BREAKOUT #7
LOCATION: HERITAGE 6
In this panel discussion moderated by Dr. Katie Welch, a group of experienced program directors will reflect on the opportunities and challenges unique to faith-affiliated ESL initiatives.
About This Session
Description
Faith-affiliated ESL programs operate at the intersection of language learning and ministry. But how do leaders faithfully shepherd both the instructional and spiritual dimensions of their programs?
In this panel discussion, experienced program directors will reflect on the opportunities and challenges unique to faith-affiliated ESL initiatives. Drawing from lived experience, they will discuss how they navigate both the universal realities of ESL programming and the distinct dynamics of ministry contexts.
What we'll cover:
The session will feature a moderated panel discussion, audience Q&A, and practical sharing from experienced faith-affiliated ESL program leaders representing a variety of ministry contexts.
Topics may include:
Recruiting and equipping volunteers
Supporting and retaining students
Training teachers with clarity and confidence
Ensuring safety and responsible oversight
Making decisions about curriculum, levels, and placement
Balancing language-learning excellence with church priorities
Participants will leave with renewed vision, concrete ideas, and a deeper understanding of how to lead programs that are both instructionally strong and ministry-centered.
Topics & Focus
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Assigned by TCALL
Audience
Level
Case study?
Promotion?
Find definitions of topic areas, audiences, levels, and PD categories by clicking on any icon, or see them all on this page.
A note from the presenter:
No other info available at this time.
Handouts & Materials
No handouts or materials available at this time.
“Name of Session” – session presentation slides (PDF)
Name of Document – lesson sample (PDF)
Name of Document (PDF)
Name of Document – infographic (JPG)
Discussion Panel
MODERATOR
Katie Welch, Ph.D.
Teacher Trainer
Literacy ConneXus
Visit Literacy ConneXus in the conference Exhibitor Area!
Katie Welch, Ph.D., is a university instructor, program director, teacher trainer, and active volunteer in adult education classrooms. She currently serves as Interim Director of the English Language Institute at the University of Texas at Arlington and teaches courses preparing educators for adult ESOL classrooms.
Katie has trained ESOL educators working in adult education, community-based programs, and K–12 schools. She spent seven years with the Emerging Teacher Institute at UNT Dallas and regularly provides professional development for adult ESOL teachers through partnerships with Cambridge University Press & Assessment, Literacy ConneXus, and Texas Center for the Advancement of Literacy and Learning (T-CALL).
The U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist Program selected Katie for projects supporting English teacher development in Poland and Turkey. She has also served as President and Treasurer of TexTESOL V and was named TexTESOLer of the Year in 2024. Her research and classroom ideas have been published in American Speech and Language.
PANELIST
Valerie Fox
Meadowridge Community Baptist Church
Valerie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002 and a Masters of Education from Texas Wesleyan University in 2014. She taught English as a Second Language Reading and Writing for approximately 20 years in the public school system teaching students from many countries around the world.
Currently, Valerie teaches English to refugee adults for Catholic Charities. She also directs the ESL Ministry at Meadowridge Church in Fort Worth where she is a member.
PANELIST
Charlie Johnston
Hunter’s Glen Baptist Church
Charlie Johnston serves as the Missions and Evangelism Associate and ESL Program Administrator at Hunters Glen Baptist Church in Plano, Texas. Since 2017, he has administered and taught in the church’s thriving ESL ministry while helping advance its local and global missions efforts through evangelism, volunteer engagement, and outreach to internationals.
Charlie is TESOL and Braille certified, holds an Associate of Applied Science in Office Systems Technology from Collin College, and has served on the Collin County Adult Literacy Council Board since 2020. Originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, he has called Texas home since 2010. As a Teaching English ConneXus trainer with Literacy ConneXus, Charlie enjoys equipping churches to use English classes as a practical, relational ministry.
PANELIST
Emily Krogman
English Language Instruction Supervisor
World Relief
Emily Krogman has five years of professional experience in education. She has taught and served in administrative roles both internationally and in the United States in kindergarten, physical education, and ESL settings. She earned an undergraduate degree in Therapeutic Recreation and Administration, completed a Master’s degree at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a TESOL certification through The University of Texas at Arlington.
In addition to her work in education, Emily has eight years of experience serving in church ministry leadership, including children’s ministry, missions, and youth discipleship. She is passionate about building cross-cultural relationships, fostering student learning and development, and supporting learners from diverse backgrounds.
PANELIST
Kathleen Yarborough
CrossPoint Church
Kathleen has been teaching ESL to Adult learners for over 25 years. She most recently worked as the Local Missions Director for CityRise Church in Houston, TX.
She retired last year to spend more time with her family and traveling. She continues to teach in several volunteer roles.
Breakout26 – WELCH – PANEL
Page checked or updated: 6/10/2026
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