• Gilbert Toro Ventura• Millie Commander• Matilde García• Annie Montero• Shirley Jimenez• Lionel Kaufman, Jr.• Marie Elaine Aloise • Carmen May• Jean Rodríguez• Marta Y. Pabellón• Naomi Vega Nieves• Estella Marquez• William García-Cardona• Miriam Deida • Inocencia Nieves• Auda Ivette Pérez• José Sellas• Miguel A. Camacho

PUERTO RICO TESOL'S PRESIDENTS

• Paquita Ayala• Nívea McClintock• Ramón Santiago• Nitza Lladó• Antonio J. Martínez• Lucy Portela• Carola A. Marín• Ronald Flores• Edwin Lamoli Torres• Betty Prados• Agnes B. Werner• Alice Jimenez• Héctor M. Peña• Aurora Rodríguez• Ylda Farré-Rigau• Madeleine Hudders• María  A. Irizarry• Nereida Delgado• Nick Silva• Carmen M. Meléndez

Paquita Ayala 1969

1969

First President: Paquita AyalaDepartment of Education

Vice-President: Annette López

We were the first TESOL affiliate

First PR TESOL Conference: Colegio Las Madres, Santurce (University of Sacred Heart)

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Judith Nine Curt

Attendance of approximately 200 people

Nivea McClintock - 1973

1973

President: Nivea McClintockUniversity of Puerto Rico

PRTESOL Conference: University of Puerto Rico Bayamón

PRTESOL hosted the seventh Annual TESOL Convention at the Caribe Hilton

The TESOLGRAM was born

First TESOLGRAM editor Joseph Kavetsky

Ramon Santiago - 1974

1974

President: Ramon SantiagoUniversity of Puerto Rico Mayagüez

Two Conferences were held:

University of Puerto Rico –Rio Piedras

University of Puerto Rico –Mayagüez

Board meetings were held throughout the Island.

Nitza Llado - 1975

1975

President: Nitza LladóUniversity of Puerto Rico

The youngest president

Designed the first PRTESOL Flag and Pin

Began work on the first Constitution

Three Conference were held:Catholic University, Ponce

University of Sacred Heart, Santurce

University of Puerto Rico, Humacao

Antonio Martinez - 1976

1976

President: Antonio MartínezUniversity of Puerto Rico

Two Conventions were held:Condado Holiday Inn

The first Convention to be held at a hotel.

Co- sponsored a convention with DATE- Dominican Association of Teacher of English.

70 PRTESOL members traveled to the Dominican Republic for it.

Two small Conferences at:University of Puerto Rico - AreciboColegio Universitario del Turabo

Lucy Portela - 1977

1977

President: Lucy PortelaDepartment of Education

PRTESOL Convention at El San Juan Hotel

PRTESOL wrote it’s first Constitution.

We became incorporated with the Department of State as a non-profit

organization.

Regional chapters were organized- Western and Southern.

Two Mini Conferences:Aguadilla and Humacao.

Carola A. Marin - 1978

1978

President: Carola MarinPuerto Rico Junior College

PRTESOL Convention at The Sheraton HotelKeynote Speaker: Harvey Nadler

Special guest speaker: Carlos Chardon- Secretary of Education

National Association Of Bilingual Education (NABE) was held here with the collaboration

of PRTESOL 3,500 attended

Ronald Flores - 1979

1979

President: Ronald FloresColegio Universitario del Turabo

PRTESOL Convention: Dupont Plaza HotelNovember

Keynote Speaker: Ismael Almodovar UPR President

TESOLGRAM had a special convention issue.

Bulletin from the Board was created.

Edwin Lamoli Torres - 1980

1980

President: Edwin LamoliUniversity of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center(First convention to be held there)

November 14-15

Keynote Speaker: H Douglas Brown.

A special interest group of elementary school teachers was school organized.

The PRTESOL constitution was amended

Northern TESOL was organized.

Betty Prados - 1981

1981

President: Betty PradosSacred Heart Academy

First Elementary School Teacher to be president

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention CenterNovember 7-8

Keynote Speaker: Christian Bratt Paulston

Special Speaker: María Socorro Lacot Secretary of Education

Eastern TESOL was organized.

Each chapter had local activities.Awards were created for members

Two Scholarships for graduate ESL studies were awarded.

Agnes B. Werner - 1982

1982

President: Agnes WernerUniversity of Puerto Rico

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center November 19-20,1982.

Keynote Speakers: Richard Allright and Diana Larsen TESOL President 1982

First Summer Institute was held Co- sponsored by Scott Foresman & Co. June 7-11 at UPR. (One week)

Regional chapter conferences were held

Alice Jimenez - 1983

1983

President: Alice JiménezDepartment of Education

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Holiday InnNovember 11-12

Summer Institute (one week) Inter American University, San German campus

Hector M. Peña - 1984

1984

President: Héctor PéñaUniversity of Puerto Rico Bayamón

PRTESOL Convention: Palace Hotel Isla VerdeNovember 16-17

Keynote Speakers: Mary Finocchiaro and Charles Blatchford TESOL President 1984

Summer Institute: Catholic University, June 4-8.Topic: Improve Ourselves as Teachers of ESL

Speakers: Mary Elizabeth Hines,Evelyn Nelson TESOL President 1983,

Pat Alma Moreno Department of Education.

Aurora Rodriguez - 1985

1985

President: Aurora RodríguezInter-Americana University, San German

2003 Recipient- The Marie Elaine Aloise Lifetime achievement award

PRTESOL Conference: Condado Convention Center November 22-23, 1985

Keynote Speakers: Harvey Nadler and Anthony Gregoric

Summer Institute Humacao University College (one week).

First Regional Conference

Ylda Farre-Rigau -1986

1986

President: Ylda Farré- RigauUniversity of Puerto Rico

Executive Secretary & Treasurer for five yearsFirst recipient of PRTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award 1998

PRTESOL Conference: Condado Convention CenterTheme: Diversity and Challenge

Memorial for Tony Martínez.-past president 1976

Second Regional Caribbean Conference in Venezuela- Several PRTESOL member’s presented and attended

One week Summer Institute at University of TuraboWith Continuing Education Credits

Special Dinner Activities in Metro Area with: Stephen Krashen and Kenji Hakuta

Distinguished Educators Award given to Harvey Nadler

Madeleine Hudders - 1987

1987

President: Madeline HaddersUniversity of Puerto Rico

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention CenterTheme: Working Together

Hosted the Third Caribbean Regional ConferenceDedicated to the Secretaries of the of Department of

Education

Keynote Speakers: John Oller, Jean Zukowski-Faust, Leslie Ford and John Dennis

One week Summer Institute on Critical Thinking, Expository Writing, Learning Disabilities

University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón.

Maria Antonia Irizarry - 1988

1988

President: María Antonia IrizarryUniversity of Puerto Rico

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Plaza Hotel Nov 18-19Theme: Fifteen Years Working Hand in Hand with the

Teachers Of Our Island

Keynote Speakers : Dick Allwright Carol Numrich, and Judy Olsen.

Summer Institute UPR, Arecibo one-weekThinking Through English Technology & Creativity,

Cooperative Learning, Teaching English Through the Performing Arts.

Nereida Delgado - 1989

Nick Silva - 1990

1989

President: Nick SilvaAmerican University

PRTESOL Convention: Normandie Hotel, San Juan November 2-3,

Theme: Enhancing the Best of our Tradition and the Promise of a New Horizon in ESL

Summer Institute (one day) Ponce Holiday Inn

Carmen Maria Melendez 1991

1991

President: Carmen María MeléndezUniversity of Puerto Rico

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Beach HotelKeynote Speakers:

Lydia Stack- TESOL President 1991, Rebecca Oxford and Jean Maculaitos

Tenth Summers Institute (one day) Rio Mar Beach Hotel.Topic: Reading Comprehension

Speaker: Dr. Joan D. Coley.

The Constitution was amended

Gilbert Toro Ventura - 1992

1992

President: Gilbert ToroCatholic University

1999Recipient of the PRTESOL Lifetime Achievement Award

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Beach Hotel Nov 20-21Theme: Exploring A New World

Keynote Speakers: Jack Richards and Robert Lado

$18,000 profit was made on the convention.Summer Institute:Antilles High School- Buchanan

Topic: Classroom Research.Speaker: Claryce Evans

The Constitution was amended.

Millie Commander - 1993

1993President: Millie Commander

Inter American University, Metro campus

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center Nov 12-13Theme: Puerto Rico is Part of The Whole

Keynote Speaker: James Bauman Editor of the ReadingTeacherSummer Institute (one day) Inter American University -MetroTopic: Alternative Approaches & Theories in Second Language

Acquisition Speaker: Miriam Eisenstein

Highlight of the year:Important Amendments to the Constitution

PRTESOL Position paper on English as an official language in Puerto Rico offered at the house of Representative hearing

VISA Account was opened PRTESOLWork closely with the Department Education for membership

and convention attendance.Established special fee for retired members.

Applied for Employer Identification number with the IRS.

Matilde Garcia - 1994

1994

President: Matilde GarcíaInter-American University, Metro campus

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Convention Center November 18-19

Theme: Spanish and English in Puerto Rico- Back to Back or Side to Side

Keynote Speakers: H. Douglas Brown and Mario Herrera (first time in Puerto Rico)

Ceremony held to Honor Past Presidents

Summer Institute one: University of Puerto Rico, Aguadilla

Annie Montero - 1995

1995

President: Annie MonteroCatholic University

PRTESOL Convention: Ponce Hilton Hotel November 17-18First Hotel Convention taken out of the Metro Area

TESOL: Facing the 21st Century.Keynote Speakers: Carolyn Graham and Mario Herrera

Publishers’ Reception at Castillo Serrallés

Summer Institute University of Puerto Rico, AreciboSpeaker: Maty García

Membership list was reorganized and computerized

Metro chapter was organized.

Shirley Jimenez - 1996

1996

President: Shirley JiménezCatholic University

PRTESOL Convention: Ponce Hilton Hotel and Casino November 15-16

Fourth Central American and Caribbean Regional TESOLTheme: TESOL Beyond Boundries

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Diane Larsen- Freeman Dr. Patricia Richard-Amato and Dr. Spencer Kagan

Summer Institute: University of TuraboTopic: Alternative Assessment

Speaker: Madeline HuddersThe Constitution became bylaws and it was amended The Socio Political Concerns Committee was created

First WEB Page created by Dr. Robert Van TriesteAwards & Scholarships were renewed and expanded.

Revival of the Eastern PRTESOL Chapter.

Lionel Kaufman, Jr. - 1997

1997

President: Lionel KaufmanUniversity of Puerto Rico Humacao

PRTESOL Convention: Caribe Hilton Hotel November 14-15Theme: Approaching the Next Millennium Diversity and VarietyKeynote Speakers: Joy Reid, Michael Mc Carthy, Andrew Cohen

and Jim Cummins

Summer Institute Inter American University, Ponce Topic: The Use of Computers in the ESL Classroom

Speakers: Dr. Mark Wekander, Dr. Robert Van Trieste and Dr. Sharon Clampitt

Dramatic increase in membership 1,500.

The Bylaws were amended

Marie Elaine Aloise - 1998

1998

President: Marie Elaine AloiseDepartment of Education

PRTESOL Convention: San Juan Grand Beach Resort, Isla Verde Nov 20-21

Theme: Recalling the Past to Gain Insight to the FutureKeynote Speakers: Dr. Miriam Eisenstein- Ebsworth and

Dr. Mary Ann Christson

Summer Institute:

Lifetime Achievement Award was established and awarded to Dr. Ylda Farré.

Carmen May - 1999

1999

President: Carmen MayUniversity of Puerto Rico Bayamón

PRTESOL Convention: Ponce Hilton and Casino Hotel Nov 12-13

Theme: Opening Doors to Goals of ExcellenceKeynote Speakers: Dr. Steven Molinsky, Dr. Neil

Anderson and Mario HerreraSummer Institute at The University of the Sacred Heart

UniversityTopic: Successful Proposal Writing for Funds, Equipment

and Grants with three speakers.

Publisher’s cocktail was held at the beginning of the year.

A strong membership drives was held.

Close collaboration with Department of Education.

Jean Rodriguez - 2000

2000

President: Jean RodríguezInter American University, Guayama

PRTESOL Convention: Wyndham El Conquistador Resort, Fajardo November 17-18, 2000

Theme: Amidst the Nouveau MillenniumKeynote Speakers: Dr. Roger Farr, Michael Atkins, and

George Suarez

Summer Institute at University of the Sacred HeartTopic: Social and Emotional Intelligence

Multiples Intelligences Speakers: Dr. Naomi Vega Nieves and

Prof. Marta Y. Pabellón

Marta Y. Pabellon - 2001

2001

President: Marta Y. PabellónDepartment of Education

First public high school teacher to serve as presidentDr. Marie Aloise- past president served as Executive Secretary

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Plaza Hotel November 16-17

Theme: A Rainbow of Intelligences Equals UniquenessKeynote Speakers: Dr. Spencer Kagan and Mario Herrera

Summer Institute- June 9Caribbean University- Vega Baja

Highlights of the year:Established close collaboration with the English teachers

of the Dominican Republic.Economic recovery of PRTESOL

Naomi Vega Nieves - 2002

2002

President: Dr. Naomi Vega NievesThe University of the Sacred Heart

PRTESOL Convention: Ritz Carlton San Juan Hotel Spa and Casino, Isla Verde November 22-23

Theme: Language and Literacy:Perspectives and ChallengesKeynote Speakers: Dr. Roger Farr and Dr. Keith Folse

Memorial was held for Dr. Marie Elaine Aloise who died July 27, 2002

Summer Institute: Inter American University, BayamónTopics: Testing, Brain Based learning and Power Point

PresentationsSpeaker: Prof.Gladys Cruz, Dr.Marie Elaine Aloise

Dr. Debra Ann Zumaeta

Estella Marquez - 2003

2003

President: Estella MárquezCarvin School, Carolina

PRTESOL Convention: Wyndham El San Juan Hotel & Casino, Isla Verde November 21-22

Theme: Teaching English in the Digital AgeKeynote Speakers: Dr. Dannett Geolen Babb and

Dr. Rory McGreal Mini-Institute by Dr. Mario Herrera

Summer Institute -June 7 -Catholic University, PonceTopics: Reading and Writing Techniques, Integrating

Music and Art, Special Needs Students

William Garcia-Cardona - 2004

2004

President: William Garcia-CardonaUniversity of Puerto Rico

PRTESOL Convention: Caribe Hilton HotelNovember 19-20

Theme: Merging all our Voices as One: Imagine the Possibilities

Miriam Deida - 2005

2005

President: Miriam DeidaCatholic University

PRTESOL Convention: Universidad del Turabo, Cayey

November 5

Theme: Stepping Towards the Future in Language Learning

Inocencia Nieves Muñoz  - 2006

2006

President:Inocencia Nieves Muñoz  Department of Education

PRTESOL Convention: Condado Plaza HotelNovember 10-11

Theme:Empowering Teachers: English Crossing Boundaries

Keynote Speakers: Mary Ellen  Vogt, Pamela Hartman, and Dr. Felix Padilla

Auda Ivette Pérez - 2007

2007

President: Auda I. PérezDepartment of Education

PRTESOL Convention: Puerto Rico Convention Center, San JuanNovember 9 -10

Theme: TESOL Educators: Transforming Lives in a Challenging, Changing WorldKeynote Speakers: Dr. Joanne H. Urrutia, Gabriel Diaz Maggioli, Robert T. Jimenez and Dr. Gilbert Toro-Ventura

Back to School Institute: Strategies That Work• Using Storytelling and Read Alouds to Foster Reading• Creating Your Own Course on Blackboard, Prof. Daniel Mercado• Making Literature and Flims Connect in the ESL Class

José R. Sellas Aponte - 2008

2008

President:José SellasInter American University

PRTESOL Convention: Gran Melia Hotel and Resort, Río Grande

November 21-22

Theme: The Next Generation of ESL: Tapestry for Sucess

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Mario Herrera and Dr. Rosalie Porter

Miguel A. Camacho - 2009

2009

President: Miguel A. CamachoDepartment of Education

PRTESOL Convention: Ponce HiltonNovember 20-21

Theme: Winds of Change: Teaching for Tomorrow

Keynote Speakers: Dr. Deborah Short and Esmeralda Santiago