#NoFilterTeaching: Authentic Intelligence and Human Connection

Saturday, October 24, 2026

Deadline:

July 21, 2026 11:59PM, Eastern Daylight Time

EXTENDED to July 31st!

Michigan Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (MITESOL) invites professionals working with multilingual learners of English to submit proposals for our 50th Annual Conference, to be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Michigan State University in East Lansing. 

This year's theme, #NoFilterTeaching: Authentic Intelligence and Human Connection, invites educators to reflect on the role of authenticity, human connection, and educator expertise in language education. At a time when technology, artificial intelligence, and rapid change shape how we teach and learn, this theme centers the authentic intelligence that educators bring to their work. Authentic intelligence includes teachers' professional knowledge, judgment, creativity, and lived experience that inform meaningful learning environments.

Through this theme, we invite presenters to explore how authentic interactions, reflective practice, and human connection support multilingual learners and strengthen our professional community. We welcome proposals that highlight the expertise of educators and the ways that genuine relationships and thoughtful teaching practices create impactful educational experiences.

We are especially interested in proposals that address the following areas:

• Authentic Teaching and Educator Expertise

How do educators draw on their professional knowledge, lived experience, and reflective practice to create meaningful learning environments for multilingual learners?

• Human Connection in Language Learning

How do authentic relationships, culturally responsive practices, and community engagement support student learning and belonging?

• Teaching in a Changing Educational Landscape

How can educators thoughtfully navigate emerging technologies, including AI tools, while maintaining the human-centered aspects of teaching and learning?

• Collaborative Communities of Practice

How can educators, administrators, and community partners collaborate to support multilingual learners and strengthen professional learning networks?

We invite you to share your ideas and join us in exploring how authentic intelligence and human connection shape the future of language education.

Important Proposal Timeline Information:

Accepting Proposals for the Following Types of Conference Sessions and Presentations:

• Panel Discussion (45 minutes)

Panel discussion sessions are 45 minutes long and focus on engaging participants in a structured, moderated discussion on a key topic in the field. While participant dialogue is central, panelists should also demonstrate strong subject knowledge by providing relevant background and research to support informed conversation. Typically, one panelist serves as the moderator, opening the session and guiding the discussion. Two or more panelists deliver brief presentations (~10–15 minutes each), followed by moderated dialogue and audience Q&A. To ensure meaningful interaction within the time frame, we recommend reserving 10–15 minutes for audience questions and limiting panels to 2–3 participants. For full details on session format and planning, please see our Panel Discussion Proposal Guide.

• Poster Session  (45 minutes)

A visually engaging presentation of an academically sound, scholarly, or creative project, using charts, graphs, maps, and other visuals to highlight key findings. Proposals should include the main topic and a description of the visual display. Presenters will engage in short, informative discussions with attendees throughout an assigned timeframe. Please note that AV equipment is not available for poster sessions. Link to poster guidelines.

• Practice-Oriented Presentation (45 minutes)

This session shows and explains innovative pedagogical applications that demonstrate best practices in second language acquisition and/or working with multilingual learners. While rooted in research, the focus of this session is on the use of effective methodology in practice.

• Research-Oriented Presentation (45 minutes)

This session provides opportunity for scholars in the field to share research findings and encourage professional feedback related to linguistic or pedagogical theory, classroom approaches, and/or advocacy.

• Workshop Session (45 minutes) 

Structured hands-on professional development activity, tackling an issue or developing a specific teaching or research technique. Proposals should include session goals, a synopsis of the theoretical framework, and a description of workshop tasks and procedures. The workshop should also provide interactive activities in which participants share information, participate in simulations, and/or create materials and action plans.

Presenter Agreement:

Please be aware that presentations, if accepted, may be scheduled at any time during the conference on October 24th. Specific time requests cannot be guaranteed. 

MITESOL reserves the right to ask presenters to combine sessions or change format based on demand and/or space. In this case, a MITESOL representative will reach out to the contact presenter listed on the proposal. Otherwise, proposals are accepted as written. Please honor the topic, format, and description of your proposal at the time of presentation. Should an accepted proposal need to be withdrawn, we ask that you do so on or before October 1st by emailing president@mitesol.org. 

Proposal Guidelines:

• Title: Maximum length is approximately 8 words (about 80 characters)

• Abstract: Maximum length approximately 50 words (450 characters)

• Proposal: Maximum length approximately 300 words (2,000 characters)

• Technology: Rooms are equipped with internet connection, computer + internet access and VGA and HDMI connection, projector and projection screen, docucam, and chalkboard. If you use your own computer, please consider bringing any proprietary cords required. Though we won't be able to honor all special tech requests, please note if you will need any other tech or if attendees should bring any tech in order to participate in your presentation (phones, laptops, etc.). Maximum length is 150 words (1,000 characters)

Factors Automatically Disqualifying a Proposal:

• MITESOL does not receive the proposal by the deadline.

• The proposal is not received electronically via mitesol.dryfta.com.

• The proposal is incomplete or does not follow the guidelines in this call.

• The title, abstract, or description includes the name(s) or institution(s) of presenters (make sure it's anonymous!) or does not match (ex. abstract or title does not match description).

• The presentation promotes interests in conflict with the MITESOL mission and policies.

To submit a proposal, you must create an account mitesol.dryfta.com

If you have any questions about MITESOL 2026 or would like to volunteer to help out with the preparations for the conference, please contact us! (Include 'MITESOL 2026' in the subject line of your message.) 

Contact Information: 

Frances LaMielle, President / Conference Chair: President@mitesol.org 

Carrie Machkouri, President-Elect / Conference Co-Chair: President-elect@mitesol.org