Invited Speakers

Meet Our Invited Speakers

We are proud to welcome a distinguished group of scholars, educators, and thought leaders who will share their insights, research, and experiences at the 2026 KOTESOL International Conference. Our plenary and featured speakers represent a wide range of expertise and perspectives in the field of English language teaching, applied linguistics, and education.

Plenary Speakers
 

• Thomas Farrell – Professor of Applied Linguistics, Brock University, Ontario, Canada
  An internationally recognized expert in reflective practice for language teachers, Dr. Farrell brings decades of experience and groundbreaking research that continue to shape teacher education worldwide.
   
• Nathanael Rudolph – Professor of Sociolinguistics, Kindai University, Higashiosaka, Japan
  Known for his work on language, identity, and equity in global Englishes, Dr. Rudolph’s research challenges and inspires teachers to reimagine their roles in diverse, multilingual contexts.
   

Featured Speakers
 

• Curtis Hart Kelly – Professor Emeritus, Kansai University, Osaka, Japan
  Dr, Kelly's recent research has focused on neuroscience and applying knowledge of brain function to better teaching practices. He is the founder of the JALT Mind, Brain, and Education SIG.
   
• Hyun-Sook Kang – Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
  Dr. Kang’s research bridges language education, migration, and identity, offering fresh perspectives on how language policy and practice shape learners’ lives.
   
• Kilryoung Lee – Professor, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, Korea
  A leading voice in English education in Korea, Professor Lee’s work spans curriculum development, teacher training, and the evolving role of English in Korean society.
   
• Ju Seong Lee – Associate Professor, Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  Dr. Lee’s scholarship explores technology-enhanced language learning, learner autonomy, and motivation in both local and transnational contexts.
   
• Michael Rabbidge – Senior Lecturer, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
  With expertise in teacher cognition and professional development, Dr. Rabbidge brings practical and research-based insights to improving classroom practice.
   
• Kyungja Ahn – Professor, Seoul National University of Education, Seoul, Korea
  A respected scholar in English teacher education, Professor Ahn’s research addresses critical issues in curriculum, pedagogy, and teacher professional identity.
   
• David D. Perrodin – Foreign Expert, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
  With expertise in ELT and critical pedagogies, David Perrodin's research focuses on discourse and identity, teacher emotional labor, and language education leadership.
   

Invited Speaker
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• Janet Mikyung Kim – Training and Implementation Consultant, Turnitin Korea
  With expertise in English language teaching, Janet Kim currently focuses on the ethical use of generative AI in educational contexts.
   

Featured Panels
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• Compassion in ELT – Megan Beard, Heidi Vande Voort Nam, Cheryl Woelk, Michael Rabbidge
   
• Criticality in ELT – Hyun-Sook Kang, Nathanael Rudolph, Teri Rose Roh, Stewart Gray, Meerbek Kudaibergenov
   

Stay tuned as we continue to bring together voices that will shape the conversations at KOTESOL 2026.