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LARAEC

Lunch with LARAEC

Welcome to Lunch with LARAEC!

To continue the magic of our LARAEC conferences throughout the year, join your hosts Justin and Michele at our lunch time series. Sessions are selected for general interest, support of remote instruction and learning,  curriculum, student support services, or educational research. Upcoming topics are included below. 

Please register for each session so we can send you reminders, any last minute updates, and meeting materials. 

If you are interested in presenting a Lunch with LARAEC session, you can submit a proposal by clicking the link below or contact Michele Stiehl at michele.stiehl@lausd.net  Suggestions for future sessions are also welcome. 


Lunch with LARAEC is Back

Grab Your Lunch and Join Michele and Justin for some Amazing PD!  Thursdays from 12:30-1:30pm

Join Us for our New Season of Lunch with LARAEC!

Connecting Textbook Lessons and Games to the English Language Proficiency Standards for Online Classes!

May 22nd, 2025  12:30 PM-1:30pm

Donna Price is back with her engaging “gamify” presentation for online classes! Want to add some additional games, mixers, and other communicative activities to your teaching palette? Join Donna Price as she shares activities that reinforce the ELPS for adult education.  She will share five standards and demonstrate game-like activities for online classes that address the standard.  Adaptable to any level, these activities reinforce listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar to prepare students for standardized tests that are based on the ELPS.

Presenters: Donna Price taught ESL and VESL for over 40 years for the San Diego Community College Continuing Education Program.  She presents at national conferences on integrating workplace skills in ESL classes. She is the author of Skills for Success and co-author of the Ventures series from Cambridge University Press.

Teaching in the Age of AI-Everything You Wanted to Know But Were Afraid to Ask

May 29th, 2025  12:30 PM-1:30pm

Teachers were just starting to catch their breath on all the tech they were supposed to figure out and… BOOM! A meteorite shot across the educational universe and changed everything.  This workshop addresses concerns and explores how to optimize AI use in your classroom to benefit both teachers and learners.  Don’t be afraid…we got this!

Presenter: Brent Warner is a professor of ESL at Irvine Valley College in California, and an educational technology enthusiast. He is cohost of the DIESOL podcast, the only podcast with a specific focus on EdTech in ESL. He frequently presents on the crossroads of technology and language learning, focusing on student engagement and developing learner autonomy. Brent likes his coffee black and his oranges orange. 

Lunch with LARAEC Archive

2024-2025 Sessions

Date of Session Zoom Link Title of Session Resources
May 15, 2025
Connect, Collaborate, Create: Marximizing the New CASAS Teacher Portal
Presented by the CASAS Team

PowerPoint Presentation Coming Soon!

May 8, 2025
Beyond the Classroom: Real-world Learning Through Community Connections
Presented by Carolyn Corrie, Pasadena City College
May 1, 2025
Supporting Low Performance, Low Attendance Classes
Presented by the Salinas Superstars
April 10, 2025
Turning the Cruise Ship: LARAEC Three Year Plan Highlights with Justin and Michele
March 6, 2025
Fast, focused, and Effective: Microlearning for Classroom Success
Presented by: Edgar Zardaryan, Burbank USD
February 27, 2025
Student Engagement Through Active Teaching Strategies
Presented by: Jaya George, Los Angeles USD
February 20, 2025
Move, Speak, Connect: Dynamic Strategies for Classroom Engagement
Presented by: Brad Wheeler, Culver City Adult School
February 6, 2025
How to become an UndocuAlly: Supporting Undocumented Students
Presented by: Javier Carbajal-Ramos, LA Valley College
January 30, 2025
Connecting Textbook Lessons and Games to English Language Proficiency Standards
Presented by: Donna Price
January 23, 2025
An Insider’s Guide to Using AI to Develop ESL Lessons and Materials
Presented by: Jake Baldwin, Burbank Adult School
January 16, 2025
Tips and Tricks to Boost Student Retention, Persistence, and Paired Scores.
PLUS BONUS CONTENT on the profound impact of adult education on families.
Presented by: Salinas Adult School
December 12, 2024
Enhancing Classroom Learning with Grab and Go Lesson Plans
November 14, 2024
Back to the Basics: Best Practices in the Adult Education Classroom
November 7, 2024
Allied Health and ELL Students: Strategies for Supercharging Student Success

2023-2024 Sessions

Scheduled Sessions Zoom Link Time Title of Session Register
April 11, 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Preparing Students for STEPS Assessment Success
Presenters: Miranda LaBatt and Julia Groman from Burlington
April 4, 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Differentiating Instruction
Presenters: Martha Martinez & Sandra Lopez from LAUSD
March 14, 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Using UDL to Increase Engagement, Equity, and Access
Presenters: Karin de Varennes from OTAN

Closed

February 29, 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Using Technology to Create and Engaging and Dynamic Classroom
Presenters: Helen Chade-Mahshi from Cambridge Assessment

Closed

February 22 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Strategies for Hosting an Immigration Event
Presenters: Angel Amaro and Patty Arellano from LA City College

Closed

February 8 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Practical Classroom Activities for ELPS and New CASAS STEPS test
Presenters: Donna Price and Gretchin Bitterlin
January 25, 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Digital Tools and Strategies for GED Success
Presenters: Debi Faucette and Lisa Pool Osorio, GED Testing Services
January 23, 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Preparing to Succeed with the New CASAS STEPS Test
Presenters: Dave Coleman and Bob Proctor, LAUSD Curriculum and Instruction Unit
January 18, 2024
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Incorporating Infographics to increase engagement and connect with workforce topics
Presenter: Andrew O’Shea, National Sales manager for Nat Geo Learning

PowerPoint

December 14, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Supporting Undocumented Students
Presenter: Javier Carbajal Ramos, LA Valley College
December 7, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Using ChatGPT for Teacher Lesson Support
Presenter: Susan Gaer, OTAN

Closed

November 30, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Insider’s Guide to Supporting Noncredit Adult Ed Students
Presenters: Dra. Raquel Michel-Jackson & Sandra Pena from Los Angeles City College
November 16 , 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Engaging All Learners Online: Including Special Education and AWD students
Presenter: Dr. Mary Gallagher
Closed
November 9, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Engaing All Learners Online: Including Special Education and AWD students
Presenter: Elisia Doonan, OTAN Subject matter expert and San Diego College of Continuing Education
Closed
November 2, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Universal Design for Learning: Advancing Student Equity and Achievement
Presenter: Francisco Narciso, LAUSD Curriculum and Instruction Team
October 19, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Unleashing the Power of AI in Adult Education
Presenter: Kristi Reyes, MIra Costa College

2022-2023 Sessions

Scheduled Sessions Zoom Link Time Title of Session Register
May 18, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Onboarding Students with Counseling
and in On-line & In-person Classrooms
Presenter: LARAEC Counseling and Transitions Team
May 11, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Stuff I Wish I Knew- Canva Flyers and Posters
Presenter: Samantha Ross, LAUSD
May 4, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Project Based Learning in ESL and ABE
Presenter: Kristi Reyes, Mira Costa College
April 27, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Voice From the Field: IET nd the Importance of Student Input
Presenter: Dr. Francisco Narciso
April 20, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Simplifying Language to Promote Persistence and Motivation
Presenter: Lee Shainis, Author, Trainer, and Founder of Simplify Language
closed
April 13, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Virtual Tools to Boost Accessibility and Engagement
Presenters: Margaret Cooney (BUSD), Patricia Gamboa (BUSD), and Dr. Q (LAUSD).
closed
February 23, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Incorporating Blended Learning Instructional Strategies
Presenter: Karyn Ruiz
closed
February 16, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Strategies for Creating
Equitable Schools
Presenter: Sudie Whelan
February 9, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Transform Your Classroom with
Collaborative Writing Tasks
Presenter: Kristi Reyes
February 2, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Access America-USA Learns (100% Free)
Integration ESL Course
Presenter: Alisa Takeuchi
January 19, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Emotional Intelligence
Practical Activities for your Classroom
Presenter: Dr. Laura Manyweather
January 12, 2023
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Stuff I Wish I Knew
Flippity, Answer Garden, and Classroom Screen
Presenter: Samantha Ross
December 15, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Leveraging Social Media to Increase Enrollment and Engagement
Presenters: Josh Borja & Pierre Giammattei
December 8, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Website Essentials
Presenters: Pierre Giammattei & Josh Borja
December 1, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Stuff I Wish I Knew: Google Voice and Calendly
Presenter: Samantha Ross
November 10, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Developing Highly Effective Marketing Messages for Targeted Recruitment
Presenter: Celina Shands, Full Capacity Marketing, Inc.
October 27, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Stuff I Wish I Knew: Time Saving Tips
Presenter: Samantha Ross
October 20, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
New!! LARAEC Student and Staff Resources Website!!
Closed

Previous Years

Scheduled Sessions Zoom Link Time Title of Session Register
May 5, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
LARAEC Three Year Plan 2022-2025 Highlights and Feedback
Presenters Justin Gorence and Michele Stiehl
Closed
April 21, 2022
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Maximize Persistence and Engagement in your classroom
Straightforward and high-impact tips
Presenter Dave Coleman
Closed
December 16, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
The Best FREE Library Resources for Adult Students
Learn about free tutoring, learning languages, exam prep, and more
Presenter Kelly Tyler
Closed
December 9, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Helping Students Onboard
Approaches to support students, encourage engagement, and build relationships
Presenters from MIraCosta and Palomar Colleges, and Poway Adult School
Closed
May 6, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
The Power of Feedback!
Using feedback to support student engagement and persistence
Presenter: Dave Coleman, LAUSD
Closed
April 29, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Remote Data!
Data collection and testing strategies from our consortium.
LARAEC Data Action Planning Team
Closed
April 8 & 13, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
LARAEC EDGE Preview
We will share event details and how to incorporate your classes
Presenters: Justin Gorence and Michele Stiehl
Closed
April 1, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Community College Financial Aid
Understanding Programs and the FAFSA to guide your students
Presenter: Pierce College, Anafe Robinson
Closed
March 25, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Transition to College
Registration Process and LA College Promise
Presenters: ELAC, Alexander Velasquez and Stephanie Amaya
Closed
February 25, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
ESL Learner Persistence
Best Practices from 8 teachers with high persistence rates
Presenters: Francisco Narciso and Wendy Heard
Closed
February 18, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Teaching with Burlington
Using Burlington to enhance your online ESL instruction.
Presenters: Teacher Presenter
Closed
February 11, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
How to Support Your Textbook with a
Learning Management System (LMS): Canvas and Stand Out.
Presenters: Rob Jenkins and Steve Maggiore
Closed
February 4, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Integrating video resources into lessons
Presenters: Natasha Urias and Bruce Sahud
January 28, 2021
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Online Tools to Increase Interaction
Presenters: Donna Price and Gretchen Bitterlin
Closed
December 10, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Remote Orientation and Enrollment Strategies
Closed
November 19, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Engaging Students on Zoom: Practical Tools & Tips
Closed
November 12, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Break Free of Boredom: Zoom Breakrooms for ESL Classes
Closed
November 5, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Real Skills Needed to Teach Online
Closed
October 22, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Senate Bill 68 and What it Means for our Students
Closed
October 15, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Introducing the Draft of Revised ESL Course Outlines
Closed
October 8, 2020
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Social Media to Engage and Retain Adult Students
Closed

Connecting Textbook Lessons and Games to the English Language Proficiency Standards

January 30th, 2025  12:30 PM-1:30pm

Want to add some additional games, mixers, and other communicative activities to your teaching palette? Join the amazing Donna Price as she shares activities that reinforce the ELPS for adult education.  She will share five standards and demonstrate game-like activities that address the standard.  Adaptable to any level, these activities reinforce listening, speaking, reading, writing, vocabulary, and grammar to prepare students for standardized tests that are based on the ELPS. If you’re looking for immediately implementable activities for your classroom, this presentation is for you!  

Presenter: Donna Price taught all levels of ESL and VESL for over 40 years for the San Diego Community College Continuing Education Program. She presents at national and regional conferences on integrating workplace skills in ESL classes and transitioning students to academic and workforce programs. She is currently a teacher trainer and mentor. Donna is the author of Skills for Success and co-author of the Ventures series from Cambridge University Press. 

Top Ten Tips for School Site Meeting Facilitation for Teachers, Staff, and Administrators

February 13th, 2025  12:30 PM-1:30pm

Does the idea of facilitating meetings at your school site or for your program area give you anxiety? Would you like some pro tips to make the process fun and easy? Then join facilitator-trainer extraordinaire Becky Foreman for a how-to session on the key elements to making your meetings energizing, effective, idea sharing sessions.  You’ll walk away with the tools you need to put you on the road to becoming a master facilitator. 

Presenter: Becky Foreman is a professional consultant with over sixteen years of experience in nonprofit management. After retiring from her position as a nonprofit executive director in 2011 Becky launched her own business as a facilitator and trainer, offering customized workshops, planning sessions and trainings designed to meet an organization’s most pressing needs.

Additional Zoom Information

Join Zoom Meeting

https://wearedace.zoom.us/j/96043747256

Meeting ID: 960 4374 7256

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Meeting ID: 960 4374 7256