2026 WAESOL Annual Conference

Dr. Nelson has worked with English language learners since 1986, teaching adults and children alike in k-12, adult literacy, university, and overseas programs. She is an active advocate, teacher trainer, and consultant, as well as a frequent presenter at local, state, and international conferences. She obtained her Masters degree in TESL from Gonzaga University and earned her PhD in Language and Literacy Education through Washington State University. Her passion is for working with those considered on the margins, especially those in the refugee and immigrant communities and her own Native American... Read more

Gina Mikel Petrie and Janine Julianna Darragh both earned their Ph.D.s from Washington State University and later met at a Spokane conference where they discovered their shared interest and experiences supporting teachers in rural Nicaraguan schools. Gina and Janine have a combined 63 years teaching experience and have worked with teachers across the globe, both online and in Chile, India, Lebanon, Mexico, Nicaragua, Italy, and so many more. Gina is a Professor of English as a Second Language at Eastern Washington University, where she both directs the teacher education program for English learners...

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