Attending the ORTESOL Annual Fall Conference typically has lower costs due to the regional location and member discount. As professional development funds have decreased at many educational institutions, here are some tips to minimize the costs associated with professional development.

Registration

• Prorated Rates: Check out rates that match your season of life. There are scaled fees for full time instructors, part-time instructors, students, and volunteer literacy tutors. Also, there are rates for one or two-day attendance.
• Volunteer Discount: Sign up to volunteer for the conference. Volunteer tasks typically include helping with set up, registration, greeting, and other tasks for a minimum of two hours. Volunteers are given a code for a significant discount off registration.
• Presenter Discount: Presenters who are accepted are also given a registration code for a discounted attendance rate.

Transportation

• Carpool with others from your area.
• Check out public transportation options for the area.

Grants

• One of the benefits of being a member of ORTESOL is access to grants. Applications will be sent to current ORTESOL members.
• The ORTESOL Fall Conference Travel Grant ($300) is awarded in early fall before the conference. Funds can be used toward travel expenses including transportation, hotel, food, etc. associated with attending the conference.
• Note: The James Nattinger Travel Grant is separate and is awarded in January for TESOL International Convention.

Drawings

There are often textbooks, 7 free TESOL memberships ($98), and other giveaways at the conference. Make sure to be present when the drawings happen so you do not miss out!