Fall 2026 CoTESOL Convention

This presentation explores how strong teacher–student relationships support social-emotional development in elementary classrooms. Adriana Cabrera, a third-grade teacher at Sopris Elementary School in Glenwood Springs, CO, conducted a year-long action research project with 21 students in her class. Observations took place during morning greetings, family events, cultural celebrations, CREW circles, and small group activities, capturing student engagement, emotional expressions, and attendance patterns.

Grounded in literature highlighting the role of trust, active listening, and inclusive classroom culture, this study documented how intentional relationship-building strategies fostered increased participation, reduced absenteeism, and a stronger sense of community. Cabrera’s findings emphasize the connection between relational practices and student well-being, as evidenced by qualitative indicators such as smiles, hugs, peer-to-peer connections, and enthusiasm for learning.

Participants will gain practical strategies for cultivating positive relationships, integrating cultural events into classroom life, and supporting both social-emotional learning and academic success. The session will also address challenges and provide recommendations for fostering trust in multilingual and culturally diverse classrooms.

Cabrera’s work affirms that for educators especially in diverse communities building authentic relationships is not supplementary but foundational to student growth, belonging, and achievement.

CDE CLDE Credit: 5.09(1) ELEMENT A

Audience: Teacher Education/Action Research

This presentation will examine possibilities when teaching adult ESL learners the perception and production of segmental features of English pronunciation in a hybrid flexible classroom where some students attended in person, and others attended online. Deliberate implementation of pronunciation instruction and practice in a hybrid flexible class can(?) increase students’ equitable access to educational resources If learning outcomes associated with the format are comparable to other formats (i.e. traditional face to face and online synchronous), programs could consider employing it in their hybrid classes. Specific attention will be paid to some of the pronunciation activities used in an adult hybrid ESOL class in Longmont, as well as some of the results of a Master's thesis on this research.

CDE CLDE Credit: 5.10(1) ELEMENT A

Audience: Adult Education