This document summarizes Knox Porter's experiences at two TESOL conferences in 2015, where he represented his employer and graduate school. At the conferences, he enjoyed reconnecting with colleagues, absorbing ideas from presentations, and interacting with other attendees. Porter also gave a well-attended concurrent session on using graphic organizers to build language and critical thinking skills. He expresses gratitude to many influential people he encountered, including professors, administrators, and fellow presenters, who have encouraged and supported his professional growth and development.

1. TESOL 2015
Knox Porter, proudTESOL member

2.  My 2015 journey involved
encounters with valued
colleagues – past and present.
I am thankful for the
stimulation, input, &
encouragement given by each
TESOL member I salute here.
Absorbing the ideas in plenary
messages, and interacting in
concurrent sessions, has
practically helped in my
professional growth and in
making me a lifelong learner.

3.  October, 2015
 Teaching and Learning: Hand in Hand

4. Connections
I endeavored to
represent my
employer, Education
First, well at two
TESOL conferences.
My lapel pin shows
that I also wanted to
represent my
graduate school,
Georgia State
University, where I
am a member of the
…

5. Graphic Organizers:
Journeys With Teaching & Learning
Hand In HandThe premise of my
concurrent session is
simple: be useful to
teachers by sharing
practical methodology
which is easy to
implement. My rooms,
both inAtlanta &
Myrtle Beach, were
filled to capacity with
attentive instructors.
Here I share how using
Oglethorpe University
Museum of Art is
helpful in building oral
language & critical
thinking.

6. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Diane Hunter, coordinator
of Adult ESL, was a
marvelous leader during my
four years there. She
expertly guided the program
and held her head high on all
occasions. Diane is a sterling
example of an educator and
a human being.
Marion Kriwanek, who
photobombs, is an
enthusiastic professional
education worker. Marion
always continually
supported me, affirmed me,
and cheered me on.

7. Dr. Mary Lou McCloskey
In 1985, Dr. McCloskey was
my Georgia State
University professor in the
ESL endorsement program.
She, and her marvelous
colleagues, gave me a most
wonderful professional gift;
one which I am still using
today as I endeavor to be
useful to international
students. It was great to
attend Mary Lou’s session
and to know that we both
remain active inTESOL and
with English learners three
decades after coursework at
GSU.

11. Vamshi Rudrapati
“Mr.V.” is the Director
of Federal Programs of
South Carolina’s
Charter Schools. Both
of us are passionate
about quality
education. At each
conference our
conversations are
always lively,
extremely positive,
and highly stimulating.
I was honored to have
such an important,
respected official
attend my session.

12. Dr. Mark Johnson
Dr. Johnson ,of East
Carolina University, is
seated in the upper
right hand corner. He
was elected to the
CarolinaTESOL
Board. Previously he
worked with my GSU
professor, Dr.
McCloskey in Peru. I
was pleased to
become associated
with an erudite
young man. He will
be a good leader for
our organization.

13. Ken Pransky M.A.
Ken , a lifelong teacher, is with the
Collaborative for Educational
Services in MA. A thought
provoking plenary speaker, I was
greatly honored when this author
attended my concurrent session.
Ken was seated on the back row.
I am gratified that all the teachers
were so attentive.

14. Connie Banks
Connie Banks is South
Carolina’s greatest
multi-tasker. The Past
President of Carolina
TESOL, she recently
served as conference
chairperson. At the
2013 conference
Connie kindly
attended my session.
Later, another speaker
left early. She quickly
found me and pushed
me into a room to
repeat my program. I
was affirmed that she
appreciated my
contributions.

15. Richard McCabe, President
In 2013, I attended Carolina
TESOL as a total stranger.
Richard McCabe always
saw that I had people to
dine with and socialize
with. His southern
hospitality and genuine
warmth opened the door
to numerous stimulating
relationships with
dedicated teachers. I
appreciate the fine way
Richard leads by example.
F. Scott Fitzgerald
describes his type as
“fundamentally decent.”

16. Jack Hellenbrand
Three conferences ago,
Jack Hellenbrand, was
immensely helpful in
getting my session &
PowerPoint up and
running. His
helpfulness to many is
evident at each
conference. I am proud
to have a warm
association with such
an energeticTESOL
Board member.

17. The perfect tie for Myrtle Beach