JALT2020 Conference Preview

November is conference month in JALT, and this year—despite the lingering COVID-19 pandemic—is no exception. The difference this year is that JALT2020—Communities of Teachers and Learners will take place wholly online. With many of us having to deal with classes being completely or in part delivered online, this year’s focus on community is extremely appropriate. To celebrate that, this November issue of TLT opens with a focus on the conference, offering you a taste of what to expect on November 16 to 23 (the length of the conference has been extended to accommodate the online format). We open with a conversation between the two Conference Co-Chairs, Louise Ohashi and Mizuka Tsukamoto, detailing some of what will be happening during JALT2020, followed by information on how to register, access, and join the conference. We then have a series of short articles from our plenary speakers, invited speakers (Kevin Cleary Speaker, Balsamo Asian Scholar), and featured speakers. This is followed by an overview of this year’s Professional Development (PD) and Technology in Teaching (TnT) preconference workshops, and our JALT Junior “conference within a conference”—a special event for teachers of younger learners. Many of our Special Interest Groups (SIGs) then offer some recommendations for conference presentations related to their areas of interest. Finally, we have information on JALT Publications’ presence at the conference. If you’re interested in writing for our publications, or possibly joining us as a volunteer, we look forward to seeing you at JALT2020!