridge college.

The winners can choose from three teacher development courses all running from 14 - 27 August 2011 at Homerton College in Cambridge, UK:

Language and Methodology Refresher (Young Learners)
Language and Methodology Refresher (Secondary/Adults)
Teaching Business English
The top six prizes also include:

Economy class flights to and from the UK
Airport transfers within the UK
Accommodation in a Cambridge College
Daily breakfast and week day evening meals
Lunch and week end meal allowance
Core programme of social and cultural events
Runner-Up Prizes
In addition there are also 100 runner-up prizes of Cambridge ESOL teaching materials to be won.

Benefits
In 2010 nearly 800 teachers from more than 45 countries came together at Bell Teacher Campus in Cambridge to share their experience as teachers of English. They all benefited from top-quality teaching, practical ideas and the opportunity to learn from each other. Click here to see the 2009/10 competition winners talking about their experiences.

Terms and conditions
This competition is open to individuals over 18 years of age who are English language teachers and who do not speak English as their first language. Please click here to read the full terms and conditions.

The winners will be announced in the week beginning 4 April 2011.

Good luck!

University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean

Torre de los Parques

Insurgentes Sur 1196 piso 10

Col. Tlacoquemécatl del Valle

03200 México, D.F.

Tel: 5549 4293; Fax: 5336 4487

E-mail: info@cambridgeesolmexico.org

www.cambridgeESOLMexico.org

Cambridge ranked world's No.1 university

Cambridge University, which recently celebrated its 800th anniversary, is known throughout the world for the quality of its research and teaching, and for its contribution to education globally through its publishing and assessment departments.

Next Academic Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010

2010-11-29T17:14:00.008-06:00

Place: Centro de Idiomas del Tec de Monterrey
Address: Ave. Hidalgo 5004
Edif. Melik Campestre, 2do piso
Tampico, Tamaulipas
Telephone: 213-66-06
(across from the Bene Hospital)
PARKING entrance is at the side of the building. Get a yellow ticket and then get it stamped in the language center to get free parking.

When:
Registration - 4:30 to 5:00 PM
Presentations - 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Refreshments - 6:00 - 6:30 PM

Cost:
Members = $40 pesos
Non-members = $60 pesos
or $200 pesos for a one-year membership plus this event.

Topic 1: Ingredients for Successful Communicative Activities
Abstract: Teachers are increasingly aware of the need to give students opportunities to improve their fluency and raise the confidence in using English. This means going beyond activities to practice language forms to communicative activities which are more focused on content and task outcome. However, many teachers say that these activities often do not work very well in practice and that they lose control of their class. The aim of this workshop is to discuss common problems with speaking activities and to suggest ways to provide the support needed to ensure successful communicative tasks.
Speaker: Tere Reyes
Bio-data: Teresa Reyes Cruz holds a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Essex in England as well as a Certificate for Overseas Teachers of English from Cambridge University. She has been teaching English as a Foreign Language since 2000. She is currently Academic Coordinator for Lower Levels in The English Department and a professor in the BA of Applied Linguistics in the American School of Tampico Language Institute.

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Topic 2: Helping Students Become Independent Learners
Abstract:
What kind of activities do you normally use? Are they almost the same? Why did you plan them? Becoming aware of how to organize, compare, classify, infer, and analyze data as well as pieces of information is an important strategy we should help our students develop so that they can become more independent. As a result, we as teachers are able to help them by structuring and preparing appropriate activities for these thinking processes.
Speaker: Blanca Graciela Rangel Regalado
Bio-data:
Blanca Graciela Rangel Regalado, holder of a BA in English Language, is a post-graduate student of MS in International Trade. She has been working for 20 years as a language teacher at different institutions including as a professor of subjects like "Developing Learning Skills", "Speaking", and "Advanced Writing". She has extensive experience with curriculum development for the UPALT and is a part-time tutor.
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Topic 3: Common Teacher's Concerns in Classroom Management
Abstract:
Classroom management is the day-to-day running of the classroom through routines and procedures, such as having students line up in size order or raise their hands to participate in class, but sometimes things seem to get out of control... let's see a few tips that will help us have a better organized classroom.
Speaker: Patricia Olivares Martínez
Bio-data:
Patricia Olivares Martínez has a BA in Communication and a Master Degree in Education with a specialization in Applied Linguistics. She has a joint certificate from ITESM and The University of Texas as a certified instructor of Cooperative Learning and she is also an ITESM certified evaluator of teaching competences.
She has been teaching English since 1996 at ITESM Campus Tampico. From 1997 to 2009, she was the Director of the Foreign Languages Department at the University of ITESM Campus Tampico. From 2007 to 2009, she as the Director of Academic Development of ITESM Campus Tampico. She is currently a full-time English professor at ITESM and she has also participated as instructor of several training programs given to private and public schools in recent years.

Sept. 4, 2010 Academic Saturday information

2010-09-03T17:59:00.001-05:00

Dear members,

Due to flight cancellations with MEXICANA de Aviación, Mr. Douglas Goodwin will not be able to come this time, but the good news is that Ms. Emma Gutierrez de Salazar, the ATS director, will be presenting a very interesting topic on feedback. Please read all the information below/attached and do not miss this great presentation.

I look forward to seeing you at the ICEST Campus 2000 on Saturday!

Best regards,

Leticia Pérez
MEXTESOL Tampico
President

AGENDA

September 4, 2010

Academic Saturday

Place: ICEST Campus 2000

Address: Prolongación Agua Dulce 1014 Col: Petrolera- Tampico, Tamps

Time: 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

Please be punctual- We will!

There will be a 15 minute tolerance period before we close the door out of respect for our guest speaker and attendees. Thanks.

New members’ registration and Academic Saturday Fee. (4:30 to 5:00 PM)
Introduction and Presentation : (5:00 to 6:00 PM)

Topic

How to Give Effective Feedback to Your students

Special Guest Speaker:
Emma Gutiérrez de Salazar – ATS Director

Bio-data

v Emma Gutierrez de Salazar holds a Master’s degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a leadership certificate from the Principal’s Training Center, and a Cognitive Coaching certificate. She is currently the ASOMEX (Asociación de Escuelas Americanas en México) President, A SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and School) consultant, and the Director General of The American School of Tampico.

Abstract:
The participants will be exposed to:

· Elements of feedback content

· Strategies that work best for delivering feedback

· Examples of what to do and not to do when giving feedback.

3. Refreshments. (6:00 to 6:30) HALL

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Parking Inside the ICEST campus.

When: There will be a 15 minute tolerance period before we close the door out of respect for our guest speaker and attendees. Thanks.
Registration - 4:30-5:00 PM
Presentation - 5:00-6:00 PM
Refreshments - 6:00-6:30 PM

Cost:
Members = $40 pesos
Non-members = $60 pesos

Leticia Pérez R.
President of MEXTESOL Tampico &
Director of The American School of Tampico
Language Institute
(833) 212 58 86
www.atsli.edu.mx

Academic Saturday, June 26, 2010

2010-06-21T12:32:00.003-05:00

Everyone (members and non-members) are welcome to attend the upcoming Academic Saturday.

Date: Saturday, June 26, 2010
Time: 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Place: CUALTI Centro de Estudios Universitarios
Address: Nogal 101, Col. Aguila, Tampico, Tamps.
Telephone: 217-63-15
Parking: CUALTI Parking lot
Cost:
Members: $40 pesos
Non-members: $60 pesos
*One-year Mextesol membership + entrance to this Academic Saturday = $200 pesos
*Note that if you require a factura for the membership, you must ask for one.

Schedule: Please be punctual.

4:30 to 5:00 PM
New members' registration and Academic Saturday Fee.

*Please remember to PRINT your name clearly on the registration list if you want a diploma.
*If your name is not on the registration list, then you will not receive a diploma. No exceptions.
*Don't forget to come early to ask Irene Alice for diplomas for any past Academic Saturdays you attended.

5:00 to 6:00 PM
Introduction and Presentation

6:30 to 7:00
Raffle and refreshments in the HALL

Topic:
Warming Up the Second Language Classroom

Abstract
There are many reasons why you may need to use warm-ups and fillers in your lessons. For example, if your students don't usually use English during their day, it may take them a little while to shift into it. Warm-ups are ideal to help teachers encourage their learners to put aside their daily distractions and focus on learning English. These types of activities also encourage group interaction, which can build a sense of community within the class. The objective of this presentation is to remind participants how helpful warm-ups are in creating an atmosphere that fosters learning. In short, let's work on spicing up our lessons!

Speaker: Leticia Vela González

Bio-data:

Leticia Vela González has a B.A. in Administration, a Certificate for Overseas Teachers of English from Cambridge University, and a M.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies from Buffalo State University. She has been teaching English as a foreign language since 1996 at the American School of Tampico Language Institute, where she is currently an Academic Coordinator and leader of its new project: the Bachelor's Degree in Applied Linguistics. She has been the head of its Self-Access Center since 1999, which received the TOEFL Library and Resource Center Award in 2009. Leticia also received a TESOL Award for International Participation at the 2008 Convention in New York. As a side project, she is presently part of the teaching staff for the Master's in Bilingual Education program at the Universidad Pedagógica Nacional.

Message from Tim Murphey

2010-03-23T10:55:00.004-06:00

Dear March 20 Mextesol Tampico Participants,

Thanks for coming to my presentation, it was a pleasure and honor to present to you. Some people were asking for further resources to my work and publications.

For many of my articles with co-authors, see my webpage:
http://www.kuis.ac.jp/~murphey-t/Tim_Murphey/Welcome.html

For ski-juggling see: Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jakh63EDTAk

For some songs on a Podcast: Google "mits mind" or go to:
http://mits.podomatic.com

You may be interested in the 2 minute YouTube video that my students made about English Ed. in Japan. You can watch it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwsZ0KiHhRg
If you have a minute, please leave a message for my students below the video.
If really interested you can download their reports at:
http://www.eltnews.com/columns/mash/MasterEngRepFresh2010Complete.pdf

FOR USE IN CLASSES (if you like)
There are subtitles and it is fast-paced (but students can always hit pause and shadow after the speaker). It is something that could be used not only in reflection from JHS (Junior High School) and HS (High School) teachers (or teachers in training), but in university classrooms in some of the following ways:

1) simple shadowing (using the pause button)
2) a lead-in to writing their Language Learning Histories
3) promote near peer role modeling (who do you agree or disagree with)
4) looking at educational change in Japan and how it might be done
5) discussing English education
6) discussing the politics of change and who is locally, nationally, internationally
7) writing their own script about a topic and videoing it.
8) identifying the ventriloquation of quotes (Gandhi, Obama, M. Jordon, and Japanese Proverbs)
9) looking at culture, kotowaza, and glocalization
10) looking at how advocacy and prosumerism works

Thank-you again for participating on Saturday.

Cheers

Tim

Academic Saturday, March 20, 2010

2010-03-10T12:04:00.002-06:00

Special Guest Speaker: Tim Murphey, Ph.D.

Topic: Participation Precedes Learning

Where: Escuela Americana de Tampico (ATS)
Address: Hidalgo # 100 Tancol
-Parking inside the ATS campus
-If taking the bus, take the Tancol bus and get off at the second OXXO on Champayan Street, walk 2 blocks to the left.

Time:
4:30-5:00 pm - Registration
5:00-6:30 pm - Presentation
6:30-7:00 pm - Refreshments

Cost (*Special fee to help cover Tim's travel expenses)
Members $70 pesos
Non-members $100 pesos

Note: If you buy a membership or renew, you enter that day's event for free.

Tim Murphey - Biographical Details
Tim Murphey (MA University of Florida, PhD University of Neuchatel, Switzerland) is the series editor of TESOL's Professional Development in Language Education four-volume series. He finished his PhD on Song and Music in Language Learning in 1989 (Peter Lange, 1990) part of which can be found in his Oxford University Press book "Music and Song" (1992). He co-authored the book "Group Dynamics in the Language Class" (Cambridge University Press) with Zoltan Dornyei in 2003. His popular book entitled, "Language Hungry!" (McMillan Languagehouse 1998, Helbling 2006) for students and teachers has also been translated into Chinese (Caves 2005).

Murphey studied and taught for about 15 years in Europe, 15 years in Asia, and presently teaches at Kanda University in Japan. He is a regular summer visiting professor in the MA TESOL program at Hawaii Pacific University and over the years has produced six teacher-training videos for the National Foreign Language Resource Center at the University of Hawaii. Recently, he has been looking at applications of socio-cultural theory to language learning. He loves teaching, juggling, skiing, and finding positive ways to enjoy learning and teaching.

Abstract:
"Participation precedes learning" (M.C. Bateson, 1994, p. 41) basically means that students need to join into an activity in which they are actually doing something with language, not just studying about language. Dewey said repeatedly that students should not study Democracy, they should do it! We will look at ways that students can participate in using language even at the elementary level, and increasing their active use of the language.

Academic Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010

2010-02-07T15:01:00.005-06:00

Topic:
Humor and Motivation in the Language Classroom

Special Guest Speaker:
Alejandro Martínez, M.A. holds the DOTE from the University of Cambrige as well as a MA TESOL from the University of London, Institute of Education. He is a publishing consultant and the coordinator of academic services for Cambridge University Press in the Spanish speakings Americas.

Abstract:
Language play and humor seem to be conducive to long-term learning, even, or perhaps because, jokes and language play activities present an intellectual challenge to students. This challenge, though, seems to be enjoyable. This workshop presents a series of tasks through which students are pushed to think about language and notice the gaps in their knowledge which helps them make new connections and remember input better.

Where:
Escuela Nautica Mercante
Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos y Fidel Velázquez S/N.
Col. Gpe. Mainero
- parking entrance on Adolfo López Mateos

When:
Registration: 4:30 - 5:00 PM
Presentation: 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Refreshments and raffle: 6:00 - 6:30 PM

Cost:
Members = $40 pesos
Non-members = $60 pesos