Video/Webinar
Teacher Training Plus is a webinar series across four strands that presents best-practice instructional strategies.
Within each strand, we identified three areas of need and designed webinars to address each while also presenting strategies for working in a multilevel class or group and tips to convert in-person teaching techniques to distance learning.
This strand is best for instructors teaching adults who are learning workplace skills
Generously funded by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.
Upcoming Events
September 22, 2026 | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM ET
Beyond Grammar: Teaching Pragmatics and Cultural Communication
Join us to explore one of the most overlooked aspects of language instruction: pragmatics. While grammar and vocabulary help students form correct sentences, pragmatic competence helps them communicate effectively in real-world situations.
This session will examine the unwritten rules of communication that many native English speakers take for granted, including making polite requests, engaging in small talk, interrupting appropriately, expressing disagreement respectfully, understanding formal and informal register, and navigating workplace interactions. Participants will also explore how cultural expectations shape communication and why misunderstandings often occur even when students use grammatically correct English.
Designed for educators working with adult English language learners at all proficiency levels, this practical webinar will provide classroom strategies and activities that help learners develop the confidence and cultural awareness needed to communicate naturally and successfully beyond the textbook.
Presented by: Steven Reid
January 19, 2027 | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM ET
Building Learner Independence: Teaching Students How to Learn English
One of the greatest gifts we can give our students is the ability to continue learning long after the lesson ends. Adult English language learners spend far more time outside the classroom than in it, making independent learning skills essential for long-term success. In this practical webinar, Steven Reid will explore strategies for helping students become more confident, self-directed language learners regardless of their proficiency level.
Participants will learn how to teach students to recognize everyday opportunities to practice English, set meaningful and achievable language goals, monitor their own progress, and reflect on what is—and isn’t—working. The session will also examine ways to encourage learners to notice English in their daily lives, develop effective learning habits, and build the confidence to continue improving independently. Rather than relying solely on classroom instruction, students can learn to make every conversation, sign, television program, or shopping trip another step in their language-learning journey.
Whether you teach beginning, intermediate, or advanced adult English learners, you’ll leave with practical ideas that empower students to become lifelong learners.
Presented by: Steven Reid
May 4, 2027 | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM ET
Teaching English Through Authentic Materials
Real-world English doesn’t come from a textbook—it comes from text messages, menus, grocery ads, workplace documents, social media, news articles, and countless other materials our students encounter every day. Authentic materials provide meaningful, engaging opportunities for learners to build language skills while preparing for the situations they’ll face outside the classroom. In this practical webinar, Steven Reid will explore how to find, select, and adapt authentic materials for adult English language learners at every proficiency level.
Participants will learn strategies for using everyday materials to develop speaking, listening, reading, writing, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. The session will examine how the same authentic resource can be modified to challenge beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners through differentiated tasks and thoughtful scaffolding. Attendees will also discover ways to help students become more confident navigating the English they encounter in their communities, workplaces, and daily lives.
Whether you’re teaching one-on-one or in a classroom, you’ll leave with practical ideas and ready-to-use activities that make learning more relevant, engaging, and immediately applicable.
Past Events
September 2023
Planning the First Month of Lessons with a Low-Level ELL Student
For a new tutor or teacher, getting started with a low-level English language learners can seem overwhelming. They may worry about the first few weeks of lessons when the students speak almost no English. In this webinar, learn what your very first lesson should look like and how to build from there to make your first month of lessons a success for you and your student(s).
September 2023
Goal-Focused Individualized Lessons for High-level English Language Learners
Many adult learners enroll in English language classes with specific goals based on their immediate needs in the US. Ensuring that lessons meet learners’ short- and long-term goals can empower, improve confidence, and enable them to advocate for themselves within their communities. This webinar will equip you with the practical skills to structure a lesson with our learners’ goals in mind.
January 2024
Starting from Scratch: Working with Low-level ELL Students with Little-to-no First Language Literacy
Research has shown that one of the primary indicators of how quickly an adult will learn a new language is their educational level in their first language. Those with high literacy levels in their first language will almost universally outperform their peers with lower levels of education. Working with preliterate adults presents unique challenges for English language educators. Watch the webinar for proven strategies and activities based on academic research and observation to help educators working with preliterate adults learning to speak, read, and write in English. In addition, learn about the causes of low L1 literacy and how this impacts L2 acquisition.
January 2024
Learning Through Context for High-level English Language Learners
When teaching English language learners, it is important to use authentic materials with consideration to their cultural backgrounds. High-level English language learners still require consolidation of grammar points and strive to work on more complex grammar points. Teaching these grammatical structures through authentic materials with consideration for students’ cultural backgrounds can aid in developing skills whilst using higher order thinking skills.
March 2024
Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) for High-level English Language Learners
Not all teaching needs to be explicit. Content and language integrated learning offers students a new way of learning relevant and meaningful concepts through the medium of English. With this learning model, learners hear and use the language exactly as they would in daily life.
April 2024
Starting to Read: Building Phonemic Awareness and Foundation Literacy Skills with Preliterate ELL Students
Adult students who are just beginning their literacy journey while also still learning to speak English face a unique challenge. Preliterate students have no connection to the sound/letter correlation required to read. Many lack even basic print awareness connecting any symbol to a meaning. In this webinar, we will discuss helping preliterate students develop the skills necessary to begin learning to read and write in their new language.
September 2024
Developing Vocabulary: Effective Strategies for Adult English Learners
Building vocabulary is key to language development. Watch the recording to discover practical techniques for expanding vocabulary in adult English language learners from low beginning to advanced. Explore engaging methods, useful tools, and real-world applications to enhance retention and usage. This session is perfect for educators and tutors looking to support adult learners in achieving language proficiency and confidence.
January 2025
Developing Sentence Structure: Techniques for Beginning to Advanced English Learners
Often tutors and teachers will dive into sentence structure that is too advanced for a students’ level. Join Steven as he discusses how to introduce strategies to help students master sentence structure. We will cover strategies for crafting simple, compound, and complex sentences; avoiding common mistakes; and teaching and applying grammatical rules effectively. This session is perfect for educators seeking to deepen learners’ writing skills and boost their language proficiency.
April 2025
Building Conversation Skills: Strategies for Adult English Learners
Join us for an engaging webinar focused on building effective conversation skills for adult English language learners. Steven will lead participants through practical techniques for fostering natural dialogue, including strategies for improving fluency, expanding vocabulary, and building confidence in real-life conversations. Discover methods for creating activities, addressing common speaking challenges, and meeting diverse needs. This session is perfect for educators who want to enhance their students’ conversational abilities and boost their overall language proficiency and confidence.
September 2025
Choosing Effective Assessments for Adult ELL Programs
In this session, we’ll explore how to select the right assessments to both place students at the appropriate level and track their progress. We will focus on speaking assessments and reading assessments, providing you with practical strategies to measure proficiency accurately. Whether you’re looking to improve your placement process or better assess student growth, this webinar will provide valuable insights and actionable tips for enhancing your adult ELL program.
January 2026
Building Vocabulary with Adult ELL Students
In this session, we explored the essential types of vocabulary English language learners need to succeed—academic, functional, and social—and discuss practical techniques for teaching and practicing new words. We covered a range of strategies to help students acquire and retain vocabulary, including the use of context clues, word maps, and interactive activities that boost engagement. Attendees also learned how to design vocabulary lessons that cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring students not only understand new words but can confidently use them in real-life situations. Whether you’re looking to enhance classroom instruction or develop targeted vocabulary-building activities, this webinar will equip you with actionable strategies for improving your adult ELL students’ language skills.
April 2026
Encouraging Adult ELL Students to Practice Speaking Outside of Class
In this webinar, we discussed how many adult learners face the challenge of practicing English in real-life settings. This session provided practical strategies for helping students overcome this barrier and integrate speaking practice into their daily routines. We explored creative ways to encourage students to seek out English-speaking opportunities, from using technology and social media to creating informal language practice groups. Learn effective strategies for motivating students to speak outside the classroom, fostering confidence and fluency, and making English a more natural part of their everyday lives.
About the Presenter
Steven Reid is the program manager for Literacy Volunteers Charlottesville/Albemarle in Charlottesville, Virginia. He currently oversees more than 200 volunteer tutors, providing training and guidance with curriculum and instruction. In addition to his duties with LVCA, Steven leads a group of program managers and executive directors from community-based literacy organizations from across the Commonwealth of Virginia, focusing on sharing best practices and providing moral support.
He has also taught in Texas, New Hampshire, and Slovakia. When not helping his volunteers and students, Steven enjoys reading, writing, traveling, cooking, and spoiling his two cats, Charlie and Alistair.
This will be Steven’s fourth year presenting and facilitating workshops as part of ProLiteracy’s Teacher Training Plus.