Prtesol Past Presidents

Past Presidents

PUERTO RICO TESOL'S PRESIDENTS
Millie Commander (1993)
MatildeGarcía(1994)
Annie Montero (1995)
Shirley Jimenez (1996)
Lionel Kaufman, Jr. (1997)
Marie Elaine Aloise(1998)
Carmen May (1999)
Jean Rodríguez (2000)
Marta Y. Pabellón (2001)
Naomi Vega Nieves(2002)
EstellaMarquez(2003)
William García-Cardona (2004)
Miriam Deida(2005)
Inocencia Nieves (2006)
AudaIvette Pérez (2007)
José Sellas(2008)
Miguel A. Camacho (2009)
Gladys Perez (2010)
JosuéAlejandro (2011)
Paquita Ayala (1969)
Nívea McClintock (1973)
Ramón Santiago (1974)
NitzaLladó (1975)
Antonio J. Martínez (1976)
Lucy Portela (1977)
Carola A. Marín (1978)
Ronald Flores (1979)
Edwin LamoliTorres (1980)
Betty Prados(1981)
Agnes B. Werner (1982)
Alice Jimenez (1983)
Héctor M. Peña (1984)
Aurora Rodríguez (1985)
YldaFarré-Rigau (1986)
Madeleine Hudders (1987)
María A. Irizarry (1988)
Nereida Delgado (1989)
Nick Silva (1990)
Carmen M. Meléndez (1991)
Gilbert Toro Ventura (1992)

Paquita Ayala (1969)

1969
First President: Paquita Ayala
Department of Education
Vice-President: Annette López
We were the first TESOL affiliate
First PR TESOL Conference: Colegio Las Madres, Santurce
(University of Sacred Heart)
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Judith Nine Curt
Attendance of approximately 200 people

Nivea McClintock (1973)

1973
President: Nivea McClintock
University of Puerto Rico
PRTESOL Conference: University of Puerto Rico Bayamón
PRTESOL hosted the seventh Annual TESOL Convention at the Caribe Hilton
The TESOLGRAM was born
First TESOLGRAM editor Joseph Kavetsky

Ramon Santiago (1974)

1974
President: Ramon Santiago
University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez
Two Conferences were held:
University of Puerto Rico –Rio Piedras
University of Puerto Rico –Mayagüez
Board meetings were held throughout the Island.

NitzaLlado (1975)

1975
President: Nitza Lladó
The youngest president
Designed the first PRTESOL Flag and Pin
Began work on the first Constitution
Three Conference were held:
Catholic University, Ponce
University of Sacred Heart, Santurce
University of Puerto Rico, Humacao

Antonio Martinez (1976)

1976
President: Antonio Martínez
Two Conventions were held:
Condado Holiday Inn
The first Convention to be held at a hotel.
Co- sponsored a convention with DATE- Dominican Association of Teacher of English.
70 PRTESOL members traveled to the Dominican Republic for it.
Two small Conferences at:
University of Puerto Rico - Arecibo
Colegio Universitario del Turabo

Lucy Portela (1977)

1977
President: Lucy Portela
PRTESOL Convention at El San Juan Hotel
PRTESOL wrote it’s first Constitution.
We became incorporated with the Department of State as a non-profit organization.
Regional chapters were organized- Western and Southern.
Two Mini Conferences:
Aguadilla and Humacao.

Carola A. Marin (1978)

1978
President: Carola Marin
Puerto Rico Junior College
PRTESOL Convention at The Sheraton Hotel
Keynote Speaker: Harvey Nadler
Special guest speaker:
Carlos Chardon- Secretary of Education
National Association Of Bilingual Education (NABE) was held here with the collaboration of PRTESOL
3,500 attended

Ronald Flores (1979)

1979
President: Ronald Flores
Colegio Universitario del Turabo
PRTESOL Convention: Dupont Plaza Hotel
November
Keynote Speaker: Ismael Almodovar UPR President
TESOLGRAM had a special convention issue.
Bulletin from the Board was created.

Edwin Lamoli Torres (1980)

1980
President: Edwin Lamoli
University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center
(First convention to be held there)
November 14-15
Keynote Speaker: H Douglas Brown.
A special interest group of elementary school teachers
was school organized.
The PRTESOL constitution was amended
Northern TESOL was organized.

Betty Prados(1981)

1981
President: Betty Prados
Sacred Heart Academy
First Elementary School Teacher to be president
November 7-8
Keynote Speaker: Christian Bratt Paulston
Special Speaker: María Socorro Lacot Secretary of Education
Eastern TESOL was organized.
Each chapter had local activities.
Awards were created for members
Two Scholarships for graduate ESL studies were awarded.

Agnes B. Werner (1982)

1982
President: Agnes Werner
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center November 19-20,1982.
Keynote Speakers: Richard Allright and Diana Larsen TESOL President 1982
First Summer Institute was held Co- sponsored by Scott Foresman & Co. June 7-11 at UPR. (One week)
Regional chapter conferences were held

Alice Jimenez (1983)

1983
President: Alice Jiménez
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Holiday Inn
November 11-12
Summer Institute (one week)
Inter American University, San German campus

Hector M. Peña (1984)

1984
President: Héctor Péña
University of Puerto Rico Bayamón
PRTESOL Convention: Palace Hotel Isla Verde
November 16-17
Keynote Speakers: Mary Finocchiaro and
Charles Blatchford TESOL President 1984
Summer Institute: Catholic University, June 4-8.
Topic: Improve Ourselves as Teachers of ESL
Speakers: Mary Elizabeth Hines,
Evelyn Nelson TESOL President 1983,
Pat Alma Moreno Department of Education.

Aurora Rodriguez (1985)

1985
President: Aurora Rodríguez
Inter-Americana University, San German
2003 Recipient- The Marie Elaine Aloise Lifetime achievement award
PRTESOL Conference: Condado Convention Center November 22-23, 1985
Keynote Speakers: Harvey Nadler and Anthony Gregoric
Summer Institute Humacao University College (one week).
First Regional Conference

YldaFarre-Rigau (1986)

1986
President: Ylda Farré- Rigau
Executive Secretary & Treasurer for five years
First recipient of PRTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award 1998
PRTESOL Conference: Condado Convention Center
Theme: Diversity and Challenge
Memorial for Tony Martínez.-past president 1976
Second Regional Caribbean Conference in Venezuela- Several PRTESOL member’s presented and attended
One week Summer Institute at University of Turabo
With Continuing Education Credits
Special Dinner Activities in Metro Area with: Stephen Krashen and Kenji Hakuta
Distinguished Educators Award given to Harvey Nadler

Madeleine Hudders (1987)

1987
President: Madeline Hadders
Theme: Working Together
Hosted the Third Caribbean Regional Conference
Dedicated to the Secretaries of the of Department of Education
Keynote Speakers: John Oller, Jean Zukowski-Faust, Leslie Ford and John Dennis
One week Summer Institute on Critical Thinking, Expository Writing, Learning Disabilities
University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón.

Maria Antonia Irizarry (1988)

1988
President: María Antonia Irizarry
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Plaza Hotel Nov 18-19
Theme: Fifteen Years Working Hand in Hand with the Teachers Of Our Island
Keynote Speakers :
Dick Allwright Carol Numrich, and Judy Olsen.
Summer Institute UPR, Arecibo one-week
Thinking Through English Technology & Creativity, Cooperative Learning, Teaching English Through the Performing Arts.

Nereida Delgado (1989)

Nick Silva (1990)

1989
President: Nick Silva
American University
PRTESOL Convention: Normandie Hotel, San Juan November 2-3,
Theme: Enhancing the Best of our Tradition and the Promise of a New Horizon in ESL
Summer Institute (one day) Ponce Holiday Inn

Carmen M. Melendez (1991)

1991
President: Carmen María Meléndez
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Beach Hotel
Keynote Speakers:
Lydia Stack- TESOL President 1991,
Rebecca Oxford and Jean Maculaitos
Tenth Summers Institute (one day) Rio Mar Beach Hotel.
Topic: Reading Comprehension
Speaker: Dr. Joan D. Coley.
The Constitution was amended

Gilbert Toro Ventura (1992)

1992
President: Gilbert Toro
Catholic University
1999Recipient of the PRTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Beach Hotel Nov 20-21
Theme: Exploring A New World
Keynote Speakers: Jack Richards and Robert Lado
$18,000 profit was made on the convention.
Summer Institute:Antilles High School- Buchanan
Topic: Classroom Research.
Speaker: Claryce Evans
The Constitution was amended.

Millie Commander (1993)

1993
President: Millie Commander
Inter American University, Metro campus
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center Nov 12-13Theme: Puerto Rico is Part of The Whole
Keynote Speaker: James Bauman Editor of the ReadingTeacher
Summer Institute (one day) Inter American University -Metro
Topic: Alternative Approaches & Theories in Second Language Acquisition Speaker: Miriam Eisenstein
Highlight of the year:
Important Amendments to the Constitution
PRTESOL Position paper on English as an official language in Puerto Rico offered at the house of Representative hearing VISA Account was opened PRTESOL
Work closely with the Department Education for membership and convention attendance.
Established special fee for retired members.
Applied for Employer Identification number with the IRS.

Matilde Garcia (1994)

1994
President: Matilde García
Inter-American University, Metro campus
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center November 18-19
Theme: Spanish and English in Puerto Rico- Back to Back or Side to Side
Keynote Speakers: H. Douglas Brown and Mario Herrera (first time in Puerto Rico)
Ceremony held to Honor Past Presidents
Summer Institute one: University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla

Annie Montero (1995)

1995
President: Annie Montero
Catholic University
PRTESOL Convention: Ponce Hilton Hotel November 17-18
First Hotel Convention taken out of the Metro Area
TESOL: Facing the 21st Century.
Keynote Speakers: Carolyn Graham and Mario Herrera
Publishers’ Reception at Castillo Serrallés
Summer Institute University of Puerto Rico, Arecibo
Speaker: Maty García
Membership list was reorganized and computerized
Metro chapter was organized.

Shirley Jimenez (1996)

1996
President: Shirley Jiménez
Catholic University
PRTESOL Convention: Ponce Hilton Hotel and Casino November 15-16
Fourth Central American and Caribbean Regional TESOL
Theme: TESOL Beyond Boundries
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Diane Larsen- Freeman
Dr. Patricia Richard-Amato and Dr. Spencer Kagan
Summer Institute: University of Turabo
Topic: Alternative Assessment
Speaker: Madeline Hudders
The Constitution became bylaws and it was amended
The Socio Political Concerns Committee was created
First WEB Page created by Dr. Robert Van Trieste
Awards & Scholarships were renewed and expanded.
Revival of the Eastern PRTESOL Chapter.

Lionel Kaufman, Jr. (1997)

1997
President: Lionel Kaufman
University of Puerto Rico Humacao
PRTESOL Convention: Caribe Hilton Hotel November 14-15
Theme: Approaching the Next Millennium Diversity and Variety
Keynote Speakers: Joy Reid, Michael Mc Carthy, Andrew Cohen and Jim Cummins
Summer Institute Inter American University, Ponce
Topic: The Use of Computers in the ESL Classroom
Speakers: Dr. Mark Wekander, Dr. Robert Van Trieste and
Dr. Sharon Clampitt
Dramatic increase in membership 1,500.
The Bylaws were amended

Marie Elaine Aloise (1998)

1998
President: Marie Elaine Aloise
PRTESOL Convention: San Juan Grand Beach Resort,
Isla Verde Nov 20-21
Theme: Recalling the Past to Gain Insight to the Future
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Miriam Eisenstein- Ebsworth and Dr. Mary Ann Christson
Summer Institute:
Lifetime Achievement Award was established and awarded to Dr. YldaFarré.

Carmen May (1999)

1999
President: Carmen May
University of Puerto Rico Bayamón
PRTESOL Convention: Ponce Hilton and Casino Hotel
Nov 12-13
Theme: Opening Doors to Goals of Excellence
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Steven Molinsky, Dr. Neil Anderson and Mario Herrera
Summer Institute at The University of the Sacred Heart University
Topic: Successful Proposal Writing for Funds, Equipment and Grants with three speakers.
Publisher’s cocktail was held at the beginning of the year.
A strong membership drives was held.
Close collaboration with Department of Education.

Jean Rodriguez (2000)

2000
President: Jean Rodríguez
Inter American University, Guayama
PRTESOL Convention: Wyndham El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo November 17-18, 2000
Theme: Amidst the Nouveau Millennium
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Roger Farr, Michael Atkins, and George Suarez
Summer Institute at University of the Sacred Heart
Topic: Social and Emotional Intelligence
Multiples Intelligences
Speakers: Dr. Naomi Vega Nieves and
Prof. Marta Y. Pabellón

Marta Y. Pabellon (2001)

2001
President: Marta Y. Pabellón
First public high school teacher to serve as president
Dr. Marie Aloise- past president served as Executive Secretary
PRTESOL Convention: Condado Plaza Hotel November 16-17
Theme: A Rainbow of Intelligences Equals Uniqueness
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Spencer Kagan and Mario Herrera
Summer Institute- June 9
Caribbean University- Vega Baja
Highlights of the year:
Established close collaboration with the English teachers
of the Dominican Republic.
Economic recovery of PRTESOL

Naomi Vega Nieves (2002)

2002
President: Dr. Naomi Vega Nieves
The University of the Sacred Heart
PRTESOL Convention: Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel Spa and Casino, Isla Verde November 22-23
Theme: Language and Literacy:Perspectives and Challenges
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Roger Farr and Dr. Keith Folse
Memorial was held for Dr. Marie Elaine Aloisewho died July 27, 2002
Summer Institute: Inter American University, Bayamón
Topics: Testing, Brain Based learning and Power Point Presentations
Speaker: Prof.Gladys Cruz, Dr.Marie Elaine Aloise
Dr. Debra Ann Zumaeta

Estella Marquez (2003)

2003
President: Estella Márquez
CarvinSchool, Carolina
PRTESOL Convention: Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino, Isla Verde November 21-22
Theme: Teaching English in the Digital Age
Keynote Speakers: Dr. DannettGeolen Babb and
Dr. Rory McGreal
Mini-Institute by Dr. Mario Herrera
Summer Institute -June 7 -Catholic University, Ponce
Topics: Reading and Writing Techniques, Integrating Music and Art, Special Needs Students

William Garcia-Cardona (2004)

2004
President: William Garcia-Cardona
PRTESOL Convention: Caribe Hilton Hotel
November 19-20
Theme: Merging all our Voices as One: Imagine the Possibilities

Miriam Deida (2005)

2005
President: Miriam Deida
Catholic University
PRTESOL Convention: Universidad del Turabo
November 18 - 19

Inocencia Nieves (2006)

2006
President:Inocencia Nieves
PRTESOL Convention:
November 19-20
Theme:

AudaIvette Pérez (2007)

2007
President: Auda I. Pérez
PRTESOL Convention: Puerto Rico Convention Center, San Juan
November 9 -10
Theme: TESOL Educators: Transforming Lives in a Challenging, Changing World
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Joanne H. Urrutia, Gabriel Diaz Maggioli, Robert T. Jimenez and Dr. Gilbert Toro-Ventura
Back to School Institute: Strategies That Work
Using Storytelling and Read Alouds to Foster Reading
Creating Your Own Course on Blackboard, Prof. Daniel Mercado
Making Literature and Films Connect in the ESL Class

José R. Sellas Aponte (2008)

2008
President: José Sellas
Inter American University
PRTESOL Convention: Gran Melia Hotel and Resort, Río Grande
November 21-22
Theme: The Next Generation of ESL: Tapestry for Success
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Mario Herrera and Dr. Rosalie Porter

Miguel A. Camacho (2009)

2009
President: Miguel A. Camacho
PRTESOL Convention: Ponce Hilton
November 20 -21
Theme: Winds of Change: Teaching for Tomorrow
Keynote Speakers: Dr. Deborah Short and Esmeralda Santiago
Memorial given to …

Prtesol Past Presidents

by Eric Otero

Accessibility

Categories

Upload Details

Usage Rights

Statistics