The Ohio TESOL 2026 Call for Proposals will officially open on April 1, and we invite educators, researchers, advocates, and community partners to begin preparing their ideas now. As we continue finalizing proposal requirements, session strands, and the rubric review, please check back regularly for updates and important details. In the meantime, we encourage you to start drafting your proposal, reflecting on your practice, and considering how your voice and experiences can contribute to this year’s conference theme and community learning.

Tips for Writing a Strong Conference Proposal

Submitting a proposal is an opportunity to share your expertise, inspire colleagues, and contribute to the Ohio TESOL community. Use the tips below to help create a clear, engaging, and successful submission.

Know Your Audience
Review the conference theme and goals before you begin. Tailor your proposal so it aligns with the focus of the event and speaks directly to TESOL educators and professionals.

Create a Clear, Engaging Title
Your title is the first impression reviewers and attendees will see. Choose wording that is concise, descriptive, and captures the heart of your session.

Write a Strong Introduction or Abstract
Start with a clear explanation of your topic, why it matters now, and how it connects to current practices or challenges in the field.

Define Objectives and Outcomes
Explain what participants will learn or be able to do after attending your session. Focus on practical takeaways and meaningful impact.

Provide a Logical Outline
Include a brief overview of your session structure so reviewers can see how ideas will flow from beginning to end.

Plan for Engagement
Describe how you will involve participants. Consider interactive strategies such as discussions, activities, reflection, or Q&A.

Highlight Experience & Qualifications
Briefly share relevant experience, research, or classroom practice that connects you to the topic.

Follow Submission Guidelines
Carefully review all requirements for word count, formatting, and focus areas before submitting.

🏷️ Tips for Creating a Descriptive Title

  • Be Specific: Clearly communicate the subject of your presentation.
  • Use Action Words: Verbs like Exploring, Designing, Transforming, or Supporting can make titles more engaging.
  • Consider Your Audience: Think about what will resonate most with TESOL educators.
  • Avoid Excessive Jargon: Keep language clear and accessible to a broad audience.
  • Keep It Concise: Aim for a short, powerful title that is easy to understand at a glance.