Tracy Mannon Awarded English Language Programs Conference Grant

The U.S. Department of State’s English Language Programs awarded Tracy Mannon with a conference grant to present a session titled Creating “Normal” in English Language Courses in War-Torn Ukraine at the annual 2024 TESOL International Convention on March 21-23, 2024, in Tampa, Florida.

Tracy Mannon, a former ESOL teacher with FCPS, has been a Virtual English Language Educator in Ukraine for the 2023-2024 and 2022-2023 academic years. For the presentation at TESOL 2024, Tracy Mannon and her Ukrainian colleague, Professor Violetta Panchenko, shared the work they do with the global TESOL community, helping to advance the program’s objectives of educational and cultural exchange.

“By advancing English language education, the TESOL community creates opportunities around the world. Through English language exchanges and programs such as the English Language Virtual Educator, U.S. educators engage global audiences, build critical thinking and 21st-century skills, enrich the global knowledge network, share U.S. culture and values, celebrate cultural diversity, and bring a deeper understanding of global issues and international perspectives back to U.S. classrooms and communities.” ~ Susan T. Bell, Director of the Office of English Language Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S. Department of State.

English Language Programs is the premier opportunity for experienced teachers of English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) to enact meaningful and sustainable changes in the way that English is taught abroad and is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) with funding provided by the U.S. government. Through projects developed by U.S. Embassies in more than 80 countries, English Language Fellows, Specialists, and Virtual Educators work directly with local teachers, students, and educational professionals to improve the quality of English language instruction offered at prestigious universities and other academic institutions.

“It is an honor to work with Ukrainian students and faculty. Their determination to improve their language skills, add to their knowledge of pedagogy, and learn more about U.S. culture has truly touched me, especially amid all the challenges they face daily while living through a war. The event was extra special because Violetta Panchenko and I worked on our presentation virtually through Zoom and were able to present our session together in Tampa to educators from around the world.”

For further information, visit English Language Programs and the U.S. Department of State, Office of English Language Programs.