One of the great features of CATESOL’s Annual Conference is the opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the state and plant the seeds for future projects to bloom. Such was the case this past December in Anaheim in a meeting between the CATESOL President-Elect Susan Gaer, Ruth Luman from Modesto Junior College, Nancy Frampton from the Madera Community College Center, and myself in my role as the CATESOL Outreach Coordinator. The conversation turned to a discussion about holding an event in the Central Valley in 2019 that would bring together ESL professionals from across the Saroyan and Yosemite Chapters, an area spanning 14 counties from San Joaquin County in the north to Kern County in the south. It’s a part of California that is underserved when it comes to professional development, but the need is no less great than other parts of the state that see a steady stream of workshops and get-togethers.

That meeting at the Annual led to some emails, an email invitation to all CATESOL members in the Central Valley, and an initial meeting on January 7, and the result is an event for the Central Valley scheduled on Saturday, April 6 at Modesto Junior College from 9:00am to 2:00pm. The conference will give participants the opportunity to meet and network, while sharing highlights from the CATESOL and TESOL annual conferences and learning from colleagues working in the Valley. All CATESOL members are welcome to register for the event!

From everyone who is working to organize this event, we are excited to bring a professional development opportunity to our colleagues in the Central Valley and see the seed planted at the Annual Conference come to fruition. We look forward to seeing you in Modesto on April 6! Don't forget to REGISTER!!!