Planning Committee

Meet the team making it all happen!

(Names are listed alphabetically by first name)

Denise Yvonne

ALWC2026 Conference Co-chair

Denise is a Fulbright DAI alumna (2025) with a BA in Linguistics from Makerere University and professional certifications in teaching, leadership, and digital literacy. With over a decade of experience as an educator and teacher trainer, she is committed to advancing equity, excellence, and innovation in English language education, particularly in under-resourced and displaced communities. As a trainer with the Uganda National English Language Teachers Association (UNELTA), she leads work in inclusive, learner-centered, and culturally responsive pedagogy, aligned with SDG 4. She has presented and served on panels across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Africa TESOL, ALZEC, and Africa ELTA conferences, contributing to conversations on 21st-century education trends.

Jefrey Honrado

ALWC2026 Conference Co-chair

Jefrey Honrado is a language teacher and a Fulbright alum (2025) assigned at the University of Rochester. He completed a Master’s Degree in Filipino Language, and has nearly completed his second master’s degree in English Language Teaching, reflecting his background in bilingual education. His professional engagements include Campus Journalism and Gender and Development (GAD). He is currently working on Rainbow Literacies which deals with pedagogies that integrate gender-responsive and LGBTQ+ concept in language teaching.

Khalid Ihtite

ALWC2026 Conference Co-chair

Khalid Ihtite , a Fulbright DAI alumnus, is an EFL teacher in a public high school in Morocco. He placed at the university of Rochester, NY, US. Khalid is passionate about teaching and global educational and cultural exchange. He is currently a master student at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech studying linguistics and Advanced English Studies.

Nourddine Binij

ALWC2026 Conference Co-chair

Based in New York, Nourddine is an ESL teacher and PhD candidate specializing in instructional pragmatics. His research spans applied linguistics and educational psychology, focusing on explicit and implicit instruction, intercultural communication, and technology-enhanced language learning. Previously, he served as an instructor at Ibn Zohr University in Morocco and at Manhattan University in New York.

Salah Boutouil

ALWC2026 Conference Co-chair

Salah is a Fulbright DAI alumnus (2025) and a certified high school EFL teacher from Morocco with TESOL and TEFL qualifications. He is a Microsoft Innovative Educator (MIE) Expert (2023). Passionate about teaching, he creates classrooms—both in-person and online—that inspire curiosity, foster cultural exchange, and empower students in English. With 7 years experience in high school and 4 years in tertiary education, he uses digital tools, creative methods, and project-based learning to make education engaging and inclusive.

Shusmita Shyama

ALWC2026 Conference Co-chair

Shusmita Shyama, based in Bangladesh, is a lecturer in English Language at Tongi Government College and an experienced EFL practitioner. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and an MA in Applied Linguistics and ELT. Her interests include academic writing, student engagement, formative assessment, and teaching learners from diverse and under-resourced backgrounds. She has worked with the National Curriculum and Textbook Board of Bangladesh, teaches Honors and Higher Secondary students, and writes weekly columns in a Bangla newspaper.

Trihartita Sulispera S. Palimbong

ALWC2026 Conference Co-chair

Trihartita Sulispera S. Palimbong is a Fulbright DAI Alumna at the University of Rochester. She is currently teaching English at the secondary level and also serves as a school principal at the junior college level in Indonesia. She has a keen interest in integrating gamification into English classroom activities to boost student motivation and inspire fellow teachers to adopt innovative and engaging teaching strategies.

Any questions? Email us at <appliedlinguistics@nystesol.org>

Page updated

Report abuse