Christians in English Language Teaching (CELT)
In-Person Conference in Houston, TX: March 19, 2027
CALL FOR PROPOSALS
The Christian English Language Educators Association (CELEA) invites presentation proposals for the CELT Conference being held on March 19, 2027.
We have been praying that CELT 2027 would be used by the Lord to encourage, renew, and restore Christians in English Language Teaching. In the CELT 2026 keynote speech in Salt Lake City, Utah, Dr. Alan Seaman led us through the past, present, and future of Christians in ELT and we were left to consider what was next given the innovations and challenges of this age. The progress and advancements we all benefit from also provide challenges, particularly for Christians in the field of English Language Teaching. While some search for physical and emotional refuge amid policy changes, instability, and war, others may be trying to survive technological advancements, changes in funding, and shifting enrollments. And in an effort to keep up or survive, we risk losing the reason we all began teaching in the first place.
In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages the early church to not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest. And in Revelation 2:3, the church in Ephesus is commended for persevering in Jesus’ name and not growing weary.
In Isaiah, we can be comforted by the words that tell us the Lord will renew the strength of those who trust in Him, and they will run and not be weary (Isaiah 40:29-31). The charge to not grow weary and persevere is not empty. It is not unattainable or cruel, even in an age where our current identity as teachers may be threatened. It is filled with promise that the Lord will renew us with HIS strength and the harvest is coming.
Our theme for CELT 2027 is “Reclaiming the Soul of Education: Persisting in Times of Hardship and Change” because as Christians we need an informed response to the current challenges our world faces with our souls at the center. We pray that as you consider a proposal, you’ll consider topics that will explore the way we continue to teach with excellence, persevere in challenges, utilize the tools and innovation of this age, all while preserving the treasure of the souls we’ve been entrusted to teach. We invite proposals from a wide array of countries, teaching contexts, focus areas, and instructional styles that encourage one another, fellowship together, and grow in our shared mission as Christian English language teachers.
Presentation proposals must include a clear Christian perspective. They may highlight theory, research, or practice, and may focus on educational, linguistic, cultural, practical, or spiritual issues related to English language teaching.
Accepted proposals will have either a 30 or 45 minute presentation time. Interaction is encouraged throughout, but a minimum of 10 minutes should be reserved within that presentation time for Q&A.
We welcome you to submit a proposal for the conference using this link https://forms.gle/jHXvQ3592mcoAthm6 by January 1, 2027.
Review and selection criteria include clarity and organization of content, Christian distinctiveness, fit for intended audience, and connections with recognized theory, research, or practice. Notification of proposal acceptance status will be sent via email by January 22, 2027.
For interested institutions or organizations, there will be an exhibition area available at the conference venue.
Registration for the CELT Conference will be available in November at the CELEA website, https://celea.wildapricot.org/ . Accepted presenters receive complimentary conference registration!