- Please click on each speaker’s name to view their professional biography.
PLENARY SPEAKERS
Dr. Dieter Bruhn
President of One World Training
A U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist
Dr. Dieter Bruhn is a dynamic educator, trainer, and keynote speaker with over three decades of experience leading teacher training and professional development programs worldwide.
As President of One World Training and a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist, he has empowered thousands of educators to enhance learner engagement, strengthen instructional practice, and improve student outcomes. A longtime leader in the TESOL community, Dieter served on the Colorado TESOL Executive Board from 2005 to 2024, including two terms as President. He is widely recognized for his creative, learner-centered approaches to English language education, including the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence to support teaching and learning.
Asst. Prof. Dr. Say Phonekeo
A lecturer of English at the Faculty of Education, National University of Laos.
He completed his Master’s degree in TESOL from Canberra University, Australia and his PhD in Applied Linguistics and Language Studies from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
His PhD thesis explored how critical reading skills were fostered in one of the teacher education programs in Laos. His special interests include Interactive Teaching Strategies, Curriculum Development, Authentic Assessment, Digital Integration in ELT, and Class room based action research.
WORKSHOP FACILITATORS
Annabelle Sukin
Annabelle Sukin is a recent graduate of Seattle Pacific University (23’), where she studied Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, and Law. Currently she lives in Laos and works as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant for the United States Embassy. Annabelle will teach English to students at Savannakhet University. Upon the completion of her grant, she will return to the United States to attend law school at the University of Washington School of Law.
Anna Kelley Zielke
Anna Kelley is an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) at the University of Health Sciences. She graduated from Southern Methodist University where she studied Political Science and Dance Performance. She believes that movement is one of the purest forms of communication and provides an opportunity for deep connection.
Assoc. Prof. Barry Bai (THT JALT SIG)
Barry Bai is an associate professor at the Department of Curriculum and the director of Centre for Language Education and Multiliteracies Research at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is a recipient of 2014/2015 Faculty Exemplary Teaching Award and has secured highly competitive research funds, Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) Competitive Research Funding Schemes (GRF/ECS) for 2018/2019 and 2022/2023. He served as the president of Hong Kong Association for Applied Linguistics (HAAL) during 2023-2025.
Currently, he is an associate editor of European Journal of Education and Asia Pacific Journal of Education. In 2023, 2024 and 2025, he was recognized as a top 2% most cited researcher in languages and linguistics worldwide by Stanford University. Additionally, he was named a Highly Ranked Scholar in 2024 (Lifetime – top 0.05%, #20 and Prior 5 Years – top 0.05%, #3 in the specialty of primary school) and 2025 (Lifetime – top 0.05%, #12 and Prior 5 Years – top 0.05%, #3 in the specialty of primary school and #10 in the specialty of writing) by ScholarGPS.
His paper published in Language Teaching Research is recognized as a Highly Cited Paper in 2023, 2024 and 2025 by Clarivate.
Professor Barry has provided training and professional development support to approximately 546 primary schools, 200 secondary schools, 4,500 English teachers, and 51,000 students (alongside 13,280 parents). Through his projects (e.g., GRF, QEF and SCOLAR), the participants developed and adopted school-based teaching and learning materials. Professor Barry has been a frequent keynote and plenary speaker at international ELT conferences.
Bouangeune Souvannasy
Damone Singngam
Damone SINGNGAM works at Luang Prabang Teacher Training College. She teaches General English to M7 students at the Demonstration Secondary School, and she also teaches Reading and Presentation skills to students who are preparing to become teachers in the future. In addition, she is involved in administrative work in the Academic Affairs Unit at Luang Prabang Teacher Training College. In this role, she supports the teaching and learning process, oversee intensive course programs, collaborate with college teachers to support and develop the local curriculum.
David Tedone
David Tedone, English Language Fellow
Svay Rieng University, Cambodia
David Tedone is a Teaching Fellow with the U.S. Department of State English Language Programs at Svay Rieng University, Cambodia. He is also a professor emeritus, Faculty of Global Business and Communication at Musashino University, Tokyo, and a former lecturer at Meiji University, Department of Business Administration, where he taught Intercultural Communication and International Business Culture and Communication.
Previously, he was principal instructor at Toyo University-UCLA Extension Center for Global Education in Tokyo, and principal instructor for the UCLA Extension Tokyo Center. In 2010, he was named a Distinguished Instructor at UCLA Extension.
In addition, he taught English in Boston, USA, and in Rome, Italy.
He holds an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and an MA in English from the University of Connecticut.
Ethan Phan
Ethan is an English Teaching Assistant (ETA) at the University of Health Sciences. He is a recent graduate of Harvard College, where he studied History & Literature. Ethan is passionate about the power of language to bring us closer to each other and to the world we inhabit.
Dr. Eucharia Donnery (THT JALT SIG)
Eucharia Donnery, Ph.D., is currently an associate professor in the World Language Center, Soka University, where she is a coordinator. Her main research areas are drama in Second Language Acquisition (SLA), Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), intercultural communicative competence (ICC), as well as colonial discourse and feminist theory. She incorporates process drama pedagogical techniques into her teaching pedagogy in combination with CALL to promote learner autonomy and self-empowerment in SLA.
Garrett Cromwell
Garrett Cromwell holds a Master of Education in TESOL and has extensive international teaching experience in Japan, Ecuador, South Korea, and Thailand. Currently, Garrett teaches business English at the Prince of Songkla University, Trang Campus and is a Doctor of Education candidate at the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas with a concentration in innovative curriculum and instruction.
Garrett’s approach to teaching emphasizes dynamic, engaging classrooms that empower students to take charge of their own learning while developing critical language skills.
Gregory Rouault (THT JALT SIG)
Hab Sokchamnan, Ph.D
Dr. HAB Sokchamnan currently holds the position of the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Foreign Languages at Svay Rieng University (SRU), Cambodia. He earned his Doctor of Education degree from the Education University of Hong Kong, specializing in Distributed Leadership in Higher Education Curriculum Reforms. His scholarly work focuses on enhancing curricular frameworks within higher education, with an emphasis on leadership models that foster collaborative and transformative change.
Dr. HAB has been involved in international and regional academic initiatives, including participation in Erasmus+ projects and the World Bank-supervised Higher Education Improvement Project (HEIP). Within the framework of HEIP, he serves as the program manager tasked with overseeing the modernization of the English curriculum at SRU to achieve ASEAN University Network-Quality Assurance (AUN-QA) by 2028. This initiative aligns with the principles of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), aiming to enhance the quality and relevance of academic programs to meet contemporary educational and professional demands.
Hongkham Vongxay
Houk Thoeurn
Houk Thoeurn has more than a decade of experience in the education field. In 2020, he joined the Teacher Development Support Organisation (TDSO) as an English language trainer and has since grown into a teacher trainer. In this role, he delivers workshops on English language proficiency and English teaching methodologies for primary school teachers.
Houk holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Humanities, and Languages (2017) and a Master’s degree in English, both from Build Bright University. His professional interests focus on supporting teachers to develop practical skills for teaching English effectively. Currently, his work is transitioning from training teachers to training teacher trainers.
Huynh Thanh Binh
Huynh Thanh Binh is a PhD student at Can Tho University, Vietnam. His research interests include English teaching methods and techniques, vocabulary and grammar instruction, and teacher professional development. Binh is currently working intensively toward his thesis on EFL university teachers’ identity construction and evolution.
Inthavy Chanthavong
Joseph Mancuso
Joseph Mancuso, English Language Fellow
National Defence University of Maylaysia
Joseph (Joe) Mancuso is a U.S. Department of State English Language Fellow at the National Defence University of Malaysia, with over 20 years of international teaching and training experience across four continents at both secondary and tertiary levels. He holds a Master of Science in Education (ESOL) from Fort Hays State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Arizona. His expertise includes teacher training, curriculum design with AI integration, intercultural communication, and English for Military Purposes. Passionate about student-centered learning, Joe integrates innovative teaching with cultural exchange, and as an avid traveler, having explored 89 countries and counting, he enjoys experiencing new cultures through their cuisine.
Julie Dean
Julie Dean, English Language Fellow
Institute of Foreign Affairs, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Julie Dean is an English Language Fellow (ELF) assigned to teach at the Institute of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Now in her second year in Lao as an ELF, she previously taught English at Champasack University in Pakse. She has also taught EFL in Central Europe and a variety of ESL courses at both pre-college and college levels in the US. With an MA-TESOL and a previous career in marketing, Julie loves helping students and professionals build English skills for academic, business, and leadership success.
Khanthanaly Panvilaysone
Kimset Ray
Ladomchanh Khantry
Dr. Lanta Ketoukham
Latsanyphone Soulignavong
Le Cong Tuan
Le Cong Tuan is a lecturer of English and trainer at the School of Foreign Languages in Can Tho University, Vietnam. He holds an MA in Applied Linguistics from the University of Queensland, Australia. His research interests include learner affective factors, task-based language teaching, innovative testing and assessment, and teacher professional development.
Manivone Phongsa
Onsee Khamphouvong
Pakaysit Keomanyvanh
Phonesavanh Luangrath
Phonesavanh Luangrath is Deputy Head of English Department at Rattana Institute of Business Administration, Vientiane Capital She has over two decades of English teaching experience. She has taught English for Business English, Financial Banking, and Marketing students. She received her Master’s degree in TEFL from the National University of Laos. In the United States, she was a volunteer ESL instructor at the Language, Education & Technology Center, teaching newcomer immigrant adults (Washington DC). Her research interests are English for specific purposes, materials design, and curriculum development.
Phonesukha Insisiengmai
Phouvy Sayyalath
Phouvy is a Unit English instructor in the Faculty of Medicine (FOM) at the University of Health Sciences (UHS). She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and has previously taught English and Academic English to first-, second-, and third-year medical students.
Phoxay Thepvilayvong
Sharon Torkelson
Sharon Torkelson, English Language Fellow
Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Sharon Torkelson is a member of the U.S. Embassy’s 2024-2025 English Language Fellow team in Laos PDR. A second-year Fellow, Sharon has conducted professional development training for English teachers at the National University of Laos Faculty of Letters and Rattana Institute of Business Administration. At the American Center in Vientiane, Sharon conducts training workshops for young professionals on leadership, resume-writing, interview skills and public speaking.
Prior to arriving in Laos, Sharon was an English Language Specialist for the U.S. Peace Corps in Colombia, where she partnered with the National Ministry of Education to provide professional development support and curriculum design for secondary English teachers. She earned master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida and bachelor’s degrees in Foreign Language Education and Journalism.
Shidaun Campbell
Shidaun Campbell, English Language Fellow
Lào Cai College – Lào Cai, Vietnam
Shidaun Campbell is a U.S. Department of State English Language Fellow (2024-2026) with over 20 years of experience in language education and teacher training. He helps students and teachers build speaking confidence through communicative teaching, role-play, and drama activities. With a background in Drama and Dance, he uses rehearsal, storytelling, and guided practice to make speaking lessons active, clear, and meaningful.
At Lào Cai College in northern Vietnam, Shidaun designs and leads teacher-training workshops that help instructors add more speaking and communication activities to their courses. He helps teachers improve student participation, fluency, and confidence. This is especially helpful in classes with different levels, where many learners are shy about speaking. He has trained educators in several countries, and this experience shapes how he builds friendly, supportive classrooms while keeping clear expectations.
His research on drama-based speaking lessons has appeared in conference proceedings, and he continues to develop practical course materials. These include courses for work skills and English for tourism and hospitality, built around role-play and speaking tasks based on real-world situations. His current focus is giving teachers simple, flexible tools that help learners speak more naturally, think critically, and take part fully in class.
Sokly Sour
Sokly Sour has been teaching English since 2010 and has been working as a teacher trainer at the Teacher Development Support Organisation (TDSO) since 2020. Her main responsibilities include providing pedagogy training for early-career and pre-service teachers of English.
Sokly holds a Bachelor’s degree in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from USEA (2011) and a Master of Education (M.Ed.) from the University of Canberra, Australia (2015). Her professional interests focus on the practical application of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) to support students’ effective communication in the target language.
Tat Thien Thu
Thida Song
Miss Song Thida is an Instructional Coach and Teacher Trainer with over six years of experience in education, responsible for coaching and mentoring teachers and delivering training in language instruction and pedagogy. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in TESOL from PUC Siem Reap (2023) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management at the same university. Her professional interest lies in bridging theory and practice through authentic classroom application. Currently, she coaches secondary school teachers in the SEED – STEM Education Enhancement and Development project and trains pre-service primary school teachers in both language and pedagogy.
Thu Trang Janes Truong
POSTER PRESENTERS
Bouaphanh Bandasack
Daochay Khiewleudeth
Daochay Khiewleudeth
Deputy Head of Faculty of English Language – ICT Teacher Education
Savannakhet Teacher Training College
Daochay Khiewleudeth is currently working as a deputy head of English Language – ICT Teacher Education Faculty, Savannakhet Teacher Training College. He has been working with the college for almost 18 years. He also works as a teacher trainer for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) in Savannakhet province, and for Lao English language teachers. His previous work experience includes working as an English Teacher in English Language – ICT Teacher Education Faculty for 17 years. He completed his Master of Education (Leadership and Management) from Flinders University in Australia in academic year 2016-2017.
Homphet Vorlasane
Khambou Kammaphay
Khambou Khammaphay
Department of English, Faculty of Letters
National University of Laos
Khamphang Phonesavath
Latsamee Vongsalad
Phitsakhone Tansavath
Khamphouvong VIMALAVONG
Mr. Khamphouvong VIMALAVONG
An English Teacher as a Trainer in English-ICT Department at Bankeun Teacher’s Training College
Vientiane Province
Mr. Khamphouvong Vimalavong is currently working at Bankeun Teacher’s Training College. He is an English teacher as an English language trainer. He has 26 years of teaching experience. He has participated in numerous English teaching training programs both domestically and internationally and has been a trainer such as:
- 2012–2014: Received a scholarship from the Government of Japan to conduct research on materials for EFL vocabulary teaching at elementary schools and completed a six-month Japanese language course.
- 2024: Participated in a training workshop on “Teacher Professional Development toward Becoming Professional Teachers” in China.
- 2025: Participated in an “English Teacher Training workshop” in Cambodia, supported by the Teacher Development Support Organization (TDSO).
- 2024: Served as a trainer for the Education for Employment Sector Development Project (EESDP), Ministry of Education and Sports.
Bounthanh Deevannah
Bounthanh Deevannah
Deputy of Division of Personnel, Inspection and Quality Assurance
Ban Kuen Teacher Training College
Vientiane Province, Lao PDR
Bounthanh is a teacher teaching English to English trainee teachers who are preparing to become secondary school English educators. In this role, he focuses on developing their language proficiency, pedagogical skills, and professional confidence, ensuring they are well equipped to meet the demands of modern classrooms. For his long-term teaching career has allowed him to work with diverse learners and adapt to changes in curriculum, assessment, and educational practices. To further develop his teaching profession, he participated in a long-term training program on English language teaching in Japan during October 2013- May 2015. In addition, he attended several Lao TESOL training workshops to enhance his English teaching skills. He also participated in Thai TESOL and the International TESOL Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2017.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he currently serves in an administrative capacity as the Deputy Division of Personnel, Inspection, and Quality Assurance and responsible for evaluate the employees. For this role involves supporting institutional planning, monitoring teaching standards, overseeing inspection processes, and contributing to quality assurance initiatives. Through this position, he works closely with academic and administrative staff to promote effective teaching practices, professional development.
His combined experience in teaching and administration has strengthened his leadership, organizational, and evaluative skills. He committed to maintaining high educational standards and contributing positively to teacher development and institutional quality in the field of English language education.
Khamphaeng Latxavong
Khamphaeng Latxavong
Head of the English-ICT Department at Bankeun Teacher Training College
Vientiane Province, Lao PDR
Khamphaeng Latxavong is the Head of the English-ICT Department at Bankeun Teacher Training College, Lao PDR. He holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the Faculty of Education, National University of Laos. In his current role as the Head of the English-ICT Department, his primary responsibilities and professional experiences include:
Teaching Experience. A dedicated English lecturer since 2000, he has extensive experience training student teachers in the English Department and other related department. His work focuses on preparing students to become professional secondary school English teachers by: Developing core language competencies: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Administrative & Leadership Experience. Since 2020 – Present: the Head of the English-ICT Department Responsible for the comprehensive supervision and management of all departmental operations. 2017 – 2020: Deputy Head of the Academic Affairs Office. He also works as a the Department of Teacher Education Trainer for “15 Teaching Strategies”: Served as a trainer for the Department of Teacher Education (DTE), Ministry of Education and Sports, conducting workshops on the “15 Teaching Strategies ” for in-service secondary school teachers across Northern and Southern Laos. Author & Editor of Academic Materials:
- Developed the “English Teaching Methodology” course book for Teacher Training Colleges.
- Compiled and edited “Literature 1” and “Literature 2” textbooks for Teacher Training Colleges.
- Co-authored a training manual on teaching techniques in partnership with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO).
Pradith MEUANGPAK
Mr. Pradith MEUANGPAK
An English Lecturer, Bankeun Teacher Training College
Vientiane Province, Lao PDR
Mr. Pradith Meuangpak is an English Lecturer at Bankeun Teacher Training College, where he has been teaching since 2005. He has over 17 years of experience in English language education and teacher training. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English for International Communication from Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi and a Master’s degree in Educational Measurement and Evaluation from Khon Kaen University.
In addition to teaching English, Mr. Pradith has strong expertise in educational technology and research. He has served in the Scientific Research and Teacher Professional Development Department and has been teaching computer usage since 2012. His professional capacity has been enhanced through international training, including participation in a MEXT scholarship program in Japan focusing on English teaching and advanced software studies in India.
Mr. Pradith is actively involved in teacher professional development. He works as a teacher trainer supervising teaching practicums in rural areas and, since 2022, has served as a trainer for Fundamental Quality Assurance in primary schools. His professional commitment centers on sustainable development and the delivery of high-quality, modern instruction for future teachers.
Soutsakhone Phomphakdy
Soutsakhone Phomphakdy
Lecturer of English & ICT Integration Specialist
Ban Keun Teacher Training College
Vientiane Province, Laos
Soutsakhone Phomphakdy is an experienced English language educator currently serving at Ban Keun Teacher Training College, where she has been instrumental in shaping teacher education since 2006. With nearly 20 years in the field, her work focuses on bridging the gap between traditional pedagogy and digital innovation.
As a forward-thinking educator, she has pioneered the use of digital learning environments by developing and maintaining personal educational websites, providing students with continuous access to interactive resources. Her research interests are deeply rooted in student engagement, specifically exploring Gamified Learning, Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT), and the integration of AI in Education and Digital Literacy.
Beyond her professional life, she is an advocate for lifelong learning and enjoys exploring how technology can foster human connection. In her free time, she finds inspiration in local photography or nature exploration.
Phoulixay DUANGMIKSAVONG
Phoulixay DUANGMIKSAVONG
Academic Staff of the Department of English-ICT Education
Luang Namtha Teacher Training College
Phoulixay is currently working as an academic staff of the Department of English-ICT Education, focusing on organizing the timetable and organizing the department. My responsibilities include scheduling and monitoring the implementation of the English language teaching curriculum. I also conduct teaching and learning training for primary school teachers and have participated in professional training related to English language teaching in Cambodia, supported by the TDSO organization.
I have been working with an institution for almost 11 years. I also work as a teacher trainer for Lao primary teachers. My previous work experience includes working as an English teacher. I hold a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Politics, from the National University of Laos (NUOL), and a Diploma in General English Language.
Viengtha XAYACHACK
Viengtha XAYACHACK
Head of Faculty of Primary Teacher Education
Luangnamtha Teacher Training College, Laos
Viengtha Xayachack is the Head of the Faculty of Primary Teacher Education at Luang Namtha Teacher Training College. He has extensive experience in academic leadership, faculty management, and teacher education, with a strong focus on improving teaching quality, effective use of resources, and student learning outcomes. His responsibilities include academic planning, promotion of best teaching practices, and monitoring and evaluation of faculty performance to ensure high standards of education.
Viengtha has over 24 years of professional experience in primary teacher education. He has taught English and school administration management and has served as a master trainer in teaching English for secondary schools. He has also participated in English teacher training programs organized by the Teacher Development Support Organization in Cambodia. He holds a Diploma in English Teacher Education from Luang Prabang Teacher Training College and a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Administration and Management from the National University of Laos.
Onnith SITTILARTH
Onnith Sittilarth
Luang Namtha Teacher Training College
Luang Namtha, Lao PDR
Sylisack SENVANHPANH
Sylisack Senvanhpanh
Luang Namtha Teacher Training College
Luang Namtha, Lao PDR
Phitsamay Bounphama
Phitsamay BOUNPHAMA
Vice Head of English-ICT Education Departmemt
Luangnamtha Teacher Training College
Luangnamtha Province, Laos
I have been working at Luangnamtha Teacher Training College since 2003 as an English teacher. I teach general English and Methodology to English and Early Childhood Education students. I do a follow-up program to observe students’ teaching practice. I sometimes work as a supervisor for senior students checking their thesis. I am responsible for organizing the teaching schedules to English teachers.
Syphak Phommavy
Syphak Phommavy
A seasoned educator at the Khangkhay
Teacher Training College (TTC), Xiengkhouang Province
Syphak Phommavy is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience at the Khangkhay Teacher Training College (TTC). Throughout his extensive career, he has taught a diverse range of subjects and participated in numerous professional development training courses to refine his pedagogical expertise. Syphak holds a Master’s degree majored in Human Resource Management from Massey university in New Zealand, bringing a global perspective and a deep commitment to shaping the next generation of students in Laos.
Khammanh Saengthoummy
Khammanh Saengthoummy
Teacher at Khangkhay Teacher Training College
Xiengkhouang Province, Lao PDR
Khammanh is a teacher at Khangkhay Teacher Training College, Xiengkhouang province, Laos. He has been working at the college for over 20 years of English language teaching and working in a library. He has also participated in teaching English language in secondary and primary schools. He earned his Master of Education from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, and came back to his work at the college. He is interested in learner-centred approaches and integration if digital tools in English language teaching.
Cha Lao
Cha Lao
An English teacher at Khang Khay Teacher Training College
Xiengkhuang Province
Cha Lao is an English teacher who has served at Khang Khay Teacher Training College for 18 years. At TTC, his responsibilities include classroom teaching as well as roles in the Personnel, Inspection, and Quality Assurance departments, where he supports staff development, analyzes staffing data and professional development needs to create a targeted annual training plan tied to institution goals and quality assurance indicators. He holds a Master of Educational Research, Assessment and Evaluation from Flinders University, South Australia. As a lifelong learner, he loves reading to discover new ideas and conducts educational research. He brings this curiosity into his teaching, encouraging students to think critically and embracing continuous improvement.
Saysouly Sorphouphieng
Saysouly Sorphouphieng
A teacher at Khangkhay Teacher Training College
Xiengkhouang Province
Saysouly Sorphouphieng has worked at Khangkhay Teacher Training College as a teacher for more than twenty years. She has involved in many college tasks and activities. She is also responsible for working in the Foreign Cooperation Unit. She earned a master of education majoring in Leadership and Management from Flinders University Australia.
Souk Vongviman
Souk Vongviman
Savannakhet Teacher Training College
Savannakhet, Lao PDR
* souk.vongviman2011@gmail.com
Mr. Souk Vongviman is a dedicated English teacher at Savannakhet Teacher Training College, where he combines academic instruction with his role as a coordinator for student activities in the Administration Department. He graduated with a Master of Arts from Buriram Rajabhat University, Thailand. His educational philosophy extends beyond the college classroom; he is deeply involved in national educational reform through the BEQUAL program. Leveraging his specialized training as a CPD Advisor, Mr. Souk focuses on essential pedagogy, grammar, and vocabulary to support the new primary curriculum. His research focuses on improving students’ speaking skills. Thus, in this conference, he is keen to share his latest study entitled “A Comparison of Scripted and Unscripted Role-play on Lao EFL College Students’ Speaking Ability.”
Somboun NANTHAVONGSA
Ms. Somboun NANTHAVONGSA works as an English teacher at Savannakhet Teacher Training College and also serves as a secretary in the Administration and Finance Department. Both roles are important, but her main responsibility is teaching. She has taught college students for many years, and recently, she has been actively involved in the implementation of the new national primary curriculum supported by the BEQUAL (Basic Education Quality and Access in Lao PDR) program
This new role came after she was trained to become a pedagogy advisor, focusing on correct grammar and vocabulary for primary education. She is now continuing in this role as a CPD (Continuous Professional Development) advisor through the BEQUAL project, which supports and improves primary school teaching in Laos.
These are the key responsibilities she currently holds, and she is committed to both supporting primary teachers and teaching students effectively.
Litsay Xaisongkham
Sivilay Phommachanh
Somlith Phannavong
Kedsana Onkosy
Bouala Muensopha
Samlan Keopasong
Samlan Keopasong
A teacher at Khangkhay Teacher Training College
Samlan Keopasong is a teacher who has more than 20 years of teaching experience at Khangkhay Teacher Training College, Xiengkhouang province, Laos. He has been teaching English here since 2002 until now. In addition, he has also been teaching assistants at primary and secondary schools. His educational history is graduated from domestic and foreign institutions. His highest education qualification is Master’s Degree in Education Management from Thai Nguyen University, Vietnam. In addition to being a teacher, he is also responsible for work at the academic department office. Based on the current era, he is interested in classroom management by using high technology tools.
Milinda Norlasane
Milinda Norlasane
Administration and Finance Department
Savannakhet Teacher Training College, Lao PDR
PARALLEL SESSION PRESENTERS
Anh Nguyen-Ho-Ngoc
Anh Nguyen-Ho-Ngoc, M.Ed. TESOL (Edith Cowan University), is an experienced ELT professional specializing in teacher education and academic leadership. She has trained educators, led academic teams, and presented at international TESOL/TEFL conferences, actively contributing to research and professional development in the global TESOL community.
Anh Tran Thuy Tuyet (THT JALT SIG)
Anh Tran Thuy Tuyet is a graduate student in the ILE-TESOL Program at Soka University, Tokyo, Japan. She has completed her master’s thesis examining the motivational styles of Japanese university EFL teachers. Her research interests include learner autonomy, motivation, and EFL pedagogy.
Anthony C. Torbert (THT JALT SIG)
Anthony C. Torbert is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Business Administration at Kobe Gakuin University. He has been teaching there for over 25 years and focuses on providing level-appropriate opportunities for students to both learn about and discuss real-world issues.
Bui Thi Oanh, PhD
Dr. OANH BUI is a senior lecturer at Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment (HUNRE), Vietnam, where she serves as a principal lecturer and Head of the Faculty of Foreign Languages. She has extensive experience in curriculum and textbook development, research methodology and undergraduate thesis supervision. She has authored academic textbooks and contributed papers to several international conferences held in Vietnam. Her academic interests focus on academic research training, curriculum design and program evaluation in higher education with an emphasis on quality assurance and teaching effectiveness in English language education.
Professor Bill Snyder, presenting with gratitude to Yanqing Guo (THT JALT SIG)
Bill Snyder is Professor in the International Language Education: TESOL Program at Soka University in Hachiōji, Japan. He has worked for in language teacher education for 30 years in Türkiye, Armenian, South Korea, the United States, and Japan. His research interests include teacher and student emotion and engagement, reflective practice, and self-determination theory
Bouaphan Bandasack
Bounthieng Vongsouangtham
Chanthajorn Chanthapanya
Chris Ruddenklau (THT JALT SIG)
Chris Ruddenklau
THT JALT SIG President, Kobe University, Japan
Chris Ruddenklau has been teaching and living in Asia for longer than he has lived in New Zealand. He has taught in a wide variety of classroom settings, ranging from elementary to high school to university and company students. In Laos with THT, JALT SIG, he has supported many Lao teachers by introducing speakers to programs organized by Lao. He has tremendous respect for the work that Lao teachers do to help their students. In the words of many of the visiting teachers, I don’t understand how teachers in Laos do so much with so little when we in Japan are often struggling to do so little with so much. Teaching is the art of developing, patience, kindness, and mindful interactions, and in discovering the joy and humor in creating positive connections in the classroom. His work is to motivate students to discover the joy of working together towards a common purpose.
David Bolton
Esther Smidt
Geoffrey Miller
For the past 30 years, Geoffrey Miller has taught writing at various universities around the world. His research interests primarily deal with feedback and motivation. He is also the founding editor of the flash fiction literary journal NUNUM.
Hai Nguyen Nguyen
Herman Bartelen (THT JALT SIG)
Herman Bartelen
(THT JALT SIG)
Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages, Ryutsu Keizai University, Daito Bunka University, JAPAN
Herman Bartelen is an educator and writer based in Japan with over 40 years of teaching experience. He has authored more than 15 EFL textbooks and delivered over 60 workshops in Japan, the Philippines, Laos, and Hong Kong. He holds a Master’s degree in TESOL from the University of Birmingham, U.K.
Huong Dieu Nguyen
Ms. Huong Dieu Nguyen
Huong Nguyen has been an English language lecturer in the Faculty of English at HNUE since 2019. Her research interests include integrating innovative skills into the EFL classroom and enhancing English language pedagogy. She is a member of the VietTESOL Masters’ Group, contributing to professional development for teachers and students in Vietnam and abroad.
Email: dieuhuong@hnue.edu.vn
Huyen Chu Thi Thu
CHU THI THU Huyen, M.A, has been working as a lecturer of English at Hanoi National University of Education for 15 years. She earned her Master degree at University of Language and International Studies, Vietnam National University-Hanoi. She has great interest in English language as well as cultures of English-speaking countries. She is also eager to investigate ways to improve her teaching methods and apply ICT in her teaching process. Now she is teaching subjects related to British- American cultures as well as literature at HNUE. She can be contacted at email: thuhuyen@hnue.edu.vn .
Kalaphath Kounlaxay
Kazumi Kato (THT JALT SIG)
Khonesak Keomaneevong
Khonesak Keomaneevong is an English lecturer and teacher trainer at Savanakhet Teacher Training College, Lao PDR. He has extensive experience teaching EFL to pre-service and in-service teachers, with a strong focus on speaking skills, task-based language teaching (TBLT), and educational technology. His professional interests include AI-assisted language learning, teacher professional development, and learner motivation. Khonesak has been involved in international professional development programs, including U.S Department of State-supported initiatives, and actively contributes to English language education research and innovation in Laos. I look forward to presenting and participating in this meaningful academic event at Souphanouvong University, Luang Prabang, on 26–27 February 2026. Thank you once again for this opportunity. Yours sincerely, Khonesak Keomaneevong
Kinnaly Thipphaphone
Ladomchanh Khantry
Le To Huong, MA
HUONG LE works as a lecturer in the English Department, Hanoi University of Pharmacy, Vietnam. She has been through a long experience of teaching GE and ESP courses for 1st and 2nd year students at Hanoi University of Pharmacy.
Mai Lai-Hong-Hoang
Manivone Phongsa
Mark Desmaele
My Nguyen Thi Ha
Ms. My Nguyen Thi Ha is an experienced English language teacher based in Hanoi, Vietnam, with more than a decade of experience in English language teaching. She began her teaching career in 2013 and has since worked in diverse educational contexts, specializing in general English, ESP, and exam preparation courses such as TOEIC, IELTS, and VSTEP.
Ms. Nguyen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in External Economics from Hanoi Foreign Trade University (2014) and is currently pursuing a Master of TESOL with the University of Canberra, Australia. She has earned international recognition as a Globally Certified PTE Trainer by Pearson (2025) and holds multiple teaching certificates, including Teaching English for Teenagers, Teaching Phonics, and Teaching English in Online Classes from HEW London and CEP.
Dedicated to advancing English education, she conducts both online and offline classes for teenagers and adults through platforms such as ClassIn. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes learner autonomy, engagement, and practical language application. Beyond classroom instruction, she actively participates in international and regional workshops, sharing innovative teaching practices and promoting professional collaboration among educators.
Nawamin Prachanant
Nguyen Thi Huong Lan, PhD
LAN NGUYEN is a senior lecturer at Hanoi National University of Education, Vietnam (HNUE). She was a visiting scholar at the University of Sydney under Endeavour Research Fellowship in 2018. She was also one of 20 global educators in the SUSI Educators program 2024 funded by the U.S. Department of State. Her research interests include English language curriculum and textbook development, Systemic Functional Linguistics, genre-based pedagogy, application of AI in English language teaching and teacher professional development. Her recent publications have been published in Electronic Journal of Foreign Language Teaching, Studies in English Language and Education, Journal on Efficiency and Responsibility in Education and Science.
Nguyệt Nguyễn Trần Minh
Nhat Tay Tran
Dr. Nikhat Shameem
Nikhat Shameem has a PhD in Applied Linguistics and a Dip TESL from Victoria University of Wellington, NZ and an MBA from the University of Cumbria, UK. In 2023 Nikhat was the keynote speaker at the CLESOL (Community Languages and ESOL) Conference held in Wellington New Zealand where she spoke on the topic “If my language does not flourish it will die.”
Nikhat teaches English at Vientiane College in Laos for two terms a year and coordinates the English writing programme for Victoria University of Wellington at the Communication University of Zhejiang in Hangzhou, China for the third term.
She has an extensive publication record especially on first language maintenance during second language acquisition. Her research is available on ResearchGate and Academia. Her book of poetry ‘Let the Conch Speak’ is available through Amazon and the University of Fiji. She has also coedited the first book of Fiji Hindi proverbs, Khatta Mitha Baat and the TESOL publication “New Ways in using communicative games in language teaching.” (TESOL,Alexandria).
Palitha Douangchack
Pham Thi Thu Trang
Saiphone Khotsaigno
Soutta inthavong
Soutta Inthavong is a Senior Lecturer of English in the Department of Foreign Languages, Faculty of Education, National University of Laos. He has extensive experience teaching English at both secondary and university levels and possesses strong expertise in English language education within the Lao context.
He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English Education and has participated in numerous professional development and English language training programs both domestically and internationally. His professional work focuses on curriculum development, textbook writing, and the application of learner-centered and active learning approaches.
Currently, he collaborates with the Research Institute for Educational Sciences, Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), on the development of national English curricula and textbooks for general education. He also serves as a national master trainer, supporting the effective implementation of the English curriculum and textbooks across the country.
Thanh Loan Vu
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thatcher Spero (THT JALT SIG)
Dr. Thatcher A. Spero is Associate Professor in the Department of Global Business at Musashino University in Tokyo, Japan.
His research focuses on English-Medium Instruction (EMI), global citizenship education, computer-assisted language learning (CALL), and the internationalization of higher education, with particular attention to curriculum, language policy, and culturally responsive pedagogy in non-Anglophone contexts. He previously taught at Waseda University for over 15 years and served as a teaching fellow at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Policy Studies.
Thereza Vahlstrom
Thereza Vahlstrom, English Language Fellow
National University of Battambang, Cambodia
Thereza Vahlstrom is currently a Fellow at the National University of Battambang (NUBB) in Cambodia. She has extensive experience as an English Language Development teacher in the Mead School District (Spokane, WA, USA), and as an adjunct professor at Whitworth University (Spokane, WA, USA), working with pre-service teachers. She occasionally teaches ESL classes to immigrants, refugees and foreign students at the Community Colleges of Spokane. Thereza Vahlstrom holds a Master’s degree in TESOL from Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA, USA, and a Bachelor’s degree in Letters (Linguistics, Literature, and Languages) from The Fluminense Federal University (UFF), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Thitirat Chirathitipom
Thongthiane Vathanavong, Ph.D
Dr. Thongthiane Vathanavong is an active Senior Lecturer in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction, Research Methodology, and Innovative Educational Technology. For the past decade, he has been an expert in Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and Understanding by Design (UbD), creating structured educational programs. He
specializes in Learner-Centered Pedagogy, enhancing critical thinking through active participation, and advocates for Lesson Study methods for collaborative teaching improvement. Proficient in SPSS Data Analysis, he ensures
evidence-based decisions in educational research, while integrating educational technology to modernize learning and promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) to tackle rural socio-economic and environmental challenges.
He is currently serving as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Education at Souphanouvong University.
Thuy Pham Thi Thanh, Ph.D
PHAM THI THANH Thuy, Ph.D has been teaching English at Hanoi National University of Education for more than 20 years. She earned her M.A degree in the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi. Her Ph.D degree focuses on linguistics, in both English and Vietnamese. Her major interests are four skills of English, vocabulary, linguistics, and methods of teaching and learning English. She has published many articles on Vietnamese and international education and linguistics journals. She has had numerous opportunities to attend various conferences, including the CamTESOL International Conference 2025 in Cambodia and the VietTESOL International Convention 2025. Her slogan is: “You cannot live the 2nd time, so live and work with love at your fullest effort!” She can be contacted at email: phamthanhthuy09@gmail.com.
Trang Quynh Ngo
Ms. Trang Quynh Ngo
Trang Ngo is an English lecturer at Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE) who has experienced for fourteen years of English language programming, teaching and assessment. Trang has a Master in English Linguistics. Since 2012, she has been a member of HNUE Council of national VSTEP trainers, designers and examiners.
Email: ngoquynhtrang@hnue.edu.vn
Truong Thi Thu Trang
Truong Thi Thu Trang
HEW Education & Consulting Hub, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Truong Thi Thu Trang is a TESOL mentor and teacher trainer at the HEW London Education Consulting Hub in Ho Chi Minh City. She designs and delivers professional development programs with a focus on pedagogical innovation, interactive classroom dynamics, and tech-integrated teaching. With extensive experience working with both in-service and pre-service teachers, Trang is passionate about making teaching more joyful, reflective, and sustainable. She also coordinates the Community of English Language Teaching Practice in Vietnam, a nationwide initiative supporting thousands of educators through collaborative learning. Her interests include personalized learning, learner-generated content, and creative engagement tools.
Uyên Ngô Thảo
Tittle: English Educator – Director of Professionalism English Center
Address: Bien Hoa, Dong Nai, Vietnam
Phone: +84 962 367 017
Email: uyengem@gmail.com
SUMMARY
I am an experienced English educator and Director of Professionalsm English Center with over several years of experience teaching IELTS, TOEIC, and academic English. I specialize in curriculum design, teacher development, and academic quality assurance. My professional interests include learner motivation, assessment literacy, and the effective integration of educational technology in English language teaching.
WORK EXPERIENCE
English Instructor (IELTS, TOEIC & Academic English) Jun 2016 – Present
- Delivered IELTS, TOEIC, and academic English courses to hundreds of learners across multiple
proficiency levels. - Designed lesson plans, practice materials, and mock tests aligned with exam requirements and CEFR standards.
- Adapted teaching approaches to meet diverse learner needs in both online and face-to-face learning environments.
Director of Professionalism English Center Oct 2021 – Present
- Founded and manage an English center, overseeing academic operations, curriculum development, and quality assurance.
- Planned and delivered six English workshops focusing on exam strategies, learner motivation, and study skills.
- Integrated educational technology and digital resources to enhance learner engagement and
instructional effectiveness.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of English Language Studies – Nong Lam University Aug 2016 – Oct 2020
- Second Prize, English Public Speaking Contest, HUTECH University
- JASSO Scholarship Recipient, Cultural Exchange Program (Japan)
- Second Prize, English Public Speaking Contest (HUTECH University)
Master of Tesol (In progress) 2025- present
Edith Cowan University, Australia
Vatsana Vongsila
Vatsana Vongsila
Deputy Director of Laos-India Center for English Language Training
Faculty of Letters, NUOL, Laos
Vatsana is currently working as a deputy director of the English language center focusing on running short workshop of soft skills for students in order to prepare them to the labor markets, short training English language for government staff and students in higher education and mainly organizing international conference such as annual LaoTESOL conference for English language teachers in Laos and Reginal ELT forum for administrators to share ideas and best practice in administrative roles among three countries (Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam). She has been working with higher institution for almost 26 years. She also works as a teacher trainer for Lao English language teachers and foreign teachers to train them to be aware of Lao educational system and integrate best learning strategies to promote English language learner inside the classroom. Her previous work experience includes working as an English Teacher in Department of English language for 21 years. She studied Master of education in New Zealand and completed Foreign Language Teaching Assistance (FLTAs) program in the US in academic year 2022-2023.
Venessa Wallace (THT JALT SIG)
Venessa Wallace has been an English teacher in Japan for over 10 years. She is most recently an Adjunct Professor at Soka University, Japan. Her research interests include: study abroad; study abroad pre-departure and post-departure course curriculum development; and online resources for extensive listening.